Rag Top Care

[Ranger_Vet68]

OK, No more "Car Washes" any longer. Just had the car full detailed, and will have the car hand wash until I pick up another one. Question. After the Detail, I hear that using the "Meguiar's" CONVERTIBLE & CABRIOLET CLEANER is the best way to go.....Suggestions?? Also I was told that when I have my care hand washed, to leave the top alone. Meaning not getting the top wet because of it becoming "Damp". Is that correct????

Thank You.

[Nate4641]

Do you not drive the car in the rain? The top getting damp shouldn't be an issue. I would be careful of what kind of soap you are using on the paint coming in contact with the top. Some soaps might eat away at the protection you put on the fabric

[inTgr8r]

Look for "Rag Top" products for cleaning/conditioning the top.
They worked great when I had my roadster.

[Ranger_Vet68]

Thank You for the info......

[Steeler]

This might sound a little stange but I use a lysol handiwipe, squeeze most of the liquid out and wipe the top working side to side across the fabric.
The wipe leaves lint behind but a rolled up piece of duct tape works well as a lint catcher.

To seal it I use 303 fabric protectant.

[Ranger_Vet68]

Just best to use a lint roller...That's what I use...

[Ranger_Vet68]

Nate, Your quite correct about the soap that is being used. I just tell them to stay away from the top with the soap. But here's another question. If they just spray the top of the car with water, and then have then Vacuum the water off the top. That could not hurt the top...Correct??

[Nate4641]

No, that shouldn't be a problem. Don't be afraid of the top getting wet, it was made to be outside. If you look at the pic in my signature my car is caked in road salt, these cars aren't fragile. Mostly when it comes to washing I would be careful not to get too much soap on the fabric and do not use a power washer on it (learned that lesson with my old miata). Even if soap does get on the fabric, just rinse it off.

If you notice the top soaking in the water more than beading it off, let the car sit in the sun for a little bit to dry and add some more protectant. It is normal for the fabric to absorb some water and it's nothing to worry about. You definitely do not want to put the top down if it is wet though, that can cause mildew.

[Ranger_Vet68]

Sounds good to me...And I would never want to place the top down when its wet. That in it's self can be the worse thing to do...

[yousefnjr]

I usually just spray the top with water only. Every few washes I use raggtopp products with a horse hair brush. She's holding up well

[TennesseeZ4]

+1 on the horse hair brush and Rag Topp cleaner and sealer. Works great, I do mine about every two years.

[Ranger_Vet68]

Yep, I just bought that stuff and will use it. Plus putting on that Protective coat so when water is on the top, it just turns to beads of water and rolls right off...

[imz4n]

I use a soft nylon brush ( stiffer than a shoe buff brush, but, not a kitchen brush ) to remove heavy dust and dirt ( brushing in the direction of the grain of the canvas material ) then rinse the top with water and brush and rinse again. I never use soap on the top ever. Clean and treat the top once per year. Just saying