Any recommendations for products to use, frequency of use, etc? Until I get my car cover I use the top to protect the interior when I park outside. The top is down when I drive! So I guess I want good UV protection in addition to basic care needs.

Thanks in advance.

 

I've heard the 303 protectant was real good so I ordered some and it should be arriving soon.



http://properautocare.com/


Hope that helps!

 

Yep, I second that. Bear in mind that despite appearences the top is actually made of vinyl and so is completely waterproof. I know of guys on the board who like to use Raggtop treatment on the roof but it really isn't essential. Classic 303 leaves your roof a fantastic black colour and of course offers excellent UV protection. I get mine from www.autodetail.com as I've never seen it for sale in the UK

Given it is vinyl the top doesn't really need any special washing products, the car wash you use on the body panels ought to be fine. If you have a pre-02 model though I'd take special care when washing and drying the rear screen to stop scratching. I use a 3 layer 100% cotton diaper style cloth to dry mine.

HTH

Tif

 

I also agree that 303 is the way to go ... 303 also makes a vinyl top cleaner that I use. Here is a link ...

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/30...3vincontop.html

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jaysom
[B]I also agree that 303 is the way to go ... 303 also makes a vinyl top cleaner that I use.

 

I would use the cleaner before you wash. That way it is much easier to rinse off. The cleaner comes in a 32 oz size, so it lasts quite a while. I use it for upholstry and carpet too.

After you have cleaned the top, washed and dryed the car, you apply the 303 Aerospace Protectant. I spray it onto a rag and apply with that. I let it sit on the top in the sun for about 30 minutes, then wipe off. Try to treat toward the end of the day so you can leave the top up overnight. If the 303 is still damp when you put the top down, it will smudge your back window.

The 303 Aerospace Protectant comes a 16 oz and 32 oz sizes. I use 303 on all vinyl and rubber parts, so a 16 oz size lasts me about 6 months. It actually takes very little to treat the top.

 

good point...
i put a rolled up towel on the outside of the top before i put it down. this helps preventing smudges from the 303 and also keeps the window from rubbing on its self. mine is a plastic window and some have glass. might be a similar way to protect the glass.

 

I wash my top with the Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo as part of the normal wash. Then I soak a wax applicator pad with 303 and apply it as evenly as I can. Remove the excess with a terry towel.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ubetit
[B]I wash my top with the Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo as part of the normal wash. Then I soak a wax applicator pad with 303 and apply it as evenly as I can.

 

Btw, have you guys had a real need for a scrub brush to clean the top? Will spraying the cleaner/protectant onto a rag and wiping vigorously into the vinyl suffice?