Cleaning Convertible Car Roofs

Cleaning Convertible Car Roofs
Jul
03
2020

It's important that your cabriolet's hood be periodically cleaned and reproofed with the correct products.

This will keep it looking like new and prevent it fading, growing moss, becoming worn and falling apart.

Cleaning convertible car roofs
With proper cleaning with the right products, an old hood can be made to look like new. A periodical top up with a good coating of reproofer will keep it that way.

The Problem with Fabric Car Roofs

Cars look dreadful with a green/grey dirty looking roof which had faded and covered in lichen. It's almost certain that when you bought a car with a convertible roof, you had in mind that the car would look great and make you look and feel good when you are cruising around with the top down. Having the roof turn faded and green will no doubt feel like a bit of a wet blanket. So, what can you do about it?

They would say that, wouldn't they?

You and do it yourself, there are DIY kits available online or from your local motor accessory shop, and there are one or two superb ones. Renovo is a company we’ve been dealing with for many years, and they do a great range of products designed to help you take care of your mohair roofAutoglym also do quite a good kit which we have used, it works, and the results are pretty good.

However, we will tell you that getting good results is all in the cleaning. Then cleaning it again. And Again, and then two or three more times just to make sure!

Yes, it's hard work, and it can also be messy work. In our opinion, these kits work if your hood is just looking a bit tired and faded, maybe with a bit of green. If your hood is what you might describe as, "a bit of a state" then you might consider other options. You can still do it using the cleaning and refinishing kits... but it's hard work doing it by hand without the kinds of machines that professionals use.

It's a bit like when you have a Flymo hover mower, and you are trying to cut your overgrown lawn.

So, we would recommend getting it done professionally by a convertible roof specialist if it’s already looking green, faded and just not vibrant any more.

Not Rocket Surgery, Just Elbow Grease.

We're sorry to say that there's no real magic to cleaning hoods. The DIY kit consists of a cleaner and a protector.  The hydrophobic coating you get to put on are all similar and all do the job, the cleaner is a detergent which will loosen dirt, grime and organic matter without damaging the hood or leaving residue of the soap it's self. The rest is all labour. The difference between doing it DIY and getting a professional to do it is that we have practice, experience and a few special machines. We have electric brushes, air tools and the equipment needed to flush through a lot of water which definitely makes the job easier and saves time.

So, how do you find a good professional company?

You could come to us, we have been doing hoods for years and our reviews are very good. You couldn't find a better company than us... we're also very modest. But we are here in Chelmsford, Essex and some people reading this will be the other side of the country or even the other side of the world.  So, you should set out to find somebody local.

Our suggestion is to do a little homework. Try asking dealers who use for their professional valeting/detailing and see who they trust to be very professional. Then interrogate them to see if you feel they know what they are talking about.  I know it sounds pretty unfair, but this is not a job for your car washer guys. It needs someone who knows how to treat the roof. In other words, not damage it using a  jet washer very close up. This is something we see a lot of, roofs can be badly damaged by pressure washers.

You might be able to find a franchise like Autosmart or Autoglym, they do a complete trade range, so ask them who they supply to that they would recommend.

If you speak to their head offices and ask for your area franchisee/rep, then call them up... Try to get two or three companies from them, then look at their reviews on Google and give them a call.

A little tip here, is if they are doing a lot of recolouring, then I would give them a miss. We only recolour the very, very worst ones. Most people make the mistake of putting the colour over the dirt, thinking the dirt is fading. It usually means it’s not clean, so putting the colour over the top can end up in a right mess, as you can imagine. That would be a little bit like cleaning your garage door and leaving the dirt on patchy parts and then giving it a good paint. And the re-colour is a paint. You can't re-dye a fabric roof, you can only paint over it, so while this might be okay for older cars, you will not be getting the same finish you got from the factory.

Ask them if they guarantee their work. Ask them how long I’ve been doing it. If you’re not sure, pop down and see them. They should be happy to show you what work they are doing and advise you on your route before your booking.

 

Five good reasons why you should look after your cabriolet roof.


