Xssesive

I know I saw a recent post about what to use for cleaning the top and protecting it but I couldn't find it using the search. Noticed after washing it with Zaino wash it doesn't bead up with water, probably needs to be done. What to use and where to get it please, thanks. :D

Big Carrot

I just got one too. I was kinda wondering the same thing. Mine is tan and it has a couple of dingy looking spots on it. Maybe someone will chime in.

repvette

Will probably go with the 303 stuff in the future, but, car is just 6 months and no problem spots and at last wash, I soaked down the top with cold water and put some Woolite on it, worked the Woolite in with a soft brush, let it set for 15 minutes and rinsed - perfect.

Mean Green

ummmmm dude, you cross posted this in both sections and since this really isn't a Tech related topic, I'm gonna move this one to Car Care :cheers:

Intelman34

This stuff is the best!:
http://www.usawebcraft.net/secure/co...d=2442730_3152

KLO

You can use either the Raggtopp cleaner or the Haartz brand name cleaner and then seal the top with the Raggtopp sealant or the 303 Fabric Guard Sealant. I stock both brand names for 25.00 plus shipping. Here is the process:

A properly maintained cloth top should bead water AT ALL times, if it does not the cloth sealant applied to it at the http://www.haartz.com factory has broken down leaving the top material prone to staining and discoloration. The 303 Fabric Guard and Raggtopp is invisible and will reseal the top material.

Important: A program of keeping the top clean through regular washings BEFORE it gets dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of an acrylic top and make successive cleaning easier.

Most automatic car washes will not harm sport topping fabrics. Washes with water jets and hanging cloths are preferred. Those using heavy barrel brushes should be avoided. Haartz recommends hand washing in the shade or partial shade, not direct sunlight.

Bird and tree droppings as well as other loose particle soils should be removed immediately. Vacuum the top with a brush attachment and rinse the roof fabric thoroughly with water to remove these loose particle soils. This will also prevent the soils from being redeposited during the cleaning process. Once the top has been rinsed thoroughly, spray apply Haartz Roof Cleaner/Raggtopp evenly over the entire top while the top is still wet. Washing with soap and warm water is a safe alternative to Haartz Roof Cleaner/Raggtopp, but not as effective. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS. Allow the roof cleaner to soak into the top for 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub the top lightly with a soft nylon brush or terry cloth rag. Rinse thoroughly, preferably until no remaining soap foam is observed. Allow to dry. Additional cleaning may be required. It is best to determine this after the top has dried completely. After drying, cleaning must be followed by re-water repelling the fabric with a fluorocarbon system such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard/Raggtopp . Failure to do so will result in rapid resoiling of the unprotected fabric.

The fabric itself does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. For these more stubborn cases, soak the fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of no more than ½ cup (4 oz.) bleach and ¼ cup (2 oz.) Haartz Roof Cleaner per gallon of water and scrub lightly as indicated above. (can't really do this with the Raggtopp cleaner as it is a foam where the Haartz cleaner is a soap like liquid) Excessive soaking with the bleach
solution can deteriorate seam threads, so be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Rinse entire vehicle to remove all of the bleach solution from fabric and to prevent streaking on painted and chrome surfaces. Acrylic fabric readily absorbs water but dries quickly. Several cleanings may be necessary.

Do NOT use top dressing cleaners or conditioners containing silicones, organic solvents, petroleum distillates or plasticizers that may permanently stain the fabric. This product is made from 100% solution dyed acrylic fiber which is thermoplastic. Do NOT subject to excessive heat.

The use of stronger cleansers should be left to professionals experienced in handling this type of fabric to avoid discoloration and degradation of the special protective inner layer.

Johnsnc

The owner's manual talks about using two GM products, GM Convertible Top Cleaner (Part # 12378520) and GM Water Repellent (Part # 12378519).

Has anyone had any luck with the GM Products?

BobbyO

I agree with KLO's procedure and products. I've used this procedure since new and the top still looks new even after two years!

Xssesive

Thanks for the help! :cool:

BILLY D

My black ragtop is about 4 years old and the previous owner just sprayed it down with Scotch Guard. I've done the same and it still looks new. Are there any adverse effects to using Scotch Guard ? So far I haven't had any problems.