Cleaning the Makrolon Webasto clear roof - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

stevenvillatoro · 01-20-2008, 08:58 AM

Now that I've got it, sooner or later I'm gonna have to wash it. Does anyone know if it's a no-no to use ammonia-based window cleaners on the polycarbonate roof panel, as would be true with most plastics? The ammonia imparts a haze over time. Until I find out, I'll just be using car soap and water. Thanks!

Fredvon4 · 01-20-2008, 10:02 AM

Mild soap and water-- no scratch pads---no news paper--- soft cloth only---avoid all car washes that are NOT brush-less--- good wax gently by hand -- natural stuff not the synthetics --

Once a year use non fragrance Dawn dish soap and remove all wax and built up crap... I have had a lot of success with perfectly cleaning -- then RainX by the book--- then Mothers Carnuba wax....

If the vehicle will get a LOT of full Sun every day seriously consider some outer cover...

Decades of keeping this stuff craze, haze, crack free and optically clear for helicopter pilots

Heat, and UV are biggest enimes... many synthetic cleaners and waxes have bad stuff in them for clear acrylics, poly carbonates and plastics in general some stuff has micro grit and volatile petroleums by design ...they will screw up the clear top badly...

jonnysan · 01-20-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

Mild soap and water-- no scratch pads---no news paper--- soft cloth only---avoid all car washes that are NOT brush-less--- good wax gently by hand -- natural stuff not the synthetics --

Once a year use non fragrance Dawn dish soap and remove all wax and built up crap... I have had a lot of success with perfectly cleaning -- then RainX by the book--- then Mothers Carnuba wax....

If the vehicle will get a LOT of full Sun every day seriously consider some outer cover...

Decades of keeping this stuff craze, haze, crack free and optically clear for helicopter pilots

Heat, and UV are biggest enimes... many synthetic cleaners and waxes have bad stuff in them for clear acrylics, poly carbonates and plastics in general some stuff has micro grit and volatile petroleums by design ...they will screw up the clear top badly...

Not to use dish soap on cars so I never have....only the kinds of soaps indicated for washing cars that one would get from Auto Palace or similar places.

Wizco · 01-20-2008, 10:21 AM

You don't want to use dish soap on a regular basis. It dissolves the wax. However, Fred is telling you to use it once a year, specifically to dissolve the waxes. A lot of detailers do that to get ALL the crud off, then rewax.

For regular washing, use either plain water, or a cleaner specifically for cars.

SmartAzz · 01-20-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnysan

Not to use dish soap on cars so I never have....only the kinds of soaps indicated for washing cars that one would get from Auto Palace or similar places.

I agree, I don't use dish soaps as I understand they dry out the seals and plastics on the car and are not needed as there are good paint prep products that remove wax if you needed them, or actually clay and the wax/polymer itself will remove the old product.

For the roof I think Plexus will be perfect: http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/about.html

If you can't find it elsewhere call your local motorcycle shops since it is used on helmet shields and windscreens.

PS: Under the uses for eyeware it even covers polycarbonate specifically, http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/eyeware.html

jonnysan · 01-20-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizco

You don't want to use dish soap on a regular basis. It dissolves the wax. However, Fred is telling you to use it once a year, specifically to dissolve the waxes. A lot of detailers do that to get ALL the crud off, then rewax.

The dishwash soap is the once a year...."lets get all the dead bugs, tar and *other* off the car before applying new wax....
I didn't think you would lead anyone astray, Fred.....just wondered....;)

John

**jwight** · 01-20-2008, 10:24 AM

Steve, not to pry, but what does the owners manual recommend. You have read it...

strider63 · 01-20-2008, 10:29 AM

Fredvon4?
Thanks for the info, I was just wondering about that (nope have no Smart car yet

)
Which Mothers Carnuba wax would you recommend?
Specifically which RainX product?

Thanks

evoluzione · 01-20-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

...For the roof I think Plexus will be perfect: http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/about.html...

i fully agree with plexus - it is the only cleaner i use on all of the exotic motorcycles we work on. it was originally designed for use on high performance & military aircraft windscreens.

regards,

ken