Since I live in an apartment building that does not have any spouts I can connect a hose to, I have to outsource my car washing. So, I get a hand wash on the outside only, and then do all the other stuff- vacuum, vinyl top care, seats, dash, trim, etc. At least I can get the guys to use a power wash on the top and wheels before doing the car.

Anyways, I have been using Mother's Black Magic for the top and trim, but decided to try some new products. I bought Meguiar's Ulitmate Protectant, 303 Aerospace Protectant, and the Ragg Top protectant. I can use the Meguiar's and 303 products on the dash, so it's not a total waste of money- but I am curious which one will be best for my vinyl top. One thing I loved about the Black Magic was how dark the top looked afterwards, but I always seemed to get some streaks that never buffed out, or it took a lot of elbow grease to remove.

Of the three, which one should I use first on the vinyl top? I live near SF so the weather is pretty mild most of the year.


Hobbes

 

Raggtop and 303 are equal in my opinion having used both.

 

Optimum No Rinse. Learn it, live it, love it.

I use raggtop and am pleased with the results.

 

the mothers can wash off in rain too...

303 or raggtopp (make sure its the vinyl version) are both good choices for your top

i would not power wash our tops- or if you have to, stay away from the seals.

 

on both points.

I saw no major difference between the 2. I use Raggtopp now but only because water seems to bead a bit more with it. I still use 303 on other parts (interior, tires, trim, etc).

A protectant for the top isn't a "waste" unless you consider protecting the top a waste.

 

^^
I agree, you need only look at the replacement cost of new top to know it's not a waste.

 

Agree 100% my first convertible was a Mazda rx- 7 I owned just before my s2000. i didn't know squat about caring for a vinyl top back then, and it showed. By waste, I just meant that if I end up using the raggtop product on the top, I can still use the 303 product elsewhere- thus I'm not wasting money buy buying both.

I've had my s2000 just over two years now, and I'm the second onwer- the car is a 2005 model. The top still looks great. Probably the best thing I do to care for the top though, is to keep the top up when I'm not driving the car. I didn't do that with my old Mazda, and the wrinkles that were created ending up ripping apart. At least I know better now.

Hobbes