Keep your top from going from riches to rags
A convertible soft-top can last as long as the car
While some might consider a vehicle with a folding fabric top rather unsuited for Canadian driving, there are a lot of enthusiasts who have a hard time hearing that argument — because the wind is rushing by their ears. But the last thing any droptop owner wants to face is the cost of replacing the fabric or backglass due to wear or stains. Those bills can let the joyous air out of open-air motoring very quickly.
Seeing that great warm driving weather is upon us, a few tips on maintaining and cleaning a convertible top are right on time.
First, it’s important to know which type of top your ride is equipped with; they can be sorted in to two categories; fabric/canvas or vinyl. An easy way to tell is to dribble a small amount of water on the surface of the roof and move it around with your fingers. If it soaks into the fabric, it’s the canvas type. If it mostly lies on the surface and beads off, it’s likely vinyl.
The best place to tackle a convertible top cleaning and treatment job is under cover. Doing it outside risks having the cleaner sun- bake on the material, ( leaving stains) or bringing new dirt and fallout into the mix. Thoroughly rinse the top before starting any cleaning to remove any grit that could dissolve and stain. Vacuuming the material using a soft dust-brush attachment can achieve the same results.
Two of the best brands of rag- top cleaner and treatments are Meguiars and RAGGTOP. The latter carries individual products for both vinyl and canvas tops as well as treatments for flexible back- glasses. Don’t use any regular scrub brush when applying and working in the cleaner as they can tear and fuzz canvas tops. A mediumlength bristle brush is your best bet. Try the brush on the back of your hand first. If it doesn’t hurt your skin under moderate to heavy pressure, it should be safe for your top.
Follow the cleaner’s instructions and complete a large enough section of the roof at a time to avoid having the cleaner dry out. Rinse thoroughly to make sure all the cleaner residue is off. Don’t use high water pressure with canvas tops because you might damage the fibres and allow water into the cabin.
Before a pplyi ng a ny weatherproofing treatment, the top has to be perfectly dry.
Don’t forget the underside and mechanics. Convertibles usually use thick, porous foam rubber weather seals, and an annual treatment of these with spray silicone lubricating compound can go a long way to keeping them from dry- cracking or wearing against hard surfaces. Soft-top folding-frame joints can also benefit from a quick spray of lubricant.