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The BMW Range
Z Series
Canvas Rooftop Query
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<blockquote data-quote="saat" data-source="post: 560172" data-attributes="member: 77"><p>I recently bought and used the BMW Soft-top kit. I followed the instructions to the letter. When I sprayed water and later when it rained, I was puzzled that the canvas still gets wet and there's no beading. </p><p></p><p>From my research, I found out that the BMW Soft-top is made up of 3 layers.</p><p></p><p>The outer canvas layer is a weave of various fibres that is not designed to be waterproof. This outermost layer is lined on it's inner side with butyl rubber. It is this butyl rubber that is the waterproofing barrier.</p><p></p><p>The inner layer, the one seen from inside the cabin is made from polurethane foam and polyester fabric to serve as finishing and insulation.</p><p></p><p>Between them is a thick layer of insulating polyester which serves as sound proofing and heat insulation.</p><p></p><p>Water must be allowed to permeate the "canvas" fibres and is trapped by the butyl rubber layer and flows out.</p><p></p><p>So usage of improper detergents or protectorants only serves to deteriorate and unbond the butyl rubber lining, and clog the fibres. The canvas fibre layers must be allowed to breathe. To allow it to breathe, it must be properly cleaned to remove dust, dirt and any contaminant like bird droppings or tree sap that clogs the spaces between the fibres. Application of waterproofing to the fibres will do long term damage. Even the application of Scotchguard and other outdoor equipment, upholstry or apparel waterproofing agents are strongly not adviseable because it causes the fibres to be clogged.</p><p></p><p>Do not apply wax to your soft-top because it will also clog the fibres. Wash & wax shampoos and shampoos used by car wash contains wax that has the same effect. Use a soft brush if brushing is required.</p><p></p><p>The color can be restored using color revivers. Fold line and chafe marks can be masked by these color revivers but the color will fade quickly and the fold line marks will reappear as soon as you fold your soft top. Do not use a hard brush to remove chafe and fold line marks because it will just cause the material to wear away and worsen the mark. For color longevity, avoid using improper detergents and application of other protectorants cos they have been known to leave marks and cause discoloration. Store the car in a covered car park or use a car or half cover.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="saat, post: 560172, member: 77"] I recently bought and used the BMW Soft-top kit. I followed the instructions to the letter. When I sprayed water and later when it rained, I was puzzled that the canvas still gets wet and there's no beading. From my research, I found out that the BMW Soft-top is made up of 3 layers. The outer canvas layer is a weave of various fibres that is not designed to be waterproof. This outermost layer is lined on it's inner side with butyl rubber. It is this butyl rubber that is the waterproofing barrier. The inner layer, the one seen from inside the cabin is made from polurethane foam and polyester fabric to serve as finishing and insulation. Between them is a thick layer of insulating polyester which serves as sound proofing and heat insulation. Water must be allowed to permeate the "canvas" fibres and is trapped by the butyl rubber layer and flows out. So usage of improper detergents or protectorants only serves to deteriorate and unbond the butyl rubber lining, and clog the fibres. The canvas fibre layers must be allowed to breathe. To allow it to breathe, it must be properly cleaned to remove dust, dirt and any contaminant like bird droppings or tree sap that clogs the spaces between the fibres. Application of waterproofing to the fibres will do long term damage. Even the application of Scotchguard and other outdoor equipment, upholstry or apparel waterproofing agents are strongly not adviseable because it causes the fibres to be clogged. Do not apply wax to your soft-top because it will also clog the fibres. Wash & wax shampoos and shampoos used by car wash contains wax that has the same effect. Use a soft brush if brushing is required. The color can be restored using color revivers. Fold line and chafe marks can be masked by these color revivers but the color will fade quickly and the fold line marks will reappear as soon as you fold your soft top. Do not use a hard brush to remove chafe and fold line marks because it will just cause the material to wear away and worsen the mark. For color longevity, avoid using improper detergents and application of other protectorants cos they have been known to leave marks and cause discoloration. Store the car in a covered car park or use a car or half cover. [/QUOTE]
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