How to care for the softop roof??

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amanda · Postby **Amanda** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 12:17 pm

So if one buys a used MX5 and has no idea of the history of care taken by the PO... is one best to buy 303 Protectant or merely wash with soapy water? So I would also assume that whatever method you start off using is the one you continue to use....

Techno · Postby **Techno** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:27 pm

I tghink that soapy water and a fine scrubbing brush does the trick. Both armoural and 303 leave streaks on the paint as they wash off. the roof is not supposed to be shiney ... the dull look is better IMHO