Cleaning your convertible top?

[JessBorck]

I just bought a 04 beetle convertible and I was just wondering what some of you use to clean the convertible top? A bird decided to play target practice...

[Billsbug]

Just use water, maybe dash on a bit of dishwashing liquid. Use Raggtopp to protect the top.

[Maggadog]

A soft scrub brush helps, also.

[Beetle_Girl_08]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

Just use water, maybe dash on a bit of dishwashing liquid. Use Raggtopp to protect the top.

Don't ever put dishwashing soap or liquid on your car... If it gets on your paint you will regret it. It destroy your wax job and clear coat.

My aunt has an 05 converible NB. All you have to do it use a garden hose and a cloth or a scrub brush. They do sell a convertible top cleaner, that is the safest thing for you to use.

Don't take it though car washes either. IF you do take ti to a detail place that you are sure they know what they are doing when it comes to verts.

Good-luck

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by Beetle_Girl_08

Don't ever put dishwashing soap or liquid on your car... If it gets on your paint you will regret it. It destroy your wax job and clear coat.

My aunt has an 05 converible NB. All you have to do it use a garden hose and a cloth or a scrub brush. They do sell a convertible top cleaner, that is the safest thing for you to use.

Don't take it though car washes either. IF you do take ti to a detail place that you are sure they know what they are doing when it comes to verts.

Good-luck

Baloney.

[Shay]

Originally Posted by Beetle_Girl_08

Don't ever put dishwashing soap or liquid on your car...

water is liquid

(I know what you mean )

oh and I would trust Bill, he has one of the hottest verts on the org

[FlwrPwer]

You have to use dishwashing soap when you claybar to get the old wax off. If you use it in moderation, it wont hurt.

Also, putting dishwashing soap on a vinyl top will not hurt it.

I agree with the not taking it to a carwash. They're very abrasive, but if you do it once in a while, I'm sure it wont hurt. I have never taken a car I owned to the carwash as I'm OCD about cleaning the car and like to do it myself.

Water will take the bird doo off with a brush.

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by FlwrPwer

You have to use dishwashing soap when you claybar to get the old wax off. If you use it in moderation, it wont hurt.

Also, putting dishwashing soap on a vinyl top will not hurt it.

I agree with the not taking it to a carwash. They're very abrasive, but if you do it once in a while, I'm sure it wont hurt. I have never taken a car I owned to the carwash as I'm OCD about cleaning the car and like to do it myself.

Water will take the bird doo off with a brush.

U can take it thru a brushless wash, no time to self-wash twice a week every week of ur life.

BTW, I'd never use a brush, I just scrub any doo-doo on the top with a wet wash cloth. Actually I never had a need to use dish soap, I just use a good car soap in a bucket and hit the top if it needs it before I start doing the body of the car.

[Duffy]

Simply put, just use RaggTopp (Wolfsteins) cleaner and protectant and you will be safe.

[2003TurboGurl]

I just use water and no chemicals on my top.

I use Raggtopp cleaner and protectant 2 - 3 times per year. As long as water beads on your top, you're good.

Mine wasn't beading when I got it, but now water beads up beautifully.

I also hand wash my car. I didn't think the verts could go through the car washes (brushless or not). I thought that the high pressure from the washes would damage the top, etc.

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by 2003TurboGurl

I thought that the high pressure from the washes would damage the top, etc.

Been thru over 100 times, looks the same, i.e. VW crappy quality , as when I bought it.

[bgleah]

I'm a new NB owner.. but I've dealt with convertible tops for quite a while now. A soft brush and some water like was suggested will usually get most dirt/dust off. if you need a little extra use just a drop or two of liquid dish soap or car wash soap. Just use sparingly, and only on the top if using dish soap. As it will strip the wax off your paint. Raggtop sells a cleaner that I use on my NB. I'd also recommend using their protectant. You can tell if it needs it, water should bead up on your top. And the factory protectant doesn't last long. It also makes it easier to clean.

And like was previously suggested.. don't take it through a car wash. If you you are out and can't do it at home, take it to one of those do it yourself places. The NB are so easy to wash that it doesn't take much more time than the automated washes. (and it usually comes out cleaner too).
I also recommend using maguires quick detail spray & wipe on your paint. It keeps a waxed car looking "just waxed" longer. It also removes harmful contaminants before they damage your finish. Also super fast to use. Just spray on when car is still wet and wipe with a towel. (I used to me involved in the car show scene, and EVERYONE uses it before shows).