Hood restoration

[Hinch]

Sure there must be something on here about this topic but cant seem to locate it. My hood is in good condition, but looking rather green around the edges and a little faded after winter. Could anyone suggest a tried and tested method for cleaning the hood and then putting some colour back in it cheeks? Including any product names which you could recommend.

Hinch

[John_W]

Hinch,
Use the Renovo stuff. It's pretty good. I used it 2-3 years ago and need to do it again this summer. It's easy to use and lasts fairly well.

There's a cleaner (don't know if you really need to use their stuff - just wash it), a dye which is very runny and you paint on (mask the windows and bodywork with tape/newspaper/towels), and finally a proofer which you brush on.

If the dye gets on the bodywork, wipe it off while it's wet or it's a sod to remove.

See here http://www.lotuselancentral.com/lec/renovo.htm

John

[Paul.P]

Hinch, you could also try the Auto Glmn hood cleaner & reproofer. Ive been using it for 2 yrs now & am very pleased. It comes with sponge for applying the cleaner, then wash excess off with damp cloth, then apply re-proofer. Dead easy really !

[paza1]

I also have had good results with Renovo. It will give 2 applications from a 500ml bottle. I used Fabrisil for proofing the fabric.
Mark

[Hinch]

Could you tell me where I can buy the products you mention, are they available from Halfords / Charlie Browns and those kind of places or somewhere a bit more specialist?

[Rambo]

Hinch,

I gave my soft top a spruce up before Donny and the results were excellent.

Like JohnW I used Renovo - first the soft top canvas cleaner (500 mls = £10.17 exc VAT) This is basically a gloopy sort of detergent which you paint on and wipe off any excess with a damp cloth - it gets the years of muck and grime off the canvas. Allow to dry overnight then paint on the Renovo black gunk (500 mls = £14.43 exc VAT)
I didn't mask off the bodywork or rear screen like John did but applied it with a steady hand. Inevitably you will get a drip or run so wipe off whilst wet otherwise you'll need to apply more elbow grease .

Conclusion - all the sun bleached white stitching and faded canvas disappears and you are left with a jet black finish. And all for £32.81 inc. VAT and postage. Well recommended and easy to app;y.

Check here for more details www.renovointernational.com or phone 01444-443277

Mark

[Hinch]

Thanks for your tips guys, looks like I will be trying the Renovo soon. My partner is just about to sell here MGF so we can do the roof of that too, which needs it much more than my Lotus. Sounds as though we can do two hoods from the one bottle anyway.

One thing I am wondering though, is does the hood look as though it has been 'treated' afterwards in an un-original kind of way, or does it bring back its original good looks? Does anyone have any before and after pics?

My Elan is very original and in good shape, the hood is not bad at all really, its just a question of wanting the car to look its very best. However there is always that old addage 'If it aint broken, dont fix it '.

[pjohn151]

Have a look at:

http://www.lotuselancentral.com/lec/renovo.htm

This has some before and after pictures.

Phil

[John_W]

Have a look at:
http://www.lotuselancentral.com/lec/renovo.htm
This has some before and after pictures.
Phil

Ah yes, the link I posted in my original reply.
John

[Hinch]

Thanks John, must have been half asleep when I first read your post I think.

[Scott J]

Renovo recommend 2 coats for badly faded roofs.

So should I just buy the 500l to start with or would it be better with 1 L bottle.

[theelanman]

hinch
when you say 'a little green' do you mean like moss????.....
I have found that whist washing the car, do the hood with a stiffish hand brush this removes 99.9% of all stuff (just the bird deposits take a bit of work due it basic nature) the brush I have is about 6"x 3".....
I just bought one for 99p at the local pound shop thing....bargain 1p back!!
once youve done this see wheat it looks like when its dry and then decide if you need to use the renovo stuff to recolour.......
Ive used the renovo stuff in the past too and it is very good.
hope this helps
cheers
gareth

[dans]

Scot,
I bought this kit
http://www.renovointernational.com/products/kit_a.php

And have used it to do a medium dirty elan roof, and a large very dirty 4 seater convertible roof. Reckon I've got about 1/4 of each substance left.

If that's any help?!?!?

Dan