I have recently purchased a 1999 MX5 in rather excellent condition - save for the hood.
The hood has shrunk (as some vinyl hoods do) and the dealer has kindly offered to replace it in its entirety. I have elected for a new vinyl hood in either tan or black (the car is British racing green). I do not wish for a mohair roof as I want to ensure that the car is kept as close to the original as possible
Anyway… enough of the background…
I simply wondered what people use to protect vinyl hoods and get the water to bead off of them. I have purchased some Fabsil but have been told it shouldnt be used on a vinyl roof.
My vinyl hood is now 13 years old. looks the sames as the day I got the car, and all thats ever had on it is Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber care, to clean and protect it. I think it helps stop the vinyl from getting dry and losing its oils, well it’s worked for me. But will add car is garaged a lot so hasn’t had 13 years of sunlight on it which must be the real enemy.
Fabsil is not going to work as I assume its for a woven material where it needs to get into the weave. Vinyl roofs don’t have anywhere for it to go therfore and they are by nature waterproof, they don’t need sealing, just protecting to stop them cracking.
Autoglym vinyl and rubber care is what I use too. It’s great, just spray on and rub in. I’m still on my original hood on a 16 year old car, although it has shrunk a little.
Probably the only advantage to having a vinyl roof, is that it’s ‘fit and forget’. A vinyl cleaner may help it last a little and prevent cracking for a while, but it doesn’t need any special care or waterproofers. Fabsil, as the name suggests is for sealing fabrics, not plastics.
I use Autoglym as well but in addition I cover the hood up to help prevent UV damage. I used to sail and I recall that unless we covered up the sails they’ed rot in no time at all due to UV rays.