My X Japan 2016 F-Type finally arrived. 19,000ks. Lovely red and I love it.

It goes into my mechanic this week so he can put it on his hoist to have a look at it. There are some things I will do later, like a new battery, water hoses, supercharger oil. (Anything else guys?). It has been serviced of course by the car dealer, but I bet bare minimum.

I will need to look after the fabric (canvas) convertible top. Any tips on that? I have been on YouTube, everyone thinks they have the answer. You convertible owners have the experience; can you steer me to a good site. We may not have the same products here in New Zealand, but it will do as a guide.

Thanks
TrevorD

 

I simply wash the fabric top along with the rest of the car. No special cleaners or anything.

Afterwards, once dry, I apply a water-repellant coating on it so that the dampness 'rolls off'. You can SEARCH via Google for brands, or on one of the auto detailing forums such as Autopia. This coating should be re-applied at least twice a year.

https://www.autopia.org/

I just use generic ScotchGuard, but you need to shield the bodywork from overspray. (That was a LOT easier before newspapers became digital, LOL. Tablets are SOOOO small!)

 

Congrats on your new acquisition! We would appreciate pictures, please...

For this task you can use special cleaners for convertible tops (such as Meguiar's, etc), then after full drying most here use 303 for sealing and protection. After learning the hard way, I paint it on with a brush after taping and placing sheets or towels over the paint. It takes a lot of prep to avoid getting it on the windshields and paint. It is not a job I look forward to, but I do it before rainy season once each year.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...rtible-289636/

It smells inside the cockpit for several days so just keep that in mind, but does go away eventually.

Thereafter use a clothing lint roller to lift off dust and fuzz before you wash. It gets the microscopic dust off that a vacuum can't. It takes about 4 sheets to get everything clean.

 

@JagCode3 , you need to restrain those housecats from sleeping on the roof! LOL

Otherwise, use lint-free microfiber cloth!

 

LOL, it's not the "animal magnetism" but the lint roller is best for getting micro-particles of dirt and pollen out of the fabric.

 

You may want to look into replacing the plastic coolant pipes that are prone to failure with metal ones. Many threads on here about that.

 

I use 303’s kit of cleaner and sealer. I too use a brush but I don’t mask anything, I open the roof about 1/2” so I can paint the leading edge of the roof.

I use a horsehair brush for cleaning, and the lint roller would be handy for getting the hairs off the roof (cheap brush.)