Some friends have suggested (and also some automotive articles), that I should get my roadster soft-top serviced regularly, to keep it in top shape ... is this something I should consider? ... I only know of one shop in Calgary, who I would trust to do this ... Mr. Knibbe's German Auto in Crowfoot Centre ... they are good, but, a bit pricey ... any thoughts on this? ...
DaveM
Calgary

 

How many times a year do you cycle the top and are any cylinders leaking? Is it a garage queen or do you drive it rain or shine all year long.

I too am in Calgary and never had an issue with my top in 8 years. Maybe because it’s parked all winter.

 

A total garage queen ... it has never seen snow ... and never will, as long as I own it ... it's parked in an underground parking garage all the time, and, in winter, it stays in the garage ...

If anything, I prefer to drive it with the top up, I just like the way it looks ... and I'm not really a convertible guy, to be honest ... and I don't want people behind me to see my bald head! ...

But seriously, no, I baby the car ... and I don't drop the top very often ...

dm

 

Sorry, forgot to answer your question ... I don't cycle the top very often ... and I will check the cylinders, thanks ...

dm

 

It is better for the top to activate it once in a while to keep it lubricated.

 

That makes a lot of sense, thanks ...
davem

 

I don't have a convertible but I know others who will wash their convertible tops annually, let them fully dry, and then spray them down with a heavy, wetting spray of 303 Fabric Protectant and then let that dry.

 

Awesome, thanks!!!!!!!!!

 

I lubricate with a spray white lithium grease, the moving parts in top frame including : flaps, flap cables, locking mechanism, T-handle and all hinged parts. This should take the load off of the hydraulic system. Also did the same with the spoiler and moving parts

 

I support that 100%. But if he does not cycle the top often, he's temping the seals to leak.

I have never had an issue with leaks. But I exercise mine at a minimum every three weeks when in the off -season. Any other time I drive the car, the top is always cycled, period.
Letting such systems just sit is, I believe, asking for trouble. But the same goes for the entire vehicle, IMO. My car is started and driven (if possible) every three weeks in the off-season and no matter what, the top is cycled.

But remember, below 35F MB said to not cycle the top. So keep that in mind.

(ANd a good "Aunt Jemima Treatment" with 303 once or twice a year is mandatory to keep appearances up!

 

I support that 100%. But if he does not cycle the top often, he's temping the seals to leak.

Yikes! I better check that today ...

davem17

 

From now on, I'm cycling it every three weeks! Thanks guys! ...

Looking good in the Calgary sunshine, this morning! ...

 

Just ordered this off Amazon! Thanks for the tip! ...

 

Dave
looking good in the sunshine

As I had indicated earlier I’ve had my roadster for 8 years, it sits all winter in the heated garage. I have never cycled it in the winter and I have never had a problem. Still works like new. I would be more concerned with the fluid level in the pump. Easy to check, easy to fill.

I’m local to your area and have worked on almost every part of the car. If you run into an issue, send me a PM.

Sometimes problems develop when you’re looking for one.

 

That's great, thanks! ... actually, one of these weekends, if you can spare half an hour ...

Because I rarely drive with the top down, I'm still having issues, closing it ...

Today I had to monkey with it for five minutes, before it finally locked into place ...

In return, your choice of any Tim's you want!

davem17

PS> I live in Panorama Hills NW