New Convertible Roof

[vintageb3]

Well...

I put my Cooper S in for a new roof cloth on Tuesday...and got it back yesterday morning.(Sat)

It looks great!!!

I'm not conviced that this cloth won't get the white wear marks within weeks....but i'm willing to give this a try.

Phoenix in Kirkcaldy has made a beautiful job fitting the cloth. Still don't know if the roof works yet or not...as i've been asked to keep the roof closed for a week to let the cloth stretch. I think i've read that this is BS...but i'm going to follow the advice seeing as they have made such a decent job. I'm on a shop-refit over the holiday weekend so can't get near the car anyway. I did test it for leaks on Saturday morning though....and all seems well in that area.

When i picked up the car....I asked if the cloth and been treated with impregnator to waterproof the cloth surface. I was told that the cloth was as it was supplied from BMW. I asked if "I" had to waterproof it with BMW's own product. I was told that BMW don't insist on you using anything on the roof cloth. I was told it was up to the individual if the wished to waterproof their cloth. It was given the analogy that some people don't wax their cars...others do...but BMW don't insist upon waxing...the impregnator is just like a wax for your roof cloth.

So...I have one dealer telling me that I don't have to do anything to my roof and BMW are happy to carry on the warranty if you find you have roof wear...whilst the last dealer the car was into and I questioned about my roof wear told me that BMW could turn down a warranty claim if you don't treat your roof.

So...I have learned something from this...and now know where I will be taking my car for servicing. :)

Also...just in case someone else has a ragtop...I have found out who makes all the roofs for BMW. The company is called Haartz.

Here's a link to the cloth used for the roof:

http://www.haartz.com/index.asp?ID=50&LC=EN

Note that Haartz are the largest manufacturers in the world of soft top roofs. They only recommend one product to use for cleaning and waterproofing/UV protection...and that product is Raggtopp.

So I'm gonna go get some of that...

mark

[PACMAN]

let see if it make a difference

[vintageb3]

A difference to what...my tan? :)

mark

[PACMAN]

you might drive it with the roof up for a change since it's fixed

[vintageb3]

Ah!...I get you now :)

[vintageb3]

Got my new roof as stated previously...and now I know I don't have any leaks because of all this rain. I haven't even been able to put it down :(

But today,I've found, along with my new roof....I have a new rattle!

Not a biggie....but back she goes:(

mark

[vintageb3]

So back she went today for the rattle...

I think the service guy was playing a trick on the mechanic...I looked into the workshop to see about 6 mechanics...all short asses....but the guy that was sent out to sit in the back of my car and listen for the rattle was about 6'4"

He admited " I don't think this will be long run mate"...as his knees were touching his chin

Anyway...the mechanic found the rattle!!! It was spring that had come loose!

So off I drove...happy....well...until I hit the main road...and found the rattle has been replaced by a squeak:(

They damaged a rubber part when they did the roof...and they are going to replace that next week...so i will mention it then...

Still think they have made a good job of the roof!

mark

[vintageb3]

Has to go back in again...roof won't close propoerly unless you pull on the drivers side to help locate it.

Signs of roof wear already

Woe is me!:(

mark

[PACMAN]

are you using the cleaning stuff now?

[vintageb3]

I was told not to...or should I say...I was told i didn't need to.

The BMW technical guy is going to be at the dealership next week...so he is going have a look at my roof.

We will see what happens then...

mark