| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| padroo | I know there are a lot of old posts about convertible top maintenance. What are the recomended tecniques and products used and for keeping the top black and weatherproof? |
| beachcat | There is some stuff you get at marinas but I forget what it's called. Its made for those bimini tops. |
| DON WIEBER | i use the spray from chrysler for the top. it does a great job. the water just beads up. |
| idive | 303 fabric cleaner and then 303 fabric guard. Available at most boat supply stores. I haven't used the cleaner yet, just the guard. Good stuff. Clean the top thoroughly and let it dry. Make sure its dry before spraying down. Use a lint roller on the top to pick up those little bits. Mask the car well. By that I mean half the hood to the whole trunk and down the sides making sure to cover the windows. Cut a thin cardboard piece to fit in the rear window. You can use a paper pattern to lay it out. Sams uses this stuff to separate some of the items on their pallets on the shelves and its free for you. Scotch tape can be used to fill in the holes around the edge. Use your fingernail to seal it around the edge of the rear window. You do not want this on your windows or paint and there is considerable overspray. Start in the middle of the top spraying outward front and back working your way to the edges. Then make a pass on all the seams and around the top edge making sure to keep it off the weatherstripping. You can do that using a trowel or piece of cardboard. You're done. Let it dry overnight. If you wish, (advised) then spray down again the same way and let it dry overnight again. Don't take it out in the rain at all until dry or it will run down your car and its a bitch to get off.
I used 3 layers of newspaper to mask the first time. I would not go to just 2 layers. Its much easier to use something like a couple clear plastic painters tarps. When you are done your top will look black and repel the water and will look good for a good while. |
| VinceM | I found 303 at ACE Hardware and have used it for a few years. Starting with a clean dry top is key. I placed a towel over the window and rear deck prior to using 303 and had good results. This message has been edited by VinceM on 06-24-2012 at 10:57 PM |
| EssexExport | Yes, 303 & the water just beads. |
