Top protection

[bockegg]

I've used Scoth Guard on the converible top and it worked well for the first 6 months. The second application does not seem to bead the water off very well. Is there something out there that you NBC owners can recommend for the top?
Thanks.

[dnyed]

The best thing for your top: RaggTopp protectant.

Do a Google search, I think you can only online. ;)

[bockegg]

Thanks for the quick help!

[Deserion]

RaggTopp is the crap. :goodjob:

But, as it's been suggested to me, mask off the glass/body (as much as you can) before you apply the protectant, it goes everwhere. It works, though. :)

-Des

[bockegg]

Do you believe that Ragg Topp will work better than a $4 can of Scotch Guard?

[CGK]

ABSOLUTELY !!
RaggTopp is recomended by Haartz, the manufacturer of the cloth used on the NBC top. So, you can't go wrong using it.
Treat your top in the shade then let it sit in the sun for a few hours to "set". It's actually a wax based coating that lasts a very long time and will keep your top looking new.
Also, never use any harsh car wash or any other kinds of soap on your top. Hose off with clear water, brush lightly with a soft bristle brush, rinse and dry with a lint free towel and your good to go.

Hope this helps :)

[Duffy]

CGK is right! RaggToppp also makes a top cleaner. Use it before applying the protectant. Buy the kit of protectant and cleaner. I get mine from Mid America Motor Works. Had to go to the Corvette page to find it. Be sure you get it for cloth tops.

[shellbug]

When do I need to use this, I have had my car for a week, is there a factory protectant on it right now?
~shelly

[Duffy]

I'm not a expert on how often to clean and protect our tops. I normally do mine about every six months. Beginning of summer and fall before it get cold. Any other opinions?

[Steinola]

Just to add my "me too"... I definitely recommend RaggTopp. I would never use ScotchGuard. ScotchGuard is for fabric, like clothes or apholstry, to protect against an occassional spill or two. It's not for your fabric top... that is constantly bombarded by weather and the elements 24/7.

Use the RaggTopp cleaner (it might even be able to get all your old ScotchGuard out of there), then liberally use the protectorant.

Your NBC will love you for it.


As for how often... the factory protectorant is probably good for 2 years with moderate to harsh seasons (summer and/or winter). After that, I'd recommend RaggTopp every 6 - 8 months. Duffy, I have a regimen similar to yours... though mine is an application at the beginning of spring (or the first good dry weather we get), and another right before we head into winter.

[bockegg]

Thanks for the help. RaggTopp it is.

[alessa]

I got my RaggTopp in the mail about a month ago, and even though I've only had my car for 9 months I park outside everyday for about 8 hours. The water still beads, but not as well as it used to.

What do y'all do to protect the rest of the car when you're spraying the top? It says to spray about 12 inches away, and I can imagine that being that far away the spray will get everything!

[Duffy]

This is how I do it.

Release the top, but not opening it and leaving the windows up. Insert a sheet of thin plastic drop cloth (8'x8' or so) over the windows and windshield. Don't cut the plastic, slide it in over the windows to the back in one piece. Then latch the top and roll windows up. This will completely seal/cover the front and side windows. I use easy release painters masking tape (blue stuff) and newspaper to block off the back window and rear exposed body parts where the top meets the body. Now soak down the top with protectant, remove plastic and paper and let sit in the hot sun for several hours. Your done!

[Steinola]

Release the top, but not opening it and leaving the windows up. Insert a sheet of thin plastic drop cloth (8'x8' or so) over the windows and windshield. Then latch the top and roll windows up. This will completely seal/cover the front and side windows

Geez louise! I've been taping off the front windshield and side windows, too. I'm such a doofus. For some reason, it never even occurred to me to undo the top and slip something under it. I guess I was stuck in the "it's either fully open or fully closed" mode.

Great suggestion, Duffy!

[bockegg]

This is how I do it.

Release the top, but not opening it and leaving the windows up. Insert a sheet of thin plastic drop cloth (8'x8' or so) over the windows and windshield. Then latch the top and roll windows up. This will completely seal/cover the front and side windows. I use easy release painters masking tape (blue stuff) and newspaper to block off the back window and rear exposed body parts where the top meets the body. Now soak down the top with protectant, remove plastic and paper and let sit in the hot sun for several hours. Your done!

