convertable top cleaning

[ewclement]

The Rag Topp convertible top cleaner instructions says to put top protectant on after cleaning the top. I that really necessary after every cleaning? What if I just wash the top with regular car wash. Do I still need to put protectant on the top every time I wash the car?
Ed

[joe166]

Re: convertable top cleaning

You need to use a protectant when the top no longer beads water and gets soaked when it gets wet. The material our tops are made of is not exactly waterproof unless it has something on it to make it so.

I use 303 protectant about once or twice a year. There are others. In my opinion the best place to buy a protectant is at a Marine store like West Marine Supply. They have lots of different choices. I don't use it every time I "wash" the top, but I use it when I "clean" the top. I also use it before I put the hardtop on and stow the convertible top in the well. You are supposed to let the protectant dry before you fold up the top.

Just watch out for overspray, it can be hard to remove from the glass and/or the paint. The easiest way I have found is to unlatch the top, put a towel or newspapers over the windshield and the windows, close the doors and stuff newspapers between the top and the sides of the car while the top is slightly open, then as it slowly opens up and rests on the windshield moulding, it traps the papers and lets you spray right to the bottom of the material. You can also stick newspapers under the top around the back window.

If you do overspray, the best stuff I have found to remove it is detailler spray. It removes the overspray much easier than car wash. Make sure you get one that lets you use it on glass too.

[5bird7]

Re: convertable top cleaning

Also, Be sure to use a FABRIC protectant, not one designed for Vinyl tops.