1. You may not be thinking that you will be replacing your roof in the time that you own the car, however when you come to sell, your buyer will be looking for a looking for a car with a roof in good condition. They don’t want to be replacing it in their ownership period.  A new roof on a small car will cost anything from £400-£500,  £1500-£200 on a medium-sized car, and a bigger car a lot more. And uncared for, unprotected roof will probably only last about half the lifetime of the car. The grit and dirt which gets into the fabric in the roof causes wear.

2. Most people buy a convertible car because I love the feeling of freedom that it gives and the good looks it promotes, so a nice clean roof is all part of the nice clean feeling that you get from driving a nice clean car.

3. The water can get through the roof and in particular the rubbers that seal it on. So, when you’re getting your roof Cleaned/refurbished, or you’re doing it yourself, make sure that the rubbers are all cleaned and conditioned with the correct products. 

5. Clean and look after your roof also the surrounding drains. Many roofs have drain areas where, when they’re folded away, water can escape from. So ensure these are not filling up with debris each time you fold your roof down. The dirt from the roof is carried into the compartment and then gets in the way of the water running away. If there is a blockage, it can cause havoc inside your car. The Porsche Boxter, Audi TT, Volvo, and BMW cabriolets all suffer with this. 
 
6. If you just let the dirt build up it can then accommodate other stuff to grow on it, which causes rot. Let’s take this as an example. If you were to remove your roof and then walk it across the field and find a tree next to an old pond and leave it there for two or three years, then come back and take a good look at it, it’s more likely going to be wrecked. It’s the green stuff (lichen) that comes from trees and hedges that is the beginning of the perishing process, it digs in deep, destroying the fibres.

So don’t put it off, do it yourself or get it done professionally. If you are going to do it yourself, give it a good clean and then check it when it is dry, the chances are you’ll have to do it again and again. But don’t despair, each time you do it, it will get somewhere between 60 and 80% better. Just remember, the cleaning is everything. If you were to imagine you could take the whole roof off and put it in a washing machine, the machine would run for a good hour and if your roof was very dirty, you may want to put it on twice. So get yourself quite a good scrubbing brush, not too abrasive, and be prepared to scrub scrub scrub scrub all day long. 

Danny Argent

by
technical writer and customer education.

 

This blog has been tagged in

#ConvertibleHoods

Share this blog

View All Blogs

Related Blogs

Here are some more of our latest blogs

How to make a car shine like glass

How to make a car shine like glass
Feb
10
2024

Ever wondered how you get a really shiny car? There are plenty of products on the market which promise a glossy wet look, but the real secret to a mirror finish is polishing.

Read Article

Dad Advice - EDC Survival kit for cars

Dad Advice - EDC Survival kit for cars
Jan
13
2024

What tools and equipment should Dads insist their sons, daughters and wife carry in their car? Our list might surprise you.

Read Article

Paint Spillage Guidance from The BlackBeltBarrister

Paint Spillage Guidance from The BlackBeltBarrister
Jan
10
2024

Over four thousand people per year visit an article I wrote giving advice about what to do if you spill paint in your car. That's a lot of people, a lot of spilled paint, and a lot of heartache.

Read Article

Professional Valeters & Detailers Approved

Professional Valeters & Detailers Approved
Oct
19
2023

Hey there, it's Gary, and I've got a story to share that I think you'll find interesting, whether you're a car detailing pro or someone who just loves their car and wants to keep it in pristine condition.

Read Article

Effortless Car Care: The Easy Maintenance Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Effortless Car Care: The Easy Maintenance Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Sep
25
2023

The biggest benefit of ceramic coating is that it makes car maintenance much easier. So much easier that it has revolutionized car care.

Read Article

What is the difference between detailing and valeting?

What is the difference between detailing and valeting?
Sep
01
2023

The answer to this question is not quite as straightforward as you might think. They are basically the same, but there has been a divergence in recent years in regard to the UK.

