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.

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]

Originally Posted by Duffy

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]

Originally Posted by 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. 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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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).