Best way to maintain convertible roof?

[BlackhawkSaab]

Hi All,

I have just had to replace a previously trusty 9-3 hatchback which disappeared in simultaneous clouds of smoke and steam and puddles of coolant and oil....

I couldn't resist an older but very smart early 9-3 convertible - a 98 'S' 2.0T. Everything about it is superb for the age but the roof is quite dirty (some green mildew and general dirt) and when tested in the extreme wet around here recently it is clear there is a small patch of the roof that isn't 100% waterproof - there are no scuffs or tears so it is just like a small section no longer repels rain and causes a small damp patch inside the car in the liner.

Has anyone got any advice on the best way to clean the roof (and then keep it in decent condition) and is there any waterproofing treatment that I can use on it?

One other long-shot - the car has aftermarket parking sensors fitted that go off randomly when driving along in rain. Any ideas how these things are fitted and wired up which might be causing this?

Any thoughts appreciated!

[Max Headroom]

Welcome to the topless club 

Preserving and maintaining your roof is very important. I have had open top cars on and off for the last 30 years, but never had a fabric roof until I came into ownership of my SAAB

The products I suggest you'll need are the following:

A firm but soft bristled brush to remove loose dirt and dust
Some decent quality (new/unused) paintbrushes for applying various products
Soft top canvas cleaner - Renovo products are probably the most well revered
Renovo ultra proofer - for re-proofing the roof
And, if it looks faded you can use Renovo soft top reviver.
Also a good idea to get yourself some low-tack masking tape such as the 3M Scotch blue

All these are freely available from eBay or places like Elite Car Care or The Ultimate Finish

(Make sure when you buy the Renovo products you are NOT buying the stuff for vinyl roofs - bottles and names are similar)

Basically you just give the roof a darned good brushing when it's dry (pay attention to the gutters) then apply the cleaner following the instructions on the bottle, after which you apply the reproofer - again, just follow instructions on the bottle.

My advice is to mask off your glass and bodywork. These products can stain the paint a bit - it does come off, but by masking you will save yourself some considerable work later   

[saabshed]

I just bought a convertible with the same sort of roof, green mould and bird droppings. I used Maguiers roof cleaner and was amazed at how well it cleaned, it has come up like new. all the stains and mould was removed with very little effort.

[Max Headroom]

... green mould and bird droppings.

Yup - dont park it under trees with the roof up OR down!

[BlackhawkSaab]

Thanks both - especially Trenchfoot for the detailed advice on the way to go with this. Much appreciated!

[Max Headroom]

You are more than welcome!

Feel free if you have any more questions or want any more details - however silly they may seem. It's always better to ask than to end up doing the wrong thing.

One other thing on the hood care - Rain-X on the rear window is always good. I miss my rear wiper. Be sure to get the glass crystal clean before applying it, though 

[saab talladega turbo]

fleabay! grangers fabsil 5litre. yes 5litres for £30 delivered. ordering mine asap.

[chris aka zaphod]

Renovo. Top treatment.

[BlackhawkSaab]

Thanks all - Renovo cleaner and then ultra proofer seems to have done the trick.

[Max Headroom]

Must do mine again soon - not had enough dry weather - and when we have, I have a pile of other things to do :-/

[Alan]

fleabay! grangers fabsil 5litre. yes 5litres for £30 delivered. ordering mine asap.

£24.95 at Towsure for 5 litres if you have a branch near you.

[BGG]

I see Saab dealers are now offering hood refurbishment for £199 

[Max Headroom]

Struth! That's steep.

...But having said that, if done properly, it is something of a labour-intensive job 

[sgould]

£199 at a Saab Approved Specialist is only about an hour and a half labour plus one materials.  Barely enough time for a quick hose down.  I wouldn't expect anything of merit to be done.

[Max Headroom]

£199 at a Saab Approved Specialist is only about an hour and a half labour plus one materials.  Barely enough time for a quick hose down.  I wouldn't expect anything of merit to be done.

...Or they are employing some kid that otherwise only washes the cars to do it!

If you really want a job done properly - it's best to do what you can yourself. The roof is an easy job but, needs to be done thoroughly. It's not a job for some car washing lad to do