Fold down roof car and maintenance? ?

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Tue Dec 09, 2014 1:54 pm

Hi folks, I recently bought a 2000 NB with an original folding roof. I have noticed that the vinyl is becoming quite hard. Is there any sort or form of rejuvenating cream or spray to soften it up and make it last longer? Perhaps Armor all?
Also, is there anything that l should be checking or looking at with the roof and its function to prepare for the rain we have been having? Such as drain holes and lubrication. Thanks. Great site this. Simie

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Dec 09, 2014 2:03 pm

Treatment wise you simply wash the roof with the car, if mine has stubborn marks I use a soft bristled brush (like a firm birstled paintbrush)

Treatment I use 303, it's a spray on thing like Amourall, but from all accounts provides better UV protection and it better for the surface (ie doesn't darken the roof however)

Drainage wise there are four to look for.

at the top corners of the windscreen you will see some rubber scoop bits, these catch water and direct it down inside the rubber where it then flows out at the bottom of the door.

The other drains are behind your shoulder on the parcel shelf, there is a small plastic tray with a roughly 10mm hole in it, this is the main drain and diverts water through a tube down to the underside of the car.
this tube has a one way flap to stop things coming back up, so it's best it you don't feed things from the bottom up, only from the top down.
I have a roll of black plastic garden sprinkler tubing for this purpose, I simply feed it down from the top, lightly jiggling if it gets stuck, until it comes out the bottom. You can then pull it out the bottom and sort of "floss" the drain.
Be careful when pushing the hose down, if you get too vigourous you may dislodge the drain hose. Just lightly jiggle if you reach a clog (leaves and stuff usually)

simie2014 · Postby **simie2014** » Tue Dec 09, 2014 4:18 pm

Thanks. Appreciate that.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Dec 09, 2014 4:40 pm

No problem.

as for the vinyl being hard, the rooves on them can be pretty stiff, but it should still be supple enough to bend without cracking etc.
The roof will be stiffer in cold weather, and may be a bit difficult to raise/lower.
After a bit of time in the sun it softens dramatically.