Ragtop Restoration

[Bob B]

The ragtop on my estoril blue 2000 BMW Z3 M roadster has faded to the point where it is bugging me. I am hesitant to try dying it, but came across a product called Protex World Convertible Soft Top Canvas Restorer:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00745RVQU/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A2DSBH0T3YZSIK&psc=1

It make the following claim:

Does anyone have any experience with this or other ragtop restorers with your convertible?

 

[andyglym]

The ragtop on my estoril blue 2000 BMW Z3 M roadster has faded to the point where it is bugging me. I am hesitant to try dying it, but came across a product called Protex World Convertible Soft Top Canvas Restorer:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00745RVQU/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A2DSBH0T3YZSIK&psc=1

It make the following claim:

View attachment 134779

Does anyone have any experience with this or other ragtop restorers with your convertible?

No experience with that product but I have used Renevo to recolour my rag top back to a good state. Works well.

 

[ktnez99]

And to balance @andyglym ’s comment: I’ve used Renevo and would never again. Horrible result.

 

[andyglym]

And to balance @andyglym ’s comment: I’ve used Renevo and would never again. Horrible result.

Must've been the method of application/preparation, I've used it a couple of times with excellent results.

 

[Bob B]

Thank you andyglym and ktnez. I will look at Renovo as well as Protex. Because prep and application could be an issue, I looked all over the State of Maine for a ragtop of any make to practice on, but could find none. Any do's 'n don't would be great. Bob

 

[andyglym]

Thank you andyglym and ktnez. I will look at Renovo as well as Protex. Because prep and application could be an issue, I looked all over the State of Maine for a ragtop of any make to practice on, but could find none. Any do's 'n don't would be great. Bob

Hi Bob. Just a good clean ensuring the top is dry before application. Mask up your front/rear/side windows to prevent any drips. I applied mine with a 2 inch paint brush. Oh, Fabsyl is also reputed to be good

 

[Paul Rice]

Only one recommendation, Mask the back window thoroughly as over spray is a nightmare to remove off the plastic window

 

[Bob B]

Only one recommendation, Mask the back window thoroughly as over spray is a nightmare to remove off the plastic window

Thanks, Paul. I will do that. I presume from your note that you used some sort of sprayer rather than a manual application. If so, what type of sprayer would you recommend?

 

[ktnez99]

Must've been the method of application/preparation, I've used it a couple of times with excellent results.

I followed the instructions to the letter. And when I went to coffee and cars last March, I met a guy with a Z who said lots of owners have had a problem with the same and to avoid.

I would not and will not recommend.

 

[ktnez99]

Thank you andyglym and ktnez. I will look at Renovo as well as Protex. Because prep and application could be an issue, I looked all over the State of Maine for a ragtop of any make to practice on, but could find none. Any do's 'n don't would be great. Bob

Don’t use Renevo/Renovo!

 

[Oddly Godly]

I used renovo and it was fine, as others have said mask surrounding area as it's a pain if splashes and drys on paintwork or Windows.

 

[Bob B]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I am a detailing enthusiast so will take great care to prep the ragtop and mask everything, especially the rear window. I will post before and after pics later ('still too cold in Maine to do anything).

Bob

 

[Paul Rice]

Thanks, Paul. I will do that. I presume from your note that you used some sort of sprayer rather than a manual application. If so, what type of sprayer would you recommend?

Its a few years ago now, if i recall I used a sponge and paint brush, the one thing that sticks in my mind the liquid is quite thin and can and will splash on the windows if not covered. No problem on paint and Glass but the perspex is a different matter. It did cover quite well but was a temporary measure ended up with a new roof, then ended up with another car.

 

[Bob B]

Its a few years ago now, if i recall I used a sponge and paint brush, the one thing that sticks in my mind the liquid is quite thin and can and will splash on the windows if not covered. No problem on paint and Glass but the perspex is a different matter. It did cover quite well but was a temporary measure ended up with a new roof, then ended up with another car.

Thanks, Paul. We had to purchase two vehicles this year so I would like to get the ragtop through this driving season at least. I mainly drive on nice days with the top down, but we all hit unexpected rain plus sometimes it is just too damn hot for my thinning hair :-/ No doubt I will have to replace eventually, though Thanks for the additional tips.

 

[bp;ptxus]

Follow the instructions as others have suggested, and then finish off with a topcoat of Fabisil or the equivalent - this has proved an excellent solution for both my zeds: very black, and very waterproof!

 

[Nodzed]

Hi
I'll throw my 2 bits in .... If you are colouring then its all about the cleaning and preparation the more time and care you take the better results you will get. Use a good cleaner. If you don't get every single bit of past proofer off then the colour will be patchy. When you think the hood is clean, clean it again as it won't be. Make sure it is totally dry. Don't reclour or proof in hot weather or direct sunlight.

Just an observation, if the hood has been rubbing in any part and the canvas is flattened / a bit shiny the colour won't take well in that area either, if I was doing another I would attempt to sort those areas before treatment, maybe an extremely coarse brush to lift the fibres??.

I've used Revno colour and proofer (use fabsil proofer these days) with good results but I guess most products will result in a similar finish.

EDIT
I applied with a sponge, I found it better/less splash than a brush and easier to keep a wet edge.

 

[Bob B]

Thank you for the tips. I generally use a soft brush when prepping the top for water-proofing. I will heed your advise, and that of others, to thoroughly prep. There is more fading where the support bars rub against the ragtop. Your note got me thinking about how to prep these areas. I think I will partially retract the top. This might allow for more effective prepping.

I am wondering if there is a way to actually test your prep. I would imagine that if you remove the waterproofing, the ragtop would soak up water. One might hose it down ''n see.

When the weather allows me to attempt restoration, I will post before/after pics and details about how I went about it.