How to care for the softop roof??

fleery · Postby **fleery** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:28 pm

Hi all,

Now the sun is shinny brightly in Sydney, I was wondering if anyone knew of a product to put on the softop to protect it from the sun, and prevent cracking and fading??

Anyone found whatever you use attracts dust??

A saleperson once told me that he thought there was a product especially for this purpose - but he couldnt remember the name of it!!

Thanks

Fleery :mrgreen:

QwikMX5 · Postby **QwikMX5** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:17 am

Point of advice...Don't use Amourall. Makes the top greasy and attracts dirt. I use 303 Aerospace protectant. It leaves a nice sheen, makes the top nice and black and is also a UV protectant.

I think others have tried Autoglym and Meguiars products, but i cant comment on them since i have never used them. Both products are supposed to be pretty good though.

Hope that helps!

fleery · Postby **fleery** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:20 am

Great, thanks!

Where did you get the 303 aerospace protectant?? Had heard horror stories about armourall as well!

Anyone else know how the other products are??

Thanks

QwikMX5 · Postby **QwikMX5** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:43 pm

I bought a 16 oz. trigger-type bottle from Robbo's for $22.50. I apply it after every other wash , and if it doesnt rain it lasts ages. Even when it does rain, it doesnt streak your windows.

lisap2222 · Postby **lisap2222** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:24 pm

Yep 303 is the way to go - makes the top look sooooo good and protects it from UV rays!

Mr_Q · Postby **Mr_Q** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:49 pm

fleery wrote:Now the sun is shinny brightly in Sydney ...

Looks like we found another solution ... just have it rain non-stop.

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:04 am

Hi Guy's
Where can you get the 303 Aerospace Protectant in Melbourne?
I have been using Mothers Protectant which is good but leaves the windows smeary when it rains.

WhiteX · Postby **WhiteX** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:19 am

I got mine at Autobarn. Strangely, at one outlet I saw it for $30+ and at the Eltham branch it was mid-20's.

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:55 am

Thanks for the heads up on where to buy 303 protectant.
If you are a MX5 club member you can get a 10% discount at Autobarn Eltham. So bonus, even cheaper again.

fleery · Postby **fleery** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 2:10 pm

Finally got it!! Think they had to order it in from the states for me, couldnt find anywhere in Syd that had heard of it!!

Anyhow, its on the roof now, makes it look brand new again - thanks for your help!

Fleery :mrgreen:

KIJIMA · Postby **KIJIMA** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 2:14 pm

What about cloth tops? Im not so sure that stuff would work if you dont have a vinyl roof.

CT · Postby CT » Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:33 am

We've been through this a number of times before but the OEM soft top is UV protected from factory and only requires cleaning with a soft brush and light detergent to keep it clean. The best is the meguiars citris based vinyl/leather interior cleaner. Use of protectants on vinyl can cause the oil based lubricants that form the synthetic fabric to break down and harden causing premature wear. If you speak with guys that repair dashboards, they will tell you the only safe cleaner to use on a dash is a mild detergent and water - for exactly the same reasons. Protectants dry out the surface promoting cracking not protecting it.

fleery · Postby **fleery** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 9:54 pm

Vinyl breaking down?.....sounds like a sales pitch to me. The dash/roof will crack without any protectant on it. The 303 specifically specifies use on vinyl soft top roofs...anyway, whatever, each to their own; at least it doesnt look dull and faded from the sun anymore!

Enjoy

Fleery

Bart Simpson · Postby **Bart Simpson** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 11:40 pm

well its catch 22 isn't it. If you don't use protectant, after a while, like all UV protectants that have been applied from the factory, they eventually 'lose' its protection through natural breakdown from the harsh UV and solar rays. If you do use protectant, you need to keep using it otherwise like CT said, it will dry up and cause cracking. So whats my point?! I forgot. :oops:

no seriously, the point is if you dont use, it will fade/crack/deteriorate etc but if you do use, you must use religiously ie. after every wash.

My 2 cents worth

CT · Postby CT » Fri Dec 30, 2005 9:42 am

fleery wrote:Vinyl breaking down?.....sounds like a sales pitch to me. The dash/roof will crack without any protectant on it. The 303 specifically specifies use on vinyl soft top roofs...anyway, whatever, each to their own; at least it doesnt look dull and faded from the sun anymore!

Enjoy

Fleery

A sales pitch for soapy water? Yeah right. I actually spoke with Mazda when I purchased my first 5.