How do you wash the top?

[pinkrenee]

So I've washed the rest of my car, but not the top yet!
Is there a specific way to wash it or a specific product that I should use? There is just a lot of dust marks, and some bird droppings on it haha. Sorry, I'm new and have no idea how to wash it well but not harm it!

Thanks!

[Volkswoman]

Use a wash mitt and Convertible Top Cleaner. If your top is black, the mitt should be one that doesn't leave lint, or you will be very unhappy when it dries! rinse it very well after the wash. I don't know how old your car is, but at some point a spray protectant is really good for it. If your window is plastic, use only plastic cleaner. If it's glass, no problem.

There it is. Works for me. This is just my humble opinion.

[miffmole]

RaggTopp is recommended by the convertible top manufacture, Hartz.

How to ragtop

Be sure and buy fabric, not vinyl Raggtopp.
http://www.autogeek.net/racotopcakit.html

[pinkrenee]

Ok, thanks for your help

[miffmole]

Now...
It's time for me to do mine again.

RaggTopp, by the way, is the only recommended cleaner endorsed by Hartz, who makes the fabric for our tops.

Congratulations on getting your Beetle convertible! It looks like some perfect weather this evening and tonight to put the top down.
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/...weekday=Friday

[Danbike]

One word-Raggtopp. They make a cleaner and also a protectant.

[deenalouise]

I used the link and bought a RaggTopp kit. It cleaned all of the green gunk around the edges like it was nothing. My top is pretty again. The pictures showing how to apply are terrific too.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by deenalouise

I used the link and bought a RaggTopp kit. It cleaned all of the green gunk around the edges like it was nothing. My top is pretty again. The pictures showing how to apply are terrific too.

Another endorsement for RaggTopp, my favorite top cleaner and protectant, and for my favorite detailing products source www.autogeek.net and yes, they have great product reviews and "how to's", including videos!

Did you use the aerosol or pump protectant?

MORAV

[deenalouise]

It came with a "gun" attachment for the aerosol protectant. Yesterday I just washed it and next weekend I'm gonna do that part. I am ready with plastic sheeting and tape to tackle the job.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Cleaning the top and applying the protectant are intended to be done in the same sitting. A week from now the top is dirty again. Want to believe you meant your going to wash and protect it next week, but it didn't come through that way.

M.

[SenileDavid]

Please take a minute to read My 303 Cleaning & Care Kit for Convertible Tops review and invest your money on RaggTopp Fabric Convertible Top Care Kit: Premium convertible top care products for your rag top! convertible top care, car convertible top cleaner, (the brush is so worth it too)

[deenalouise]

Um, yeah I meant I was gonna re-wash it and apply the protectant next wknd. Thanks for the word to the wise, I can't believe I didn't think it would be dirty.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by deenalouise

Um, yeah I meant I was gonna re-wash it and apply the protectant next wknd. Thanks for the word to the wise, I can't believe I didn't think it would be dirty.

Just be sure it dries well between wash and protectant, and again between protectant applications. Three, remember, and apply the coats evenly and not do heavy, with a little extra along the seams for added protection to the stitching. And whatever you do, don't do either procedure in the sun.

M.

[SenileDavid]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

Just be sure it dries well between wash and protectant, and again between protectant applications. Three, remember, and apply the coats evenly and not do heavy, with a little extra along the seams for added protection to the stitching. And whatever you do, don't do either procedure in the sun.

M.

ALSO take a minute to mask your windows and paint for over spray (that 303 CRAP was nasty) have a rag handy to wipe any before it dries.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by SenileDavid

ALSO take a minute to mask your windows and paint for over spray (that 303 CRAP was nasty) have a rag handy to wipe any before it dries.

The "how to" video for the RaggTopp on www.autogeek.net says that the product wipes off easily and to not be concerned. However, I don't take chances, I simply, unlatch and slightly lift the top, drape old bath towels over the sides, windshield, etc. Simply lay them around the bady shell above the trunk lid. Tuck some brown craft paper or any none printed on pieces of paper carefully around and under the top at the back window. Any uncovered alumnim trim around the top of the shell will wipe off easily.

M.

[eister]

This thread is awesome..thought I'd give it a bump

[eister]

I just got the raggtopp kit and cleaned the top today..AWESOME. It looks brand new. The place a got the raggtopp also sold me a brush for cleaning but, it was some sort of horse hair brush and being new, it left bristles all over that I had to remove with a lint roller. But, all is good and my 7yr old top looks like a day old

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by eister

I just got the raggtopp kit and cleaned the top today..AWESOME. It looks brand new. The place a got the raggtopp also sold me a brush for cleaning but, it was some sort of horse hair brush and being new, it left bristles all over that I had to remove with a lint roller. But, all is good and my 7yr old top looks like a day old

Congratulations on your clean top!
When you mention "The place I got the raggtopp," are you referring to a store, or somewhere on the Internet. I've never seen Raggtopp in any store, but wish it were...

[eister]

Originally Posted by miffmole

Congratulations on your clean top!
When you mention "The place I got the raggtopp," are you referring to a store, or somewhere on the Internet. I've never seen Raggtopp in any store, but wish it were...

Actually there is a convertable top maker here in Charlotte (Kee Auto Top) that carries everything you'd ever need for verts. They make tops for old cars etc. It's not really a store but, they do have a small showroom of sorts in the front of the building.

[hippocampus]

I live in an apartment so I can't wash my car at home.

Do you suppose it's possible to find a handwash location that knows how to do convertibles properly? Or do I just need to find a "wash your own car" place?

I'd really like to find a handwash place that I can trust. I just know if I have to do it myself, it won't get done often enough.