hello,

The S2K is my first convertible car so I don't know much about how to care and maintain the rag top. Can any experts out there shed some light on this ?

Do I need to condition the top once in a while? If so, with what?

Thanks!

 

I'm not an expert either but I'd say the majority of the people here would say 303 Protectant is great for our tops. One thread (can't find it) explained to pour a little in a dish and sop it up with a sponge, then drag the sponge across the top.

Link to where to find 303...
http://www.properautocare.com/303-16.html

 

Thanks TepEvan for the tip.

would armor all be ok?

 

I can recommend Ragg Topp products. They make an aerosol cleaner that can be used with or without water, a spray cleaner that requires water, and a protectant. All of them seem pretty good to me. www.autofanatics.com has it, as do many other places.

 

I just wash mine with the same soapy water that I use for the rest of the car. It doesn't usually need any special treatment. If you have a specific problem, like bird droppings, then I will use a vinyl cleaner made for convertible tops and a soft brush (tooth brush).

I use a product similar to the 303 Protectant. I don't think that you want to use Armor All. You won't be pleased when it rains and you wind up with a milky mess running off of your top onto the paint, or leaving streaks on the top. I believe the key to treating your top is to use the minimum amount of liquid as possible and apply it with an old towel. Let it set for awhile and buff off the excess. You shouldn't need to treat the top very often, maybe twice a year or so.

Since the top is vinyl, it doesn't require much in the way of special care.

Have fun,
Bob

 

I do exactly the same. Top looks great.

 

3M's 303 vinyl cleaner and protectant.

 

what is the life span of a rag top before it starts to crack and get out of shape and need replacing?

 

Based on my experiences with my MGs and Triumphs, whose tops were no where near the quality of the S, I'd guess at least 4 to 5 years. This is assuming that you treat it once in a while with something along the lines of 303 protectant.

One of the big problems that people have had, and I had with the old British cars was the plastic rear window. My S (MY 02) has a glass rear window so I expect it to last quite a while.

 

I drove an '88 Chrysler LeBaron convertible (please don't shoot me, I've seen the light now! ), for six years. Aside from some minor staining (the top was white), it looked as good as new in that time and 75k miles. All I did was keep it washed. No cracking or other untoward wear. I see no reason that the S2000 would be any different as long as it's cared for reasonably.

FWIW,
Drive Safe,
Steve R.