Restore Ragtop

Ranger_Vet68 · 05-23-2021, 01:17 PM

I have a 2003 BMW Z4(Still runs great and low miles), and I would like to know if there is any way that I can restore the ragtop. It's not faded, ripped, or has small holes. It's got sticky junk along the ribs, and I would like to bring it back to life short of spending 1500 for a new top. Ideas/suggestions?
Thank you.

rsutoratosu · 05-23-2021, 02:22 PM

Prob need to clean slowly.. mine was full of green / algae.. chemical warfare failed. I saw a few online cleaner use steam cleaning on the top. That might be the way to go. I did not have a steam cleaner and no one I knew had one.. I end up using renovo to dye mine

Photos @
https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1814316

WGScales · 05-25-2021, 09:37 AM

My 2003 black top was not damaged, but was beginning to fade. Cleaned with the top cleaner from BMW followed by Renovo. Used about 2/3 of the bottle. Not new, but close to it. Still a bit of fade along the support bars. Will reapply later in the fall.

unluky · 05-28-2021, 01:11 PM

My tan top was a little dirty when I bought it and not repelling water at all. I used the 303 kit and it worked very well. I used a soft brush, but be careful as it can cause it to pile a little if you brush too hard or aggressively. I used my hand for as much as I could and used the brush for a little extra where needed.

The protectant works great and water beads up like a freshly waxed car when you are done. Just make sure you get it clean before you seal it.

When applying - I bought some super thin/cheap huge drop clothes from walmart. Open your roof a bit and stop it then slid the drop cloth in and let it hang out of the windows and over the windshield and close the top on it. Now 75% of the car is protected and you just have to cover up the trunk. Works great.

Ranger_Vet68 · 06-28-2021, 12:12 PM

What products should I be using? I was looking at the 303 kit that you were speaking of but all I could find was used for tires and such and nothing to do with ragtops. Also, I'll look into steam cleaning as well. Thank you all VERY much.

Emmrbee · 06-28-2021, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger_Vet68

What products should I be using? I was looking at the 303 kit that you were speaking of but all I could find was used for tires and such and nothing to do with ragtops. Also, I'll look into steam cleaning as well. Thank you all VERY much.

Found this with a Google search

https://www.goldeagle.com/303-convertible/

05-23-2021, 01:17 PM	#1
Ranger_Vet68 Private First Class 25 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i E85 Roadster Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Restore Ragtop I have a 2003 BMW Z4(Still runs great and low miles), and I would like to know if there is any way that I can restore the ragtop. It's not faded, ripped, or has small holes. It's got sticky junk along the ribs, and I would like to bring it back to life short of spending 1500 for a new top. Ideas/suggestions? Thank you.
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05-23-2021, 02:22 PM	#2
rsutoratosu Captain 114 Rep 779 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Prob need to clean slowly.. mine was full of green / algae.. chemical warfare failed. I saw a few online cleaner use steam cleaning on the top. That might be the way to go. I did not have a steam cleaner and no one I knew had one.. I end up using renovo to dye mine Photos @ https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1814316 __________________ -Roranji
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05-25-2021, 09:37 AM	#3
WGScales Private 3 Rep 63 Posts Drives: Merlot Red 2003 Z4 3.0 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 535xi Touring [0.00] 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster [6.00] 2011 128i M-Sport [0.00]	My 2003 black top was not damaged, but was beginning to fade. Cleaned with the top cleaner from BMW followed by Renovo. Used about 2/3 of the bottle. Not new, but close to it. Still a bit of fade along the support bars. Will reapply later in the fall.
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05-28-2021, 01:11 PM	#4
unluky Major 7528 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: 04 z4 3.0 Sport & 15 X5 35i XD Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Sedalia, MO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 XDrive 35i [0.50] 2004 BMW Z4 3.0 Spo ... [0.00]	My tan top was a little dirty when I bought it and not repelling water at all. I used the 303 kit and it worked very well. I used a soft brush, but be careful as it can cause it to pile a little if you brush too hard or aggressively. I used my hand for as much as I could and used the brush for a little extra where needed. The protectant works great and water beads up like a freshly waxed car when you are done. Just make sure you get it clean before you seal it. When applying - I bought some super thin/cheap huge drop clothes from walmart. Open your roof a bit and stop it then slid the drop cloth in and let it hang out of the windows and over the windshield and close the top on it. Now 75% of the car is protected and you just have to cover up the trunk. Works great. __________________ 2015 X5 XDrive 35i - 2004 Z4 3.0 Sport
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06-28-2021, 12:12 PM	#5
Ranger_Vet68 Private First Class 25 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i E85 Roadster Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	What products should I be using? I was looking at the 303 kit that you were speaking of but all I could find was used for tires and such and nothing to do with ragtops. Also, I'll look into steam cleaning as well. Thank you all VERY much.
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