Great idea. I will use this info. after I get my raggtop protectant.

[alessa]

looks like I'm gonna go get some drop cloths then..

thanks for the tip!

[coolblu]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but what does RaggTopp do to your windows and paint? I've been using RaggTopp about every six months and I've just been making sure to wash and wipe down the windows and body parts after the RaggTopp application.

[Duffy]

Really nothing. It is harmless to paint and glass. It's just a pain to remove it all. That's why I go to the extra effort to mask off areas where over spray is likely to fall.

[bockegg]

This is how I do it.

Release the top, but not opening it and leaving the windows up. Insert a sheet of thin plastic drop cloth (8'x8' or so) over the windows and windshield. Don't cut the plastic, slide it in over the windows to the back in one piece. Then latch the top and roll windows up. This will completely seal/cover the front and side windows. I use easy release painters masking tape (blue stuff) and newspaper to block off the back window and rear exposed body parts where the top meets the body. Now soak down the top with protectant, remove plastic and paper and let sit in the hot sun for several hours. Your done!

Do you think that this stuff would work on my car covers and on my boat cover too?

[yellow kitty]

Hi all,
I was all ready to buy the Raggtopp stuff, then I ran into someone who drives a 1995 BMW vert that's in great shape---I asked him what he uses on his top and he said he's been buying soft-top cleaner and protectant manufactured by BMW. So off I went to the BMW dealership and bought both. The cleaner seemed to work well---got all that pollen off my black top---and the protectant (NOT cheap) is mixed with water and then you essentially soak the top with it and let it dry in the sun.
It's only been a week, so can't speak to it's longevity, but so far, so good. The guy at the dealership said you're supposed to do the protectant every 3 months, but that 6 month intervals are adequate (especially for the cost).

[Duffy]

The answer may be here: http://www.wolfsteins.com/

[bockegg]

Hi all,
I was all ready to buy the Raggtopp stuff, then I ran into someone who drives a 1995 BMW vert that's in great shape---I asked him what he uses on his top and he said he's been buying soft-top cleaner and protectant manufactured by BMW. So off I went to the BMW dealership and bought both. The cleaner seemed to work well---got all that pollen off my black top---and the protectant (NOT cheap) is mixed with water and then you essentially soak the top with it and let it dry in the sun.
It's only been a week, so can't speak to it's longevity, but so far, so good. The guy at the dealership said you're supposed to do the protectant every 3 months, but that 6 month intervals are adequate (especially for the cost).

Is the BMW stuff or the Raggtopp stuff more expensive?

[yellow kitty]

Is the BMW stuff or the Raggtopp stuff more expensive?

BMW cleaner was like 15 dollars for a good-sized spray bottle. The BMW protectant was 30 bucks for about an 8oz bottle (sorry, don't have it in front of me)---which is supposed to be for ONE application! I cheated and cut it in half so I can get 2 applications out of it.... :D

[alessa]

It's definitely more expensive than RaggTopp then. I got my raggtopp (cleaner + protectant) for $37

[bockegg]

It's definitely more expensive than RaggTopp then. I got my raggtopp (cleaner + protectant) for $37
Sounds like a fair deal. How many applications can you get out of your $37 supply? Also, where did you get it?

[alessa]

Have not used it yet, so I don't know how long they tend to last. The cleaner is 16oz. and the protectant is 14 oz., so it's definitely more than the one BMW sells. I got mine on www.autogeek.net, and the 37 is the total price (if you do the packaged deal) including the shipping.

[bockegg]

Have not used it yet, so I don't know how long they tend to last. The cleaner is 16oz. and the protectant is 14 oz., so it's definitely more than the one BMW sells. I got mine on www.autogeek.net, and the 37 is the total price (if you do the packaged deal) including the shipping.
Thanks for the help, nice vert, and Raggtopp it is!
Oh yea and some rep.

[ducati]

Has anyone used the 303 products? I have read good things on other forums.

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=kits

[bockegg]

Has anyone used the 303 products? I have read good things on other forums.

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=kits
I've not used or even heard of those products. Good luck.

