I am a new owner looking for advice. I think I saw a solution to this problem somewheree on this site, but I can no longer locate the answer.
QUESTION: How does one clean the INSIDE of the rear window?
The owners manual cautions against stopping the retraction process part way because the top may begin moving while body parts are in proximity and injury may result.
Any opinions/solutions are greatly appreciated.
Ron

 

The trick is to stop the roof retraction at about the half-way point, when the window itself is perpendicular to the ground. The window is where most of the weight is, and, when stopped near one end of the cycle or the other, will be too much weight for the supports to handle. Right in the area of that center point, however, the roof will stay put for as long as you want. That's why all the photos you see of the roof in mid-retraction are in this position, because it's the only time you can take your finger off the button and get out of the car.

Do not, however, turn off the engine. Leave everything running so that you run no risk of the engine not starting again and you do not want the battery to run down during this process, as that screws up the computer's memory and everything has to be reset by the dealer. That's why you NEVER operate the top without the engine running.

Then wash the inside of the window all you want. I do this about two or three times a year.

 

It's also the only good way I've found to lubricate all the roof gaskets.

Robert

 

ROBERT:

That's a good thought. What do you lubricate them with?

Thanks.

 

tfischer-

I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. I bought it at a marine supply store. I think someone on this site recommended it. It seems to be a really good chemical. I think it's even non-toxic. Although it gives somewhat of a sheen on the dashboard/door covers, it's not designed to like an ArmorAll product. Since my car sat so long (somewhere) before I bought it, one of the first things I did was put lots of protectant on the roof gaskets where they're exposed to the sun. With the roof up halfway, you can reach most of the gaskets, including the trunk! The area around the base of the back window, or up in behind it is the only area I haven't been able to reach.

Here's a link to 303 Aerospace:
http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=protectant


Robert

 

ROBERT:

Thanks. Their site locates a marine dealer nearby which carries it.

I am on my way. I have a friend who has an SLK, so I will pick up a bottle for him also, as those roof seals are more of a problem than on the SC430, which configures the window/roof junction differently.

According to their web page, I can use this stuff on almost everything but the pets.

 

Tried the top 1/2 open and it worked great. Thanks to all for the additional info to include that of lubing the gaskets. hadn't done that yet.
Thanks again
Ron