Fabric convertible tops

[buck91]

Lots of options out there, anything stand out for cleaning and protecting fabric/canvas convertibles? In the past I've used Ragg Topp for both cleaning and protecting. I've also used Meguiars APC as well as 303 Fabric Guard. All work, none seem any better than the others just more (or less) expensive.

 

[jims5600]

I had a Corvette with a fabric top (black) I cleaned it with a mixture of Woollite
and water. Cleaned it well. It does not add any protection though

 

[drtyler]

Soap and water for cleaning.

The Porsche aerosol protectant works well.

https://shop.porsche.com/us/en-US/p/convertible-top-care-00004400199-B/00004400199

 

[wings&wheels]

I have had good luck w/ Ragg Top. the protectant is messy on anything but fabric, but effective.

 

[Cujet]

For a wash, Woolite works fine, as does a mild/diluted laundry detergent, a car wash brush and a good rinse. I've used Raggtopp protectant with good results. There are others too. Most are a form of water repellent with UV block.

fluoroacrylate copolymer is one possible water repellent in Raggtopp. It's used in the textile industry for exactly this.
Tinuvin is also a likely UV block. Also commonly used on fabrics to prevent fading in the sun.


My experience with Raggtopp is that it works and lasts months. It will discolor a lighter fabric top, especially if it is one that has a pattern look, (grain) such as Stayfast fabric. As it softens/blurs that grainy, high end look. I generally don't care.

I dispute the idea that Raggtopp makes a top last significantly longer. I seem to get the same amount of time out of the top regardless of 'product' use, about 5-7 years here in Jupiter. What really works to keep a convertible top healthy is a good garage. And I think, to leave up when not driving. If it stays folded (I like the top down all the time), the creases will take a set and fail faster IMHO, and that's where mine always fail.

Note: I've owned convertible sports cars since I was 15. It is what I like.

 

[Marcozi]

For a wash, Woolite works fine, as does a mild/diluted laundry detergent, a car wash brush and a good rinse. I've used Raggtopp protectant with good results. There are others too. Most are a form of water repellent with UV block.

fluoroacrylate copolymer is one possible water repellent in Raggtopp. It's used in the textile industry for exactly this.
Tinuvin is also a likely UV block. Also commonly used on fabrics to prevent fading in the sun.


My experience with Raggtopp is that it works and lasts months. It will discolor a lighter fabric top, especially if it is one that has a pattern look, (grain) such as Stayfast fabric. As it softens/blurs that grainy, high end look. I generally don't care.

I dispute the idea that Raggtopp makes a top last significantly longer. I seem to get the same amount of time out of the top regardless of 'product' use, about 5-7 years here in Jupiter. What really works to keep a convertible top healthy is a good garage. And I think, to leave up when not driving. If it stays folded (I like the top down all the time), the creases will take a set and fail faster IMHO, and that's where mine always fail.

Note: I've owned convertible sports cars since I was 15. It is what I like.

Great photo!

 

[harbor]

I’ve had good luck with 303 on 2 Crossfires and the below 2001 Boxster’s orig top. Heard good things about RaggTop also.

 

[thastinger]

I just wash it with the same suds I'm washing the paint with. I use 303 once a year but I roll most of it on with a foam paint roller.

 

[normal username]

I use Meguiar's convertible top cleaner. I've never put a hydrophobic protectant like Raggtop and stuff but maybe I should...

Meguiar's does a fantastic job as the top looks brand new after a clean. I only do it once a year (after winter) and in between I just wash it with the suds from the car soap I'm using.