Read Article

Shopping with Keith Lemon

Shopping with Keith Lemon
Aug
29
2023

A couple of weeks ago we were visited by Keith Lemon and Denise van Outen, to film a little of the popular TV show, Shopping with Keith Lemon.

Read Article

Meet Collin

Meet Collin
Jul
24
2023

We welcome Collin to the New Again team. An even better AI.

Read Article

Meet Cyril

Meet Cyril
Jul
15
2023

Artificial Intelligence has been added to our team in the form of Cyril. Everyone's favourite uncle.

Read Article

Does Ceramic Coating protect against UV radiation?

Does Ceramic Coating protect against UV radiation?
Jul
05
2023

Ultra-violet radiation continually beats down on your car, ceramic coating is touted as a solution, but do they offer any real protection?

Read Article

Wet Sanding

Wet Sanding
Feb
27
2023

Wet Sanding is the method we use to remove light scratches and blemishes, evening out the paint so it can then be machine polished.

Read Article

Snake Oil

Snake Oil
Feb
22
2023

There was a time when there was a lot of snake oil in the car care industry. If you were to visit the detailing enthusiast forums, you would see lots of scepticism.

Read Article

Rolls-Royce Modern Car Restoration 2008

Rolls-Royce Modern Car Restoration  2008
Feb
21
2023

As our fame spread to the four corners of the globe, this car came to us all the way from Majorca for our modern car restoration services.

Read Article

What are the drawbacks of a ceramic coating on a car?

What are the drawbacks of a ceramic coating on a car?
Jan
06
2023

This is a question that has gone unanswered by us because it's hard to think of any disadvantages.

Read Article

how to get rid of mildew smell in car

how to get rid of mildew smell in car
Dec
10
2022

Musty, damp smells are distinctive and annoying, but can also be a health hazard. We will look at what causes mildew and how to get rid of musty smells.

Read Article

How to manage a leaky car

How to manage a leaky car
Nov
28
2022

If you have a car with a rain water leak, but you can't get it repaired right away, you may need to manage the water ingress until you can get it fixed, or drier weather comes around.

Read Article

Should you detail a new car?

Should you detail a new car?
Nov
18
2022

Does it even make any sense to detail a new car that is fresh out of the showroom? You might be surprised by the answer.

Read Article

Why your car windows are steamed up in the morning & how to fix it

Why your car windows are steamed up in the morning & how to fix it
Oct
11
2022

Mist, fog or condensation is annoying when you just want to get to work in the morning. So lets look at the causes and what we can do about it.

Read Article

How much does it cost to polish a car?

How much does it cost to polish a car?
Sep
05
2022

If you are thinking of having your car professionally machine polished in the UK, you might be confused about the pricing.

Read Article

Why you shouldn't start a car detailing business

Why you shouldn't start a car detailing business
Jul
04
2022

While browsing forums, I often see the question, "How do I start a car detailing business?" But transition from enthusiast to professional isn't easy.

Read Article

End-of-Lease Car Repairs

End-of-Lease Car Repairs
Jun
17
2022

If you ever need help with your car, then we are the people to speak with. Our company specializes in repairs for cars being returned to the lease company.

Read Article

Can you ceramic coat windscreens?

Can you ceramic coat windscreens?
Feb
18
2022

Yes you can! Some people love it and ask us to do it. But other's hate it, and that's why we don't do it as standard when we ceramic coat glass.

Read Article

How long do ceramic coatings REALLY last?

How long do ceramic coatings REALLY last?
Feb
18
2022

Ceramic coatings last between 3 and 10 years. At least that's what the Guarantee says. Do they really last that long, or do they last even longer?

Read Article

How much should a ceramic coating cost?

How much should a ceramic coating cost?
Jan
21
2022

Typically, somewhere between £400 on a small new car, and £2000 on an older large vehicle. There are several questions that need to be answered before nailing this down.

Read Article

Car Paint Protection De-Fuddled

Car Paint Protection De-Fuddled
Jan
05
2022

There seems to be some confusion about different kinds of paint protection, in this article we'll give you an overview of all of them.

