Hey all, I'm new to this convertible top aspect, and would like to know what products you guys use in the cleaning and then dressing/protecting part ? Please list CG products if possible. If im not wrong, fabric and vinyl tops would require different product treatments, so please list the separate products and processes for both these materials as for the New Look Trim Gel, would it be suitable for the vinly tops ? not too sure if this can be used on the fabric tops too ? what i have in mind is normal apc for the cleaning part with the CG durafoam, then Trim Gel for the dressing protectant part (if trim gel is ok for the vinyl top) . not too sure about fabric top... I'm trying to stay with the CG products as they are more accessible and economical for me... thanks
I can reply but I have no experience with CG products, therefore cannot comment on which is best. Fabric tops should be wet every so often but only in the form of a rinse. Soap is not needed and kinda frowned upon unless you're renewing the water repellent. I usually vacuum my clients fabric tops on a weekly basis (also tape them to remove cat hair, etc.) and then maybe rinse them off once a month or so. Vinyl tops can be cleaned with a simple damp microfiber towel and then treated with a water based dressing as needed, such as 303 or Protectant Plus. To clean and treat fabric tops for stains and renewing the water repellent I use Powerclean diluted to clean, using a soft brush for agitation if needed and 303's Fabric Guard to treat the top. I apply 3 light coats, using the heat from the sun to dry is possible, if not then a heat gun or hair dryer. Hope that helps, Anthony
Thanks for that Anthony, I've got Optimum Power Clean which I will be using as the cleaning stage. I'm assuming this part can be done for both fabric and vinyl tops right ? As for dressing/protectant, I'll wait for those with CG experience to chim in. still unsure about which CG products for vinyl and fabric top for protection. hmm, so seems like for normal washing maintenance, a strong jet of water is alright yeah ? no need for soap and for the mitt to be rubbed on top ? and probably no need for the foam gun to spread the foam on the top then... correct me if im wrong please...thanks !
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Well on most of my clients fabric tops I just usually brush them and vacuum, with an occasional spot cleaning with a damp microfiber. I rinse them off with water maybe once every month, less if it's a garage queen. Glad to be of help, Anthony
For vinyl tops, Raggtopp vinyl protectant is good stuff. I've now started using Lexol Vinylex with similar results, which is a little less expensive and much easier to find. One word of caution though. Rain water can cause the protectant to run down and get all over your window glass. Additionally, if you have a convertible where when you lower the roof, the vinyl touches the rear glass - and I think most all of them are this way - extra vinyl protectant can "rub off" onto the rear window. So once you put the top back up, you've got this smear looking film all over your rear window. Raggtopp doesn't run in rainstorms as badly as Vinylex, but it still does it. Same with transfer onto the back window. My current practice is to use Vinylex, since it's cheaper, and since I have to buff either one of them with a dry microfiber towel after I've applied them (to prevent the above-mentioned problems). HTH.
i've been looking at the 303 line as well. reason im staying away from raggtop is that it comes in aerosol cans and it cant be shipped overseas by air. and what do you guys use to protect the vinyl rear windows then ? can 303 protectant be used on it too together with the vinyl roof ?
303 is a great product and can be used on damn near anything! You will not be disappointed with it, I never have been. I think CG has a 303 copy but I don't know what it's called. You could use the 303 on either style of roof.
The most impot point in caring for fabric tops IMO- 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)
For my money Ragg Top makes the best convertible top care products. However, if the aerosol packaging causes a shipping problem (only the fabric top protectant is aerosol) then the 303 Fabric Protectant works extremely well too.