[Steinola]

How many applications can you get out of your $37 supply? Also, where did you get it?

I got 2 really good, really messy, really liberal applications out of one kit... with a little extra left over (had more cleaner left than I did protectorant). If I was a little more careful, and I had a more wind-protected area to do it in, I could probably get 3 out of it.

I bought mine online. Got the bundle kit that included both products. But Duffy posted the link to the manufacturer's website above... it has both online retailers and local distributors listed on it. Shouldn't be too hard to find someone you can buy it from ;)

Do you think that this stuff would work on my car covers and on my boat cover too?

Well... if your car cover and/or boat cover are canvas... technically, the protectorant would work, yes. But the question is... why would you want to. Car covers, and I assume boat covers, are designed specifically to breathe, so that moisture doesn't get trapped between the cover and the finish of whatever the cover is trying to protect. Applying RaggTopp, or any other protectorant, to a cover would alter that dynamic, and would probably adversely affect your finish because the moisture would not be allowed to escape (either "as readily" or "at all", depending on the product used and the nature of the construction of your cover).

However... if you're just interested in cleaning your covers... then, yeah, the RaggTopp cleaner would certainly be one option. Though probably an expensive one, given the shear size of most covers.

[bockegg]

I got 2 really good, really messy, really liberal applications out of one kit... with a little extra left over (had more cleaner left than I did protectorant). If I was a little more careful, and I had a more wind-protected area to do it in, I could probably get 3 out of it.

I bought mine online. Got the bundle kit that included both products. But Duffy posted the link to the manufacturer's website above... it has both online retailers and local distributors listed on it. Shouldn't be too hard to find someone you can buy it from ;)



Well... if your car cover and/or boat cover are canvas... technically, the protectorant would work, yes. But the question is... why would you want to. Car covers, and I assume boat covers, are designed specifically to breathe, so that moisture doesn't get trapped between the cover and the finish of whatever the cover is trying to protect. Applying RaggTopp, or any other protectorant, to a cover would alter that dynamic, and would probably adversely affect your finish because the moisture would not be allowed to escape (either "as readily" or "at all", depending on the product used and the nature of the construction of your cover).

However... if you're just interested in cleaning your covers... then, yeah, the RaggTopp cleaner would certainly be one option. Though probably an expensive one, given the shear size of most covers.
Good point. I never really thought of that. Keep that stuff off your boat and car covers.

[Drop Top Bug]

Thanks for all the info!!

Note to self: must get Raggtopp!!

[bockegg]

Thanks for all the info!!

Note to self: must get Raggtopp!!
Glad we could help. I hope you love your NBC as much as I love mine. Welcome to the org.

[unome]

Based on all the good comments in this thread I went ahead and bought the RaggTopp combo kit from that really big auction site for $34 shipped. Pretty good deal I thought.:)
As far as 303 protectant is concerned I started using it when I had my boat. At that time they only had vinyl protectant and it was and is the hands down best protector for vinyl. I put it on the vert boot and it stays on there for weeks.
I only found out that 303products (http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=home) has a fabric protector today. I'll probably try their convertible kit after the RaggTopp runs out.

[nubee sport]

Yes, I recommend Raggtop protectant as well. It is something we actually sell in our shop. Personally, I have never used it because I don't own a vert', but I have talked to plenty of customers who have. By the way, I work at Convertibles Only in Seattle, WA, where we specialize in convertible top installation and repair, so if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. I have only done one or two New Beetles, since they are so new, but I do have an overall knowledge of convertibles, including maintenance and care tips.

[bockegg]

Yes, I recommend Raggtop protectant as well. It is something we actually sell in our shop. Personally, I have never used it because I don't own a vert', but I have talked to plenty of customers who have. By the way, I work at Convertibles Only in Seattle, WA, where we specialize in convertible top installation and repair, so if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. I have only done one or two New Beetles, since they are so new, but I do have an overall knowledge of convertibles, including maintenance and care tips.
If you don't mind me asking is $34 for both including shipping a good deal?