Read Article

How to look after a convertible roof

How to look after a convertible roof
Jan
03
2022

If maintained correctly, a convertible roof could last the whole life of the car, but without the correct care, it may only last years.

Read Article

Is a Ceramic Coating Worth it?

Is a Ceramic Coating Worth it?
Jan
03
2022

Ceramic coatings are expensive, there's no getting away from that. So the question has to be asked, are they worth the money?

Read Article

How to get paint off a car

How to get paint off a car
Dec
19
2021

You can remove paint contamination from a with clay or with solvents. Depending on the nature of the contamination and the extent, you may be able to do it yourself.

Read Article

Why are ceramic coatings so expensive?

Why are ceramic coatings so expensive?
Dec
13
2021

Is it because they are magical, high-tech potions, made with unicorn ingredients and created by highly paid boffins in long-drawn-out chemical processes?

Read Article

How is water leaking into my car?

How is water leaking into my car?
Nov
01
2021

We have been finding and fixing leaks for many years now, and we keep seeing the same problems reoccurring. In this article we will share our top 10 car water leaks.

Read Article

Leather Car Seat Restoration (Audiogram)

Leather Car Seat Restoration (Audiogram)
Dec
09
2020

Do you have some wear on your leather seat, maybe a scuff? Wondering if it can be repaired or refurbished?

Read Article

Leather Car Seat and Carpet Repairs

Leather Car Seat and Carpet Repairs
Dec
08
2020

This was a car that had a scuff on the leather seat bolster and a hole in the carpet, worn through by a heel. These are both things we can repair.

Read Article

What to do if you find water in your car

What to do if you find water in your car
Oct
19
2020

If your car has mould in it, chances are there will be water in it. If the car has steamed up windows then possibly there is water under the carpet somewhere.

Read Article

Porsche Detailing / Restoration 2005-2019

Porsche Detailing / Restoration 2005-2019
Jul
22
2020

This Porsche Carrera came to us for Modern Car Restoration, it had some rust on the rear end and required some quite serious bodywork. But that's not what's interesting about this Porsche!

Read Article

Aston-Martin Vantage Modern Car Restoration

Aston-Martin Vantage Modern Car Restoration
Jul
19
2020

A behind the scenes look at the kind of work we do at New Again in Modern Car Restoration. This car has been sitting in storage for five years and is in need of some attention.

Read Article

The Honest Guide to Removing Smells from Your Car

The Honest Guide to Removing Smells from Your Car
Jul
08
2020

There's loads of information on the web about removing bad odours from your car but there is a deficit in useful advice which will tell you just how tricky it can be to remove bad smells.

Read Article

Help! I spilled paint in my car!

Help! I spilled paint in my car!
Jul
05
2020

Have you spilled paint in your car? You just came back from the DIY centre and a tin of paint had the lid pop off?

Read Article

Ceramic Coatings: The Definitive Guide

Ceramic Coatings: The Definitive Guide
Apr
29
2020

Ceramic coating is the latest and best thing, but it can cause confusion. In this guide, we answer questions and misconceptions about ceramic sealants.

Read Article

Nature - Destroyer of cars! Part 1 - The Birds

Nature - Destroyer of cars! Part 1 - The Birds
Mar
05
2020

One of the most common types of damage we see on car paintwork is caused by acid-etching from bird droppings.

Read Article

Returning your Lease car : Is the Lease Company is out to get you?

Returning your Lease car : Is the Lease Company is out to get you?
Sep
09
2019

If you look on the Internet there’s all kinds of people complaining about problems with recharges. Excessive prices, recharges for damage they swear they never had or for damage which should be fair wear and tear...

Read Article

It pays to keep your car's leather interior in shape

It pays to keep your car's leather interior in shape
Aug
30
2019

Have you ever heard of connolising? All those wonderful old Rolls-Royce's, Jaguars and Rovers of yesteryear had their leather supplied by Connolly Leather Limited. Connolly Leather also became known as the name in which the leather was treated.

Read Article

How to avoid unexpected costs when returning your lease car.

