Convertible Care?

Is there any product that we should be using on a new gen 3 convertible top (exterior) to maintain it's new look and/or water resistance? I was planning on dousing it with Scotch Guard, but I think that's more for me than the top.

 

Excellent! Thank you.

So to my surprise, the Viper is listed as a cloth top. Do you think this is a reference to the Gen 2 removable tops or the gen 3 tops...or both?

Dang new car requires me learn everything all over again.

 

I have no doubt it's water proof, but since (financially) I will have to keep this car forever I want to insure that, over time, it will remain that way. Tops tend to "dry out" over the course of time. More accurately, the convertible tops made 10-20 years ago would dry out over time. I'm guessing the materials used now last far longer, but it doesn't take much to treat the fabric or vinyl (what the heck is it?) with some product every 6 months or so. It's also good for the economy for me to spend a few more $ on unnecessary car products.

 

Thanks Luna. Yep, that's the second website that confirms our top is "fabric" rather than vinyl.

FYI, J.C. Whitney sells RaggTopp Fabric Protector for $18.99.


From the top manufacturer's website:

Cloth Top Cleaning

CAMBRIA®, STAYFAST®, TWILLFAST®, SONNENLAND®
Solution Dyed Acrylic Topping Fabric

Ordering Information at bottom of page

Although the fabric does not promote mildew growth by itself, mildew may develop on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed. This is especially true in warm, humid, dark environments. A program of keeping the fabric clean through regular washings, BEFORE it gets dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of the acrylic and make successive cleaning easier.

Most automatic car washes will not harm cloth top fabrics. Washes with water jets and hanging cloths provide a more gentle cleaning action. Those using heavy barrel brushes could damage the top material. Haartz recommends hand washing.

The Haartz Corporation recommends using RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner and RAGGTOPP™ Protectant (available from Wolfsteins Pro-Series at tel: 800-377-4700, fax: 770-395-1353, e-mail: [email protected]).

Hand washing in shade or partial shade, not direct sunlight, is best. DO NOT USE DETERGENT. Bird and tree droppings, as well as other loose particle soils, should be removed immediately. Vacuum with a brush attachment and rinse thoroughly with water to remove loose particle soils. This will also prevent the soils from being redeposited during the cleaning process. Once the fabric has been rinsed thoroughly, spray RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner evenly over the entire surface while still wet. Allow the cleaner to soak for 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub lightly with a soft nylon brush or terry cloth rag. Rinse thoroughly, preferably until no remaining soap foam is observed. Additional cleanings may be required. It is best to determine the need for additional cleanings after the fabric has dried completely.

Washing with soap (ie. Ivory or Lux) and warm water is a safe alternative to RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner, but not as effective.

For more stubborn cases, mix a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4oz.) bleach and 1/4 cup (2oz.) RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner per gallon of water, soak for approximately 20 minutes and scrub lightly as indicated above. (Excessive soaking with the bleach solution can deteriorate seam threads.) Rinse thoroughly to prevent streaking on painted and chrome surfaces. Several cleanings may be necessary.

Once dry, cleaning must be followed by re-water repelling with RAGGTOPP™ Protectant. (This product does not contain CFC's and therefore, is not harmful to the environment.) Failure to apply will result in rapid resoiling of the unprotected fabric.

 

Thanks Peter.

Nonetheless, I've asked around and no one is aware of a factory treatment for the top. Regardless, is there ary reason not to use additional Ragg Topp Protectant right away?