How do you guys recommend I clean the soft top?
Is there anything I should avoid when cleaning the car?

M@

 

First of all, it depends on how dirty your top is and whether it is vinyl (like the s2000) or fabric. For this response I'll assume it is vinyl and in good shape.

Assuming the top is just dirty like the rest of the car, just use they same soapy water and mitt you use to wash the rest of the car. If the dirt is especially heavy or a bird makes an unwelcome deposit, I'll use a soft scrub brush with the same water.

If tried the convertible top cleaners (e.g. 303 and raggtop) but I found no advantage using this over the normal car wash solution.

After drying the top, use a vinyl treatment like 303 protectant, Raggtop, or vinylex. To apply, spray it on a lint free rag and then wipe the protectant on the top. Do not spray on to the top because the overspray.

After leaving it soak for some time, many people on this forum wipe down the vinyl top with another dry, lint free cloth to remove the excess. The problem with the treatments is that it will leave a film on the windows after a rain and wiping away the excess minimizes (but not necessarily eliminates) this problem.

Please reply if you have additional questions or have specific problems / questions

 

I purchased the 303 cleaner/protectant kit and have been really happy with using it on the exterior of the top.

What about the interior?? Do you use 303 on the interior of the top as well?

Thanks for the tip about spraying on the mf and then applying!

 

where do you get the 303 protectant?? are they available at regular auto parts stores??

 

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/index.html

checked the local stores with no luck, classic motoring has been great to work with!!

 

Locally, check boating stores for 303.

Online, a fellow S2000 owner would love the opportunity to earn your business:
http://www.sportscarcare.com/scc/category.....asp?Category=2

 

hmmm I think my soft top on my 1999/2000 model s2000 is fabric (plastic rear window - not glass)...its definitely not like the tonneau cover.

Thanks for the info ppl. This will help a lot.

 

All of the S tops are vinyl! It may look / feel like fabric, it is not!

 

probably don't really need 303 on the interior of the top. 303 is a uv protectant...when the top is folding most of the interior isn't exposed to the sun. i'd used 303 on the dash and stuff.

 

Does 303 smell? I have 3M Leather/Vinyl protectant, and the one thing I don't like about it is the lemon smell. I want to protect my dash and top, but I feel like lemon and leather smell don't mix well...

Jean