Canopy Treatment

[Glen Mac Donald]

Hi guys,
I have purchased the 'liquid gold' BMW waterproofing treatment to rejuvinate the Z3's canopy, but as the instructions are a little misleading, thought I would ask for tips prior to its application.

Pre cleaning etc is understood along with dilution in 3L of water and applying via a sponge etc etc, but is it applied while the canvas remains wet, or when it is dry??

Would appreciate a little guidance from those who know, plus any other important points that I should be aware of, or may benefit from.

Thanks in advance
Glen

 

[GazHyde]

Is this the stuff that comes directly from BMW, as I've not heard of "liquid gold". All I can see on the BMW site is

Impregnating agent for convertible soft top, 250 ml & Cabrio soft-top cleaning agent, 500ml

Or am I on the wrong track with what you are using?

 

[Glen Mac Donald]

Hello Gaz,
My apologies for an excessively cynical comment reflecting the agents price, rather than the name of the product which now has been lost to the rubbish bin during removal of the adhesive label to access instructions.
Yes it is a BMW product intended to rejuvinate the canopies fabric and regain water repelling properties which I'm sure is the impregnating agent only, not the cleaning agent. (container is smaller than 500ml )
In the absence of a specific cleaning agent I have washed the canopy using a mild detergent and given it a thorough rinse with cold water, then brushed off any residue of solids after allowing it to dry, in preparation of applying the impregnating agent you refer to.
So, back to square one, and a less misleading request for guidance re use of this material.
Glen

 

[GazHyde]

Haha, no worries Glen... Most products with the hallowed roundel tend to be priced higher!

I use the Autoglym 2 stage kit which is pretty much the same thing I would guess, and doubt you can really go too wrong assuming the detergent you used isn't too harsh!

The AG kit is basically a cleaner (supplied with a heavy duty sponge for scrubbing) and a water proofer once it's clean.

Basic principal is to give the hood a good vacuum first, then scrub the cleaner in thoroughly. I usually wash/rinse three times to make sure I've got it as good as I can (mine tends to go green pretty quick as it's not garaged).

I then leave it to dry before applying a coat of the water proofer spray.

Hope that helps, but as I say there is little you can do wrong. As long as it's clean before the proofer goes on, the hood should look better once you have finished.

 

[David Cullen]

I use Halfords hood restorer and have to say it is very good, 4 + months after the clean and the water still beads on the hood, very good product.
Have a look on youtube Glen

 

[Summit Detailing]

I'd always dampen a convertible hood before applying any form of cleaner.
The open cell sponges are ok but you may need to utilise a soft bristled brush too, depending g on how dirty the hood is.

HTH

Chris

 

[DivideBYZero]

I've used the AG hood cleaner two-stage kit and it was amazing. Nine months later and the hood still beads up nicely at the sign of any rain.

 

[hard top]

You do not have to waterproof your soft top, basically, you are wasting your hard earned.
It is designed so that the fibers contract when wet and relax when dry, just keep it nice and clean.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I don't see it as a waste. Feel free to not proof your hood though.

 

[hard top]

Never have done, never had a problem, just keep it clean.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I like the beading, and it helps to keep it clean.

 

[hard top]

I have looked at this subject a lot over the years and have spoken with people in the rag top trade after reading so many questions on the subject.
Your soft top needs to 'breath' adding a chemical compound stops this happening.
It is not a cheap tent.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Funny, I can't seem to find anything that supports your position, yet plenty about treating tops, from auto journalism through to manufacturers and beyond.

 

[hard top]

OK @DivideBYZero, who am I to tell you not proof your soft top?
Have fun,