[bockegg]

Based on all the good comments in this thread I went ahead and bought the RaggTopp combo kit from that really big auction site for $34 shipped. Pretty good deal I thought.:)
As far as 303 protectant is concerned I started using it when I had my boat. At that time they only had vinyl protectant and it was and is the hands down best protector for vinyl. I put it on the vert boot and it stays on there for weeks.
I only found out that 303products (http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=home) has a fabric protector today. I'll probably try their convertible kit after the RaggTopp runs out.
Would you let me know what that auction site is?

[nubee sport]

I believe we sell it cheaper, however we do not have online shopping. So with shipping, it may come to be around the same price. We just have boxes and boxes of the stuff to sell to our customers when they get repair work done.

[unome]

Would you let me know what that auction site is?
Some forums I have been on frown upon stating the name so I was hesitant to say it. Let's just say it starts with an e and the rest is a body of water with only one outlet to the ocean.;)
I live in PA so I had to pay tax in top of the price.

[bockegg]

Some forums I have been on frown upon stating the name so I was hesitant to say it. Let's just say it starts with an e and the rest is a body of water with only one outlet to the ocean.;)
I live in PA so I had to pay tax in top of the price.
I get it now. Thaks.

[Drop Top Bug]

Glad we could help. I hope you love your NBC as much as I love mine. Welcome to the org.


YES!! I love my NCB... I use to have a vert Rabbit, then Jeep, then my beloved Miata, then went to a Mustang GT for the backseat room, then a divorce, then to a Jeep... the I got my first beetle 2001 1.8T GLX - Cyber Green.. and I finally got back to a vert and loving every minute of it!! Thanks for the "Welcome" note!! :):D

[bockegg]

YES!! I love my NCB... I use to have a vert Rabbit, then Jeep, then my beloved Miata, then went to a Mustang GT for the backseat room, then a divorce, then to a Jeep... the I got my first beetle 2001 1.8T GLX - Cyber Green.. and I finally got back to a vert and loving every minute of it!! Thanks for the "Welcome" note!! :):D
I had a 1995 Mustang GT Vert and went to the NBC because of the pop up roll bars and because of the accident rating. The Miata and Stang both have poor crash tests. You are better off in the NBC.

[Drop Top Bug]

I had a 1995 Mustang GT Vert and went to the NBC because of the pop up roll bars and because of the accident rating. The Miata and Stang both have poor crash tests. You are better off in the NBC.

Well, that is good to know! I'm styling AND protecting my other "Bug" (my 10 YO son).. ;)

[bockegg]

Well, that is good to know! I'm styling AND protecting my other "Bug" (my 10 YO son).. ;)
Very nice. I remember when I was 10 I really wanted my dad to get a bug but I didn't get one till almost 20 years later, which is my NBC,2003.

[thunder bug]

Just got done with the top , and I did the 9'x 12' plastic with the top up . Pretty damn easy . Came out real nice.

[bockegg]

Just got done with the top , and I did the 9'x 12' plastic with the top up . Pretty damn easy . Came out real nice.
That looks fantastic! Very nice car and a beautiful color. It looks very easy. I will follow your lead when doing my top. Did you use the Raggtop?

[thunder bug]

Oh yeah, first time around using raggtopp.:thup:

[Duffy]

Next time latch the top down so the top it tight, use the key to close the windows. Makes spraying and coverage better. Job well done - that's how I do mine.

[belle]

I'm going to have to try this raggtop you guys are talking about. I have never treated my top :( BTW - in the last post, you said to close your window with your key... how do you do that? I heard you should be able to open or close windows with your key but I have never been able to figure out how you do that.

[Duffy]

Just lock you car with the key and then lock again but holding the key in the lock position until the windows roll up. Just as you do when lowering the windows.

[bockegg]

I'm going to have to try this raggtop you guys are talking about. I have never treated my top :( BTW - in the last post, you said to close your window with your key... how do you do that? I heard you should be able to open or close windows with your key but I have never been able to figure out how you do that.
Just turn the key clockwise and hold. The windows will go up. Or turn the key counter-clockwise and hold and the windows will go down.

[thunder bug]

So it rained today , so I grab a couple shots of the treated top.

[bockegg]

So it rained today , so I grab a couple shots of the treated top.
That Raggtopp stuff is incredible. Imagine the protection after the second and third application!