Sunroof Care Tips

[MikeRotherham]

Hello Experts,
I've been lucky enough to buy a TR7 FHC in gold with sunroof.

I use Autoglym body shampoo and conditioner on my cars but I would imagine that it wouldn't be too good for the sunroof.

I'd welcome suggestions on the best way to look after the sunroof. Best way to clean it. Do I wash the bodywork first then the sunroof? What products to use?

Great website by the way.

Best Regards

Mike.

[Beans]

Ditch the bloody sunroof and weld up the hole [:D]




<font size="1">I'll get my coat [:p]</font id="size1">

<center>
<font color="blue"><i>1980 TR7 DHC (my first car, now restored and back on the road)
1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)</font id="blue">
<b>[url="http://www.tr7beans.blogspot.com/"]<u><b><font size="2"><font color="red">My Weblog</font id="red"></font id="size2"></b></u>[/url]</b></i></center>

[Neil_W]

Hi there Mike - not the most friendly welcome for your first post but hope I can help.

I don't have a Fixed Head but a Convertible with a PVC Hood.
I use Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care on the PVC & it keeps it clean & shiney.
If the material if not PVC the Autoglym website can give you hints to other products

http://www.autoglym.com/enGB/product-pr ... HE&Range=1

Sometimes Halfords do a 3 for 2 deal on Autoglym so lowers the cost if buying polish etc too but also the internet is good on getting it cheaper if free p+p

You have the rarer model being a fixed head so hope you enjoy your new purchase & this Forum is very good for all things TR7 to help you.
Neil

[supercass]

Yes, contemporary thinking is that you should avoid using silicones and solvent based products on vinyl. Many mainstream products to enhance the appearance of vinyl are solvent or / and silicone based. I see no reason why you shouldn't use Autoglym shampoo on your top, then rinse well, dry and use a vinyl protector. Make sure you get one with a UV inhibitor and one that is not solvent based, water based protectants are ideal. Renovo Vinyl Ultraproofer is suprizingly good and water based, although when applying it doesn't seem to spread easily. It does seem to give a very attractive matt sheen that lasts. They offer a money back guarantee, although in my experience they either ignore your e mails or say you used their product incorrectly. If you like (more) shiny vinyl you could try 303 Aerospace protectant. None of these are cheap or available from Halfords. Google water based vinyl protetants and look for one that offers U.V. protection and one that is availble in your locality, there are plenty of them. These are best applied on (very) clean vinyl, so if it has ingrained dirt a one off use of UPVC cleaner with a soft nail brush may help. The guide rails can be lubricated with a light silicone oil, prefarably not a multi purpose lubricant like WD40 as I dont think this is durable enough. If you want a cheap fix and aren't too bothered about U.V. protection applying peanut oil (groundnut oil) with a soft nail brush, leaving for 30 mins then wiping off will work, give a nice finish but doesn't last long. Availability of the specialist products varies. What country are you in?
Regards

[TR Tony]

Welcome to the forum, Mike, & congrats on your purchase. Put some pics up sometime.

I have had my FHC with sunroof for nearly 8 years, I wash the whole car with good quality car shampoo (e.g. Autoglym), dry it well then use Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care (the green stuff) to protect & give a good finish. That process has worked well for me!

When you are drying the car, pull the sunroof back as water gets under the edges, it is good practice to pull back the roof & dry under there.

Tony

<font size="1">1981 2L FHC Cavalry Blue
1980 3.5L V8 DHC Jaguar Regency Red - sadly sold!
1977 TR8 FHC EFI Factory development car Inca Yellow</font id="size1">

[Chris Turner]

I agree with Neil and Tony, I have been using the Autoglym vinyl and rubber care for the last 15 years and it has kept my sunroof like new.
There are a few people who dislike sunroofs, I for one think the FHC with sunroof is the most practical sportscar.

www.triumphtrs.co.uk
THE Coca Cola car
The C+C Conversions rally car
TR7 Sprint
TR7V8 rally car

[MikeRotherham]

Thanks for all your comments they are most appreciated.

I was the lucky person to buy the 'stunning' Midas gold FHC TR7 that was advertised recently on various places including Ebay.
I collected it today and have to say that buying the car has been a very positive experience in the way the gentleman selling the car conducted the sale and also the way the previous owners have looked after the car. The documents supplied with the car are very comprehensive. I hope that I am able to continue the good work.

I'll get some of the Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber care and weather permitting this weekend I'll give it a go.

I'm located in South Yorkshire UK.

Thanks again for your advice.

Best

Mike.

[Neil_W]

Mike,
Since you are South Yorkshire - the man to talk to is local Organiser for the TR Drivers Club & Chairman from Sheffield Chris Turner ( he replied in the message up the page ).Might only be down the road ie Mike 'Rotterham'

For South Yorks / North Derby
The Royal Oak, Ulley. Nr Rotherham
20:00 - 2nd Wednesday of month
Chris Turner - 0114 2332899

See his Website www.triumphtrs.co.uk

http://www.trdrivers.com/index.html

Might see you around as I am about to join & I am over in East Yorkshire.

[Roy Hankins]

Mike, was this the Gold coupe that was in Winchester Hampshire ?

If so you have one lovely car there.

As Neil said contact Chris from the TR Drivers club and make sure
you join up it's the only place to be in a car such as yours.

look forward to seeing it sometime.

Roy

[Chris Turner]

Thanks Neil and Roy, we have quite a few attend our meetings at the Royal Oak, you are welcome to join us on the second Wednesday of the month.I also have a late FHC.

www.triumphtrs.co.uk
THE Coca Cola car
The C+C Conversions rally car
TR7 Sprint
TR7V8 rally car

[MikeRotherham]

The car was the one that was located in Winchester, Roy. I'd seen the car for sale previously and by chance I was on holiday last week near Hungerford which is just over 30 miles from Winchester so went over for a look.
I only live about 20 minutes away from the Royal Oak at Ulley so know it well. I intend joining the club so will come over one Wednesday evening.
I've been unable to find the Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber car in a green labelled bottle. Halfords had some Autoglym lemon scented Vinyl and Rubber care in a yellow labelled spray bottle. Has it been reformulated? Has any one got a part number?

Mike.

[Neil_W]

Hi Mike,
On the net - a quick search & you might even get cheaper.
The Bumper Care is a Green gell type liquid & the Vinyl Care is a white thin liquid you spray onto the Roof.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTOGLYM-BUMP ... 19cd9fb0c2


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTO-GLYM-VIN ... 2319d8fd4f

[MikeRotherham]

Hello Neil,

I got the Bumper Care so will give that a go over the weekend weather permitting.

Mike.