Polishing and waxing will only slow down the inevitable weathering of the elements, probably the best solution is to keep the roof covered when not in use. I use a winter cover when the Touring season is over and a roof cover between trips.


g3p1688-Familia-roof-cover.html

I still use autoglym on the roof probably once every 18 months, personally I wouldn't use any kind of solvent on the roof to remove tar etc as it will react with the gel roof. I remember when I had my Puck and I was removing the old Eriba sticker off the roof and replacing it with a new one. The instructions recommended using lighter fuel to clean the area, when I used the fuel to clean the fiberglass it had an adverse reaction and it went very hot..... I had to wash the area with plenty of water to stop the reaction.

Quote: Aaron Calder wrote in post #17

---

As for using lighter fuel to remove decals, isn't it a better idea to heat them up using a hairdryer or (carefully) with an electric paint stripper?

---

Machine polishing! Anyone! or was it just me?

WD 40 removed tar spots from my Troll recently.

Two points : firstly Autoglym etc are designed to polish and protect CAR finishes - like cellulose and acrylic paints, cutting polish and compounds etc are for use on the same finishes. As far as i'm aware Eriba roofs are finished in a GEL COAT of resin.

Heavy cutting compounds etc will quickly remove paint or gel coat, which could prove a problem on fibre glass mouldings like an Eriba roof .

Having had much experience with vintage vehicles and several years in the 'used car' trade I would only recommend 'cutting' compounds on the very worst oxidation etc. it will remove a layer of paint, too much and you're down to 'base coat/undercoat' - if its gel coat you're removing its not a good idea ! Paint you can re spray - gel coat, not so easy !

Really there are two basic types of polish used in the 'trade' - basically 'new car polish (soft) and used car polish (cut) - which of course cuts the grime and polishes. Autoglym and similar is considered 'soft' with little or no 'cut' so is also suitable 'new' paint :)

I saw a film once, some Chinese bloke, wax on, wax off and at the end of it you could catch a fly between 2 chopsticks??????? is this also a Welsh pastime??

Quote: Bryn wrote in post #25

---

is this also a Welsh pastime??

---

I can only let a picture do the talking! 2004 Troll photo taken in 2015 just before sale, if you can beat that on an 11 year old van show us the pics! I rest my case Mlud😲 I should also say no cover!

As the roof is GRP I went to our local boat chandlers and have used a cleaner and polish used on boats. It needed some elbow grease but has given a great finish and has lasted well and has given good protection for the two years. I will be doing it again before the winter but will use a machine polisher this time to ease my joints.

That's a beautiful finish. I've got 'shine-envy' now. I'm dreaming of an autoglym SRP followed by a wax finish topped up a couple of times a year. Hope it looks like yours. I've been chortling away at the comments on this thread. I'm a newbie on here and can't wait to read more.