I just moved into my Apt. in Albuquerque and although some of you answered my
s2000 questions pertaining to Albuquerque on safety etc. I have one more for now.
BTW thank your earlier help.

I've had a s2000 for 10 years, now and always had my car in a garage or carport.
At present, I'm on the waiting list for a carport and was wondering how the sun
effects the fabric top in your wonderful city? By chance if anyone has their car exposed to sun all year have you noticed the top wearing in some way. Also, is there a product that can help extend the life of the top is sun really becomes a factor?

Again , thanks for your help

 

Welcome to Albuquerque!!

I had a similar question. not to hijack your thread. but I've had my car over a year and half and have never cleaned my top since my hardtop is on 99% of the time. What is the proper way to clean it and maintain it?

 

Ok here it goes.
Convertible tops have a short life span if there are in the NM sun constantly. In other parts of the country the UV is not as bad and the life of a top is about 10 years (if properly cared for). In NM a top in the same care will last for about 7 years. The ware comes in all sorts of forms, shrinking the material, drying it out so it tears easily, fading it, and finally drstroying plastic windows.
There are a few ways to preserve the top.
1: keep it covered as much as possible. Car port, garage, car cover (as i do).
2: keep ot clean and protected monthly if this is in the sun constantly.

Procedure: i have been doing upholstery for over 4 years and i have "perfected" a top cleaning procedure. If you are a diy person PM me or call me and i will tell you what to get. If you want to learn how to do it while watching/helping me we can do a "upholstery tech day" soon.


But none the less. The best product is RaggTop. I believe the set up is $30.00 not including a brush.

Im more the willing to answer any and all upholstery (interior and tops) related topics so contact me via PM or text or call. If i dont answer leave a message.
505-203-7184

Doug

 

If not available locally, you can get it from Detailers Domain (who happens to be a site sponsor). Another good alternative is 303. The key here is vinyl UV protection.

 

Thanks julieU

but i actually have a supplier in town and my cost is a lot less then that site and shipping is free!

(the two products i use plus shipping is $42.78 from the site, i think i get it for $30.00)

 

I'll have to buy the products and pop the hardtop off and have you show me how to do this sometime. I'm pretty sure my soft top has never been cleaned.

 

Ditto question regarding a rag top that is tucked away 99% of the time. UV is not a big problem - so does this product help with keeping the fabric like new (stretchable)?

 

Cleaning and protecting the top is a must do here in the desert due to the dryness, so yep i would do it phil.

 

Here is my lengthy picture thread of Doug repairing my seat and soft top.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=814307