Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

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g8jka
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Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by g8jka »

After using Autoglym's convertible roof kit last year I was never happy with the results achieved. The cleaner is OK but I found the protector to be rubbish as it didn't seem to last long or even bead.

Ages ago I brought some of the autoglym lifeshine range but never got round to using it and having found it in the garage I noticed I had two bottles of Fabric and Upholstery protectant. Reading what this does it is normally used for interior mats, carpets and seats and forms a barrier to protect against any spills so I thought it can't do much harm trying it on the roof.

Anyway here are the results after a quick go with the pressure washer

Quick video



Photo not long after

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It was applied about 5 or 6 weeks ago now and I am pretty impressed with the results, it gives great protection when cleaning and also when it rains. It is part of the lifeshine kit, with the letter B on the bottle listed as upholstery and carpet protector or I believe a number 1 on the newer style bottle listed as interior protectant. There is some listed here at the moment on ebay, not a bad price either compared to what others cost.
Last edited by g8jka on Thu 09 Aug, 2012 17:45, edited 1 time in total.
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PCSAM
Joined: Sat 13 Aug, 2011 01:19
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Location: Taynuilt

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by PCSAM »

stunning results mate .......... :shock: :lol:
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Ragtop
Joined: Sun 26 Jul, 2009 20:38
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Ragtop »

That looks very impressive. :thumb:
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Jonttt
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Jonttt »

Try tent proofer, cheap for 5 litres and to be honest you would get nowhere near that much water left on the roof as it literally throws it off ;-)

Just don't get it on the bodywork or glass and let it dry :shock:
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z3ddie
Joined: Sun 27 Apr, 2008 14:29
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Chinnor

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by z3ddie »

Just done mine with Mequires cleaner and proofer spray - don't bother its rubbish - probably looks worse than when I started and spent and age powerwashing and applying the cleaner and then spraying it off - think I will try boot polish - at least I know that is black!
geminimustang
Joined: Mon 11 Jun, 2012 21:06
Posts: 487

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Wirral

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by geminimustang »

I've had great results with the Autoglym at my second attempt.First time around,i skimped a little with the proofing solution,i went over it a couple of weeks later and had really great result.Been done months now,not had to do it again and will definitely buy more when needed.Cheapest place i found was Amazon.
chrisp_1
Joined: Sun 10 Jun, 2012 08:26
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  M roadster S50

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by chrisp_1 »

I did mine with autoglym twice recently and it beads something chronic under the hose-pipe after second application?

That said at £15 a kit it's too expensive to buy again so bought some fabisil (5l for £30 - should last forever) :D
Vic-Z3
Joined: Fri 11 Jun, 2010 19:28
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Vic-Z3 »

Hi Jonttt

Which Tent Proofer did you use? as there is a few on the market to chose from. As your results
were excellent I will follow suit.
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chrisp_1
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by chrisp_1 »

This is the one you need (as said above :roll: ).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Grangers-Fabs ... 218wt_1394
Vic-Z3
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Vic-Z3 »

Was that the one Jonttt used then .................... :)
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Southernboy
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Southernboy »

Just ordered some myself....I note that the Audi TT forum has also rave comments about the Fabsil... 8-)
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Jonttt
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Jonttt »

Vic-Z3 wrote:Was that the one Jonttt used then .................... :)
I just used a generic one from a camping shop c£10 for 5 litres and it works better than any other I've seen :D
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lowriderz3
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 13:29
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by lowriderz3 »

I have reproofed my roof with Fabsyl purchased from Go outdoors £11 seems to be working as water now beads on the roof.
I still have not decided about putting my hardtop for the winter as today the sun has been shining.
Eastsix
Joined: Mon 08 Nov, 2010 00:53
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Eastsix »

Im looking at a tin of the fabsyl stuff on ebay - stupid question though, how do you apply it? Im used to spraying on the Meguiars hood proofer.
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Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Del »

Good stuff - I use Fabsil Gold. Simply paint it on with a brush - less mess than a spray.
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magicmitch
Joined: Wed 10 Oct, 2012 09:06
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by magicmitch »

hi, new to the forum but not new to the waterproofing saga!!
My Z is 10 years old now and I'm trying to nurse the hood through a couple more seasons!! I've always used the Autoglym stuff but it seems you have to buy this as a "2 pack" type product with the cleaner as well, so I now have loads of spare cleaner. But, I always find it easiet to tip the waterproofer out into a container and apply it with a brush, this way you can really wack it on, and the results have always been excellent!
Vic-Z3
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Re: Alternative Roof Proofer / Protector

Post by Vic-Z3 »

Two coats of Fabsil, brushed on with a 1" paint brush .......................resulting in no more leaks into boot or cabin areas ........ :D
----------------- BMW Z3 Das Beste Auto -----------------

Mein altes Auto riecht nach Nudeln, hat dieses Auto eine Wurst Geruch.
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