How to avoid unexpected costs when returning your lease car.
Aug
27
2019

I’ve seen lease recharges for excess wear and tear of more than £5000 on one car. I have also advised someone to deal with their badly repaired car and take it back to the bodyshop who repaired it, (done on the insurance) who've not taken any action ...

Read Article

Do you have a smelly car?

Do you have a smelly car?
Aug
27
2019

What’s that smell? How many people think that, but don’t actually say it. ''I’ve just bought a smelly car and its smells of something I can’t quite describe. Is it the smell of somebody’s dog? Is it the smell of smoke? Maybe something has been spilt ...

Read Article

The trouble with wet carpets and moisture

The trouble with wet carpets and moisture
Aug
23
2019

When you get in your car you don't expect the interior to be wet and have a damp smell. Sadly there are a number of issues that can cause this. Fortunately, our team can help. We are the most skilful business providing water leak detection Chelmsford ...

Read Article

Why do people love shiny cars?

Why do people love shiny cars?
Aug
19
2019

Why do we love shiny cars? Having been in thousands and thousands of shiny cars over the years, I think I can finally put this thing to rest.

Read Article

Why you should use professional car detailing

Why you should use professional car detailing
Aug
16
2019

The one thing you will want to look after as much as your home is the car. To make this a reality, you should rely on our services. We are the best in the business when it comes to restorative valet detailing Chelmsford has. As long as we are on the ...

Read Article

Smart repairs and how they are beneficial

Smart repairs and how they are beneficial
Aug
09
2019

It is really frustrating noticing a dent or scruff on your car, especially if it was not your fault. Understandably you will be even more upset if you drive carefully and put effort in to looking after the vehicle. Sadly, once there is damage you may ...

Read Article

How is sports car restoration beneficial?

How is sports car restoration beneficial?
Aug
02
2019

If you are looking for a company specialising in sports car restoration Chelmsford has the perfect option. New Again has been excelling in this area and various others for years. We have some of the most impressive facilities and the best people to ensure ...

Read Article

Getting rid of car odours for good

Getting rid of car odours for good
Jul
29
2019

What is nicer than driving a fresh, clean vehicle? On the other hand, how distracting is it to put up with bad odours, especially if you struggle to find the source? With New Again you can find a fast, effective service. Our team provides the most reliable ...

Read Article

Where is that water leak coming from?

Where is that water leak coming from?
Jul
22
2019

New Again is the best provider of luxury car restoration Chelmsford has to offer. We have earned this reputation by assisting customers in a myriad of areas, including paint repair and pre-lease inspections.

Read Article

Reasons why you should use paint protection

Reasons why you should use paint protection
Jul
15
2019

We are a business that specialises in pre-lease car return inspections. When people give their lease cars back, there are often charges for damage.

Read Article

A word of caution about wear

A word of caution about wear
Jul
15
2019

It's true that New Again can repair all kinds of minor damage and wear, putting it right and making a car look much fresher and newer. But did you ever stop to think what the wear on a car tells you?

Read Article

Car Smell Removal FAQ

Car Smell Removal FAQ
Jul
15
2019

This 'Frequently Asked Questions' page should answer most of your questions and clear up some of the old wives' tales about odour removal.

Read Article

Why do so many people lease cars?

Why do so many people lease cars?
Jul
01
2019

Our team are experts when it comes to helping people return their lease cars at the end of contract.

Read Article

D.I.Y. Car Paint Spillage Clean-up

D.I.Y. Car Paint Spillage Clean-up
Jun
24
2019

Some tips on what to do should you spill paint in your car.

Read Article

New Again

Can We Help You?

"We can offer specialist advice on the best car service to suit your requirements"

When bringing your car to New Again, we often ask you to explain exactly the reason for having your car Protected, Valeted or Repaired. Once we understand exactly what it is you are trying to achieve, we will appraise your vehicle using our detailed appraisal check-sheet allowing us to identify areas of concern and tailor specific services that match your requirements and budget.

If you are not sure what service you need and would like to speak to one of our technicians, simply request a callback by filling in the form on our contact page.