[Scarlett]

I tend to hoover my roof first & then just use cold water to clean it. I then use a shammy to dry the roof, being a new roof I wouldn't put anything on it yet.

[jimimini]

I think i will give the 303 product a go. I have had my convertible for a couple of months now and no real signs of ware and the roof has been up and down like a yo-yo.

[Gr8Dain]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimimini

Hello everyone,

What is the best way of cleaning the roof on the convertible? If I wash it down with water I can't seem to get it dry and then it drips all over the freshly cleaned bodywork!

Jimimini

Try washing the top first! Just kidding. I get what you mean. I don't have the dripping issue though. Maybe it is just sunnier where I am. I can't seem to keep my car wet while I wash other panels. I keep having to spray it all over to keep it from getting spots.

I did try the vacuum method this weekend. Got a lot off of the rear window section.

Dain

[Carolynn]

Just to let you all know that after over 12 months of owning my beloved MCC I decided it was time to do something to the roof I have to say, the car itself is washed at least every other week but I hadn't done anything 'specifically' to look after the roof.

I have to say, it was a bit out of desperation this as the roof was beginning to look a little 'knackered'. Luckily, no obvious roof wear marks but it was looking a little grey and stripey!!!!!!!

Anyway, paid £20 for the stuff at Halfords which came as a 2-stage process (cleaner & protector). Didn't take too long to do (but did use up nearly a full bottle of protector!!!!!). Put my baby to bed overnight in the garage (as instructions say as its best left to dry overnight and with our lovely Brittish Summer dryness cannot always be guaranteed )

Wasn't expecting too much but WOW - next morning my roof looks as new - lovely and black - very impressed!!!!!!!!!!!

Just thought I'd let you gus know how I got on as I know there have been quite a few threads on this, but a definate thumbs up for AutoGlym.

[emslieb]

I've had my MCSC for about seven weeks now and would like to clean and protect the roof before the weather turns. I have seen Autoglym/Turtlewax products in Halfords but this 303 stuff sounds good. Does anyone know where to get it in the UK?

[dalboyne]

I'm a really big fan of the 303 products. You can get them from:

www.motorgeek.co.uk

In my humble experience, Ron Linn is a top guy - had no problems shipping to Luxembourg either!

Cheers

Ian

[den123]

how dose everyone wash and dry there roof just done mine got loads little bits on the roof

[mini laura]

First of all hoover the roof to get excess muck and fluffy bits off it. (Sometimes once you have hoovered you find it doesn't actually need washed)

Then i use Autoglym hood shampoo which comes with its own sponge which does not leave any bits of fluff behind. Rinse the shampoo off, wait to dry and spray with hood protector to keep it completely waterproof and as a general protective layer, do this on a dry day or if you have a garage as you should allow it to completely dry before getting wet so that there is an even layer of protection.

Seeing as you have already washed it though get your hoover (i use an old dysen) and hoover the fluff up, it will come right off Don't bother with a wee dust buster though, i find they just don't have enough power.

Hope that helps

[heatherh]

I don't clean mine very often - just give it a good spray with the hose. When I do clean/protect, I use the Ragg Topp cleaner with a semi-stiff brush and the Ragg Topp protectant.

[Dawn]

Ditto as above, Autoglym, the mutts

OR........hoover with Dyson soft furniture cleaner brush then clean, NO shampoo, just as above as described

[minicabrio]

I don't hoover mine as the attachment on my dyson seems to aggravate the fabric. I use an upholstery brush to remove dust and fluff then use the Auto Glym pack....

[Madeira Jon]

I also brush the roof, then use Turtle Wax Roof conditioner.

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Carolynn (original)

Just to let you all know that after over 12 months of owning my beloved MCC I decided it was time to do something to the roof I have to say, the car itself is washed at least every other week but I hadn't done anything 'specifically' to look after the roof.

I have to say, it was a bit out of desperation this as the roof was beginning to look a little 'knackered'. Luckily, no obvious roof wear marks but it was looking a little grey and stripey!!!!!!!

Anyway, paid £20 for the stuff at Halfords which came as a 2-stage process (cleaner & protector). Didn't take too long to do (but did use up nearly a full bottle of protector!!!!!). Put my baby to bed overnight in the garage (as instructions say as its best left to dry overnight and with our lovely Brittish Summer dryness cannot always be guaranteed )

Wasn't expecting too much but WOW - next morning my roof looks as new - lovely and black - very impressed!!!!!!!!!!!

Just thought I'd let you gus know how I got on as I know there have been quite a few threads on this, but a definate thumbs up for AutoGlym.

I had seen this in Halfords, and always thought I'd buy it at some point, well seeing as this roof is wearing the least out of all of mine, I thought last night was the time to buy and try it

My roof had a few marks on it, a few pressure marks too, but it has come up a real treat using this stuff.

The cleaner I put on last night, then scrubbed with the sponge provided, then I rinsed it off.

This morning when I got to work, I put the protector on and have left it all to dry in a nice warm day, got to say it looks almost as new, very impressive

its not an easy job, but it was worth it, and worth the £20 too

[Dawn]

I didnt know you had to rinse the Autoglym cleaner off
Ive been leaving mine on and then spraying the protector ( what a dumb ar$e)

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dawn (original)

I didnt know you had to rinse the Autoglym cleaner off
Ive been leaving mine on and then spraying the protector ( what a dumb ar$e)

well it doesn't say to do it, it says to sponge off the excess suds, but I got it wet as I washing the rest of the car, so thought I'd rinse it off, as at the end of the day its a soapy solution and it just didn't seem right to me to leave it on.

Maybe I did it wrong

Or maybe it makes no difference

[minicabrio]

I rinse mine off..... Don't want a dandruffy roof!

[sel]

Quote: Originally Posted by daz111 (original)

can u put car in car wash .....and can u use autoglym shampoo on roof......

U'd need a bl**dy big bucket to put ya MINI in car wash


Arrrrrrr....... dont put ya MINI through a 'CAR WASH' -those brushes/roller things pick up lots of grit from other cars (4x4s which are taller than our MINIs) and then scratch a MINI to pieces!!! as the brushes/rollers dont get rinsed.... and it doesnt do a good a job (manually is better!!) ..... if u have to go to a garage-use the pressure washer and do it yaself!

I can use Autoglym on my roof.... but iv got a hard top

[Rakey]

One thing I have noticed since using this is that the water on the roof really does roll off, especially when you open the door and goes all on the seat and you

[REHW]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave (original)

Don't know if you can get it there but 303 Aerospace Protectant is recommended by one of the largest vinyl top makers in the world. Great stuff.

And as suggested above. Mild soap and water are the best/safest for cleaning vinyl.

Yes you can and I have used it, but on the whole I just use hot water and a soft brush for car washing which works well. The other thing is that i've had three roofs now under warantee so not been too bothered. It will have a finite life and I think you shoudl expect to change the roof cover after 10 years or so as it will be pretty faded by then.

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

One thing I have noticed since using this is that the water on the roof really does roll off, especially when you open the door and goes all on the seat and you

I notice this too

Instead of soaking in, water seems to 'bead' and run off, means the roof dries quicker after showers too!