The roof of my convertible XK8 was in the retracted position continuosly for about 6 weeks until mid November last year. Since then the car's been clean, dry and covered in my car port. I also have a DriZair dispenser in the car. It's the original roof and liner and it's tan coloured. About a month ago I noticed some brown, rust colour streaks and patches on the inside of the roof around the rear window. I've looked a couple of times since then and they don't seem to have grown in size since I first saw them. There are also some marks, like a coating of dust but they won't come of with a hand rub, on the outside of the roof along the fold lines. I have a couple of questions.

Does anyone know what the marks are on the inside? Are they simply as a result of the roof being folded for 6 weeks or are they mould? What is the best way to remove them? And, of course, I have the same 3 questions about the marks on the outside of the roof.

 

The rust colored stains are the result of a glue release of the headliner foam pad between the top fabric and headliner. The consensus here is to replace the headliner. Before that, ask a trusted detailer in your area about cleaning them.

 

Many members have used alcohol to remove the stains on the headliner.

 

Jim, I found the rust stains were water soluable on my 98. Once I left her out in the rain, nasty summer thunderstorm, I realized it and ran out to close the roof. A while later I ran an errand - drip drip water on my head. OH NO the Roof is Leaking I realized and started calulating what a new roof would run me $$$$!!! Instant depression.

I grabbed a microfiber towel to sop up the "leak" as I drove - (OK don't laugh at me) when I realized/remembered that the headliner was soaked an hour ago from the flash thunderstorm! It was just dripping the water from that.

What shocked me was just rubbing the microfiber towel up there removed the rust colored "stains" easily! They were water soluable.

Wow talk about making lemonade out of lemons - it turned out good!

John

 

I'm with Johnken, use a clean damp towel. I have tried all the other fixes (alcohol, cleaner sponges, etc.) and this worked 100% better than the others.

It will come back as the deteriorating foam backing will keep coming thru. Only fix for that is a new headliner, but at least it is not the Haartz top!

 

I have marks outside next to the rear window on my 07 XK. Dealer says it's from leaving the top down too long. I'd like to know what will remove the stains. I tried convertible top cleaner which helped a little.

 

I have been successful removing leaf and dirt stains on my wife's 2006 XK8's beige soft top using a dilution of a couple big drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent in about six ounces of relatively hot tap water. I scrub the area using an old cotton diaper because I do not want to disturb the nap of the fabric with a hard bristle brush (although some folks report using such brushes). Take your time and use plenty of elbow grease....

I use regular rubbing alcohol on that same old cotton diaper to remove any tree sap that occasionally falls on the soft top, the paint, or the glass. It does a fantastic job regardless of whether the tree sap is fresh (still gooey) or dried to a crust. Again, take your time....

 

Here's the Raggtopp horsehair brush I use - very soft.

 

An old soft-bristle toothbrush would probably do a good job as well. Just make sure to use your wife's, not yours....

 

They checked on a new top, and their OEM distributer said that only on the XK (and I suppose the XK8 also) nobody guarantees marks on either side of the rear window. They said the cause was cloth rubbing against cloth. So on mine it's not a cleaning issue.

 

I would still try to clean the area. You may be surprised....

 

This may help those that want to clean and proof their convertible tops.

Franks XKR Story. - Page 348

 

What does a replacement roof cost installed on these cars, (price range)? I will need on soon. Thanks, Mike

 

Foe the German one, which come with them, are suppose to be the best 1000's