[bletemita]

Hi! I just bought a 2012 Fiat 500c (first car! and my dream car!!)
The tan fabric on the top has grease spots where the roof folds back. I was told it is probably that the inside has broken and leaking and that I have to change the entire roof. LOL, no. I bought this car cheap to last me a year to go to school (US prices are insane and I got a good deal because it's a manual!). I am a broke international grad student that endured 3 summers in Arizona without a vehicle.
Could you guys help me with ideas to cover the grease? I was thinking patches, but I don't know if that is like the worst idea ever.

Thank you so much for reading!

 

[bryanintowson]

Welcome to the forum! For a convertible top I would use a specialist cleaner such as 303 Convertible Top Cleaner https://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0

You will also want to use a soft brush to agitate the cleaner and work it into the fabric so it can lift out the grease. If you suspect the grease is coming from inside the mechanism, check where it is coming from to see if you can stanch the flow of grease. Otherwise, I suspect it will just keep coming back until the source of the grease runs out and top stops working.

 

[bletemita]

Welcome to the forum! For a convertible top I would use a specialist cleaner such as 303 Convertible Top Cleaner https://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0

You will also want to use a soft brush to agitate the cleaner and work it into the fabric so it can lift out the grease. If you suspect the grease is coming from inside the mechanism, check where it is coming from to see if you can stanch the flow of grease. Otherwise, I suspect it will just keep coming back until the source of the grease runs out and top stops working.

Thank you! I already started cleaning it with a convertible product, yes. I will try to see if I can see the mechanism. I am a little scared!

 

[bletemita]

Me again! I've been looking around and can't find any videos on how to get in the mechanism. Do you know of any? Thank you so so so much, really.

 

[JW4]

What exactly are you attempting to get at? The only greasy parts of the convertible top are the guide rails (on both sides) and the guides (the part of them that go into the rails). Just open up the top all the way and see if there is any excessive grease sticking out from the rails. While the top is only partially open, take a look at the top guides (in between the folded fabric) to see if there is any excessive grease anywhere. Chances are - you won't find any, and the car was probably stained with something else, from the outside. You can remove most stains with the proper chemicals. Just do not use any hard brushes, or chemicals that might damage the fabric.

Also, if I were you, and was using a cheap car to get around, the spots on the top would be the last thing on my list. When was the last time the car had the engine oil changed? How about brake fluid? Did you do the applicable mileage inspection, as specified in the owner's manual? Does your spare tire has any air in it?

 

[bletemita]

Thank you so so so much for taking the time to explain this!!! I just did the tire thingy, going tomorrow to get the transmission checked and I will ask the mechanic to show me where to check oil and fluids and all that. It has a million miles so I have to give it love. I KNOWW the grease is the last part but the car is SO PRETTYYY and i am a freak. I will take a picture tomorrow and show you!

 

[JW4]

No problem. But please, make sure that you familiarize yourself with the necessary maintenance, etc. Owner's manual is a good start. If you do not have one, they are available on the net: https://www.dezosmanuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2012-Fiat-500.pdf Having a pretty car is, of course, nice, but it would not be very useful if the wheel falls off while you are driving (that is actually more common than people think)
Make sure that: engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, coolant are fresh and are not leaking.
Make sure that the serpentine belt is good. Check if the timing belt is due.
Check brake pads and rotors, check the tires for proper wear.
Of course, you also need the lights, wipers, working and properly adjusted.

Also, have someone check the CV boots and tie rods.
The rest of it is a bit more complicated, but usually lasts longer unless the car has seen excessive wear or has been in an accident.

 

[bletemita]

On it. Thank you so much!!

 

[bryanintowson]

Glad to hear that you are as charmed by your little bellissima as we are!

 

[bletemita]

Just here to report I cleaned the grease spots! With Dawn Powerwash and 303 and a lot of patience. I rubbed the thing for 3 hs (hehe). They didn't come back yet! I also taught myself how to chage a fuse and check my fluids. I am happy!

 

[JW4]

Very good. Still waiting for those pictures

 

[bletemita]

I look horrible, don't know what my face was doing. Right after mechanic, detailing, fixing a fuse, replacing a lost wheel cap and changing day lights. Still with the dealership sticker that I removed soon after.

 

[JW4]

Looks great!
Nice color, too.