[MiniMoodle]

I trade in my '53 plate cooper and pick up my new mini cooper convertible tomorrow - am SOOOO excited! I haven't had a convertible before, can anyone give me any tips about taking care of the roof, how to use it etc?

Lets hope tomorrow is a fine day (actually we'll have the roof down even if its freezing!)

[minicabrio]

Hi MiniMoodle - and welcome to MINI2.com

The most recommended product on here is the AutoGlym fabric roof shampoo and protector. They come in a pack together priced between £15 & £20.

To use it, pick a nice warm sunny day!! Spray on the shampoo and work in using the foam pad supplied. Rinse off thoroughly with a hose, using your hand to brush the suds out - rather like bathing a dog!

Allow to dry - this can be speeded up by soaking up excess water with a Chamois!

Once dry, spray on the protector. Avoid contact with glass, trim and bodywork. Mask these areas off if possible. Allow to dry overnight

The water beading once you've done this is spectacular!!

Hope that helps!!

Jon

[mummybuttonit]

Thanks for that advice Jon. Here I was thinking I only had half a car to wash, I suppose I'd better go out and buy all that stuff. Look forward to seeing you again some time.
Gerry

[minicabrio]

No problem Gerry - this doesn't need to be done every time - once every 4-6 months seems fine for me!!

The hood protector forms a protective layer on the roof - any dust/dirt simply rinses off with a hose.

[LadyVCooperS]

Welcome!!!
You need to know they LEAK when you jet wash them! lol

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by LadyVCooperS (original)

Welcome!!!
You need to know they LEAK when you jet wash them! lol

Well yes, you should avoid spraying the seals where the windows meet the roof with a jet wash - some water will get in (as with any convertible) - this can also cause premature wear of your rubber seals

Water ingress on my top is very minimal, a few splashes will be visible on the floor mat if I've been vigorous with a jet wash. Any more than this and you should consult your dealer.

[jkjn]

Congrats on the new car, I'm sure you're going to love it!

Personally I have never washed my roof (I've had it 5 months) I just vacum it every time I'm going to wash the car. I've got some of that auto glym stuff but I've not used it yet. the water still beads up quite well

[Cobby Park Lane]

just a hi-jack....

picking up a courtesy convertible in half hour or so..... stupid question.... how do you open the roof?

cheers
neil

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cobby Park Lane (original)

just a hi-jack....

picking up a courtesy convertible in half hour or so..... stupid question.... how do you open the roof?

cheers
neil

There are buttons on the panel above the rear view mirror

[Cobby Park Lane]

right..... so press and hold? click? why buttons? not button?

im sure it will make sense when i get in it.

cheers

[Dawn]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cobby Park Lane (original)

just a hi-jack....

picking up a courtesy convertible in half hour or so..... stupid question.... how do you open the roof?

cheers
neil

hehee, when you get in the car, look above the mirror( to the left) and there are two little buttons, oops turn the ignition on first...the little button to the right i do believe is roof off, press this once and it opens half way, press it again and it opens fully, the other little button puts the roof back up ! easy peasy

[Cobby Park Lane]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dawn (original)

hehee, when you get in the car, look above the mirror and there are two little buttons, oops turn the ignition on first...the little button to the left i do believe is roof off, press this once and it opens half way, press it again and it opens fully, the other little button puts the roof back up ! easy peasy

thanks hun, sounds like even i can cope with that.

so one click is the sun roof type thingie, two clicks is the whole roof. cool

[Dawn]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cobby Park Lane (original)

thanks hun, sounds like even i can cope with that.

so one click is the sun roof type thingie, two clicks is the whole roof. cool

yup, i ran up and down three flights of stairs to check that! and ive got one Lmao !

[Cobby Park Lane]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dawn (original)

yup, i ran up and down three flights of stairs to check that! and ive got one Lmao !

ah thanks dawn, thats great.

of to have some topless fun now.....

[minicabrio]

Don't forget to push and hold the button - not just a single click.

At the end of the sunroof phase, release the button, then depress it again for total toplessness!

[MiniMoodle]

Thanks for the replies! Looks like I need to nip off to halfords for some protector. Picked up the car today AND I LOVE IT!!!! Luckily the sun shone even though it wasn't exactly hot but who cares? Such a neat mechanism for putting the roof up and down isn't it?

Do you all use a wind deflector? Any good?

[Cobby Park Lane]

i know what you mean! they are so much fun! i haven't driven it with the roof up yet!

even at midnight last night at 70+ mph on the motorway, i had the roof down! just put the heaters on!

So cool..................

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniMoodle (original)

Do you all use a wind deflector? Any good?

Wind deflector is a must if you're planning on having the hood down on motorway journeys....

....cuts out nearly all the wind that comes in through the rear of the cabin

[Cobby Park Lane]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

Wind deflector is a must if you're planning on having the hood down on motorway journeys....

....cuts out nearly all the wind that comes in through the rear of the cabin

the hire company don't do these with their cars any idea how much they are to get from bmw? might be worth getting one, as my mrs now wants to swap the PL for a convertible lol

[minicabrio]

They're £160 new from a MINI dealer - or there are normally a few for sale on eBay