How can I clean my 500C convertible roof?

[ciaobaby]

Hey guys! So I got my new Fiat 500C two days ago~Silver (Argento) with a Red roof~ I am in LOVE! Anyway, I know that over time the roof is going to get dirty. Anyone have any cleaning tips? I heard about Dishwashing soap and a brush...? This is my first soft top, so please be specific!! Thanks so much

 

[hennabm]

Dishwasher soap is meant to cut grease and contains some salt.

Go down to Halfords and look for proper stuff to clean your soft top. Meguiars and Autoglym ae two companies that make cleaning products and will have one for your soft top.

Even Fiat may well be able to supply a product for you.

Whatever though, dishwasher stuff is best left to dishwashing and not for cars.

 

[Ulpian]

Totally agree.

I was in the carwash behind a brand new Audi convertible the other day, and it came out just fine.

But if you hand wash then do not, ever, use washing up liquid of any sort on any part of a car. All domestic cleaning products contain salt. This will remove any polish on the car, damage the paint surface, and if there is the slightest chip then it will accelerate rusting.

Just pop down to Halfords and browse through the myriad cleaning products, there is something for everything

Oh, you are American. In which case pop down to whichever shop specialises in car accessories ...

 

[44sunsets]

You should only use fabric cleaning products specially designed for canvas convertible roofs. This is what I use:
http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/303_products/tonneau_and_convertible_top_cleaner

 

[downhuman]

I'm going to do a detail write up for our new 500c once I've done it, but the roof will be an area I will tackle too.

In the interim, I'd suggest:

1. Wet roof with low pressure water e.g. hose
2. Spray a decent APC or Cabriolet cleaner on the roof (e.g. G101 or similar)
3. Let dwell for 5 mins
4. Agitate with a decent brush (not to hard bristles)
5. Rinse clean once you're happy that all the crud is gone
6. Park up in the sun to dry fully
7. Apply a decent roof waterproofer, such as Renovo. Apply generously too. Avoid getting on paint
8. Allow to fully dry
9. Open the dry roof and apply silicon spray to the sealing rubbers and mechanism
10. With the roof closed, apply a decent foam cleaner to the inside (e.g. Autosmart Brisk) and wipe off once to remove grubby marks
11. Stand back and admire your newly spotless and protected roof

 

[Punto1998]

Hello.

I've used the system below myself and I know a few dealers etc who do the same.

You should only do this in the summer or if you have somewhere undercover.

You should test for yourself and I accept no responsibility.

I've only used this on mohair roofs so don't know for a vinyl roof.

Brush the roof with a softish brush to get rid of loose material.

Damp the roof, then mix some Milton fluid ( yes the liquid steriliser for babies) with some warm water then using a stiffish brush scrub the roof. This will remove green staining and mold and clean the roof.

Wash the roof off until water runs clean.

You may need to repeat above if needed.

Then leave to dry for a few days.

If it's one colour and looks uniform and clean. The carry on below otherwise repeat the process above.

Then coat the roof with tent waterproofer.

Leave to dry and re coat. I coated mine 3 times.

It worked better for me than specialist products 4 times the cost.

Repeat yearly.

 

[pmay58]

Renovo is great, once its applied, when the car needs cleaning I just carefully wash the roof with a Lambswool mitton and comes up like new.

 

[sgRob]

303 makes some great products.

 

[cbastus]

Larry Kosilla from Ridealong has som stellar instructions --->


I pretty much followed his guide using Autoglym's Fabric Hood Cleaning Kit, worked fine for my mossy pre-owned 500c.

Remember that prevention is better than cleanup. You want it a light clean often over heavy cleaning seldom. Like he says in the video

You always want to do the same sort of mentality as you do with paint: Touch it the least amount as you possibly can. ~Larry Kosilla