What are you all using on your convertible tops to clean and condition? Is it ok to take a mild scrub brush to it?

There's only one company to use, Ragg Top. It's a cleaner and a protectant.:cheers:

There's only one company to use, Ragg Top. It's a cleaner and a protectant.:cheers:

:iagree:

I have the "RAGGTOPP Convertible Top Care Kit - Fabric" package.

I read that a mild hand held brush is okay -- many people recommended the following: HelpMate Body Suds & Wash Soft Brush (V5607). My car is pretty new so I haven't had to scrub the top yet.

TIP: When applying the spray protector, be sure to use something to cover up where you don't want to get it applied, such as the all the windows and the body panels. Once you get this stuff where it doesn't belong, I hear is it really hard to get off again.

Some people have used Saran Wrap, saying it sticks via static. I used some paint protector stuff I had laying around the house. I wrapped and taped it all over the car to ensure that nothing would get touched with any overspray. I used blue painter's tape so it wouldn't stick to the car or leave any sticky residue. But, I tried not to tape anything directly to the car. You have to do this, though, to properly cover up the rear window. (Once I can post pics, I can show you how I protected the car before I applied the RaggTopp protector :-)

Armor All works pretty good. It cleans, shines and protects against UVA and UVB damage. I use it on the black vinyl soft top on my wife's Mustang. Works well and restores the shine.

The best product IMO is the Raggtop line! Here is a link for you: http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/raggtopp.html and also this one too: http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/woprose.html, This should help you out Bulls Eye!

I posted this before the server lost data, so I'll post it again>

Rode & Schwalenbert Gmbn. (Germany) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops exclusively recommends Harrtz RaggTop Cleaners and Protectant. Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products:

1.Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials. The best cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe, but effective, cleaning power.

2.Fabric protector to re-proof and preserve fabric tops from the effects of water absorption, surface soiling and staining, and provide a sunscreen from UV radiation and subsequent fading. It has the best UV protection of any product on the market, and it repels dirt, grease, and oil. It doesn’t make your vinyl top glossy or greasy-looking. It will have the natural matte sheen of new vinyl.

Alternative product- this is the fabric protector recommended by Glen Raven Mills (Sunbrella) and the Haartz Corporation, 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellence and stain repellence to factory new levels. It stops leaks, resists soiling and impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays.

Application Methodology
•Use a soft horsehair brush to remove any loose surface dust, use a lint lifter to remove lint from the fabric surface. Be careful around the rear window to avoid scratching
•Mask the areas around the fabric top with masking tape (3M® Painters Easy Release Blue Tape) also cover the rear window to avoid over-spray
•Shake product for 30-60 seconds to ensure even mixing
•With all cleaning products, always test a small, indiscrete area first to ensure it won't discolour or stain the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material.
•Apply fabric cleaner (Harrtz RaggTop Cleaner) with a clean, damp applicator and leave to penetrate fabric for 10 – 20 minutes dependant upon stain. Gently scrub using a soft brush to get into the texture of the fabric.
•Repeat if necessary; applying two light coats are better than the application of one heavy coat: allow drying thoroughly between coats.
•Rinse off using a low-pressure water hose and a soft horsehair brush
•Dry with a waffle weave Microfiber towel using a blotting motion to dry excess moisture.
•Allow the fabric to dry for as long as possible (preferably 24-hours) before using the protectant. An hour or two isn’t long enough, it may feel dry but that’s only the uppermost surface layer (using a protectant on a damp fabric will ‘seal in’ the moisture and encourage the formation of mildew)
•Apply a fabric protector (Harrtz RaggTop Protectant) on the dry fabric, keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movements spray lightly but do not soak.
•Alternatively use a soft horsehair paintbrush and apply light thin coats, if time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat, using gentle sweeping motion. Do not saturate. Allow to dry 10-15 minutes between coats, and to dry thoroughly before using or storing.
•Remove all masking tape and any other materials
•Be sure to remove any accidental over-spray from paint or glass surfaces immediately with a damp Microfiber towel or a 1:1 isopropyl alcohol / distilled water solution. On paint work use a pre-wax cleaner if necessary or fine detailing clay.
•After treatment the top will bead water, when the beading diminishes (usually at 6 monthly intervals, dependent upon climate / use) it's an indication that it's time for another treatment.

Maintenance- Normal cleaning: Use a 10:1 solution of Woolite/ Distilled water and then apply UVR protection; periodically (dependant on climatic conditions) apply a UV protection (303™ Aerospace Protectant) to fabric by keeping spray about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak fabric.


An extract from one of a series of in-depth detailing articles © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved