C5 Convertible Top Care
08-21-2005, 09:57 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
C5 Convertible Top Care
I'm new to having a vert. My black top looks pristine right now and I'd like to keep it that way. Do most folks only wash the car and not the top every time? I've heard a lint brush is a good thing to have to get dust and small particles off. Also, is there anything (like Scotchguard) to put on the top to keep it in 'top' shape. Thanks guys!
08-21-2005, 10:15 PM
#2
Race Director
1. Vaccum the top with the brush attachment to your vacuum
2. I minimize the times I actually wash it to keep the waterproofing lasting as long as possible.
3. Use a lint roller to get what the vacuum does not get.
4. when it is time to wash it use Raggtopp cleaner. available at a number of places, but autogeek.com is a supporting vendor. Use a soft bristle brush ( a car body brush or wheel brush will do BUT make sure you get one to use only on the top.)
5. buy the Raggtopp protectant. It is what boosts the water repellency
The first tip you use the protectant coat the top 3 times....
that's it
2. I minimize the times I actually wash it to keep the waterproofing lasting as long as possible.
3. Use a lint roller to get what the vacuum does not get.
4. when it is time to wash it use Raggtopp cleaner. available at a number of places, but autogeek.com is a supporting vendor. Use a soft bristle brush ( a car body brush or wheel brush will do BUT make sure you get one to use only on the top.)
5. buy the Raggtopp protectant. It is what boosts the water repellency
The first tip you use the protectant coat the top 3 times....
that's it
08-21-2005, 10:33 PM
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by rws.1
1. Vaccum the top with the brush attachment to your vacuum
2. I minimize the times I actually wash it to keep the waterproofing lasting as long as possible.
3. Use a lint roller to get what the vacuum does not get.
4. when it is time to wash it use Raggtopp cleaner. available at a number of places, but autogeek.com is a supporting vendor. Use a soft bristle brush ( a car body brush or wheel brush will do BUT make sure you get one to use only on the top.)
5. buy the Raggtopp protectant. It is what boosts the water repellency
The first tip you use the protectant coat the top 3 times....
that's it
2. I minimize the times I actually wash it to keep the waterproofing lasting as long as possible.
3. Use a lint roller to get what the vacuum does not get.
4. when it is time to wash it use Raggtopp cleaner. available at a number of places, but autogeek.com is a supporting vendor. Use a soft bristle brush ( a car body brush or wheel brush will do BUT make sure you get one to use only on the top.)
5. buy the Raggtopp protectant. It is what boosts the water repellency
The first tip you use the protectant coat the top 3 times....
that's it
08-21-2005, 11:10 PM
#4
Race Director
I vacuum my top using a gentle brush before washing and just spray it with a fairly strong stream of water when washing. Then, about once a year, or whenever the water no longer beads on the top, I use RaggTopp cleaner and protectant and have been very pleased with them. RaggTopp has two types of cleaner, one for vinyl tops and another for fabric tops. RaggTopp is endorsed by the Haartz Corp who makes the C5 tops. Several Forum vendor's here carry the RaggTopp.
Also, you can find more info on the care of your car and top over in the Car Care Products section of the Forum. There have be several threads on top care there recently. Good luck.
Also, you can find more info on the care of your car and top over in the Car Care Products section of the Forum. There have be several threads on top care there recently. Good luck.
Last edited by GrayC5; 08-21-2005 at 11:17 PM.
08-22-2005, 08:08 AM
#7
Team Owner
Originally Posted by c5BlackBeauty
RaggTopp 
It's the best.
08-22-2005, 09:25 AM
#8
Safety Car
Member Since: Jun 2004
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by rws.1
1. Vaccum the top with the brush attachment to your vacuum
2. I minimize the times I actually wash it to keep the waterproofing lasting as long as possible.
3. Use a lint roller to get what the vacuum does not get.
4. when it is time to wash it use Raggtopp cleaner. available at a number of places, but autogeek.com is a supporting vendor. Use a soft bristle brush ( a car body brush or wheel brush will do BUT make sure you get one to use only on the top.)
5. buy the Raggtopp protectant. It is what boosts the water repellency
The first tip you use the protectant coat the top 3 times....
that's it
2. I minimize the times I actually wash it to keep the waterproofing lasting as long as possible.
3. Use a lint roller to get what the vacuum does not get.
4. when it is time to wash it use Raggtopp cleaner. available at a number of places, but autogeek.com is a supporting vendor. Use a soft bristle brush ( a car body brush or wheel brush will do BUT make sure you get one to use only on the top.)
5. buy the Raggtopp protectant. It is what boosts the water repellency
The first tip you use the protectant coat the top 3 times....
that's it
08-22-2005, 09:49 AM
#9
Race Director
I agree with everyone on RaggTop, I use it too. Only word of caution is that the aerosol protectant will make a mess. Before you use it - make sure the car is masked off - including and especially the glass! Trust me - I found out the hard way! 
08-22-2005, 10:12 AM
#10
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
Only word of caution is that the aerosol protectant will make a mess. Before you use it - make sure the car is masked off - including and especially the glass!
Geo
08-22-2005, 11:23 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Time is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it kills all its pupils.
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I agree with everyone on RaggTop, I use it too. Only word of caution is that the aerosol protectant will make a mess. Before you use it - make sure the car is masked off - including and especially the glass! Trust me - I found out the hard way!
I learned from other's mistakes.Definitely mask off before using the RaggTopp. I just used newspaper and that new blue painter's tape from Lowes. I stuck a couple sheets between the top and the front window, layed several sheets down on the tonneau cover/trunk and then closed the top. Stuck a couple sheets between the door windows and the top and then closed the doors. Masked off the back window and finally, taped additional sheets to all of those that I had already placed on the car.
After letting it cure overnight, it turned out great for me. Got just the tiniest bit of overspray in one corner of the back window. After seeing how tough it was to get that little bit of overspray off I couldn't imagine having that all over the paint.
Preparation is the key when using the RaggTopp protectant.
08-22-2005, 12:46 PM
#13
Race Director
I just drape a few large bath towels that have been consigned to my detailing collection between the top and the windshield, side windows and on the back deck.
I have never masked the rear window, I just keep some paper toweling that I have sprayed with Stoners invisible glass and as soon as I finish spraying, I immediatley wipe the overspray off the window.
I have never masked the rear window, I just keep some paper toweling that I have sprayed with Stoners invisible glass and as soon as I finish spraying, I immediatley wipe the overspray off the window.
09-23-2005, 06:31 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Apr 2005
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I would also recomment you get a cockpit cover. I got one and usually put it over the top even when it's in the garage. Most people use them when they are parked in the sun for some time also. You'd be surprised how much dust it keeps out of the cockpit and off the top too.
09-23-2005, 08:13 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Covertible top care
To clean and protect your fabric top I have been using Renovo products. A soft top cleaner and a soft top ultra proofer.Very good products.Call 877-796-8300 toll free or www.carcareonline.com.They Will send you a catalog of all their car care products.Once you clean and water proof your top you only have to flush the top with a garden hose to keep it looking good. Also to dry your top after washing,I use a synthetic drying towel called the Asorber,leaves no lint. LT
09-23-2005, 08:17 AM
#18
Racer
Originally Posted by nhisfan
I picked up one of those cheap plastic painter's drop clothes at WalMart and covered the rear deck and windshield area with it prior to spraying. Much better than trying to clean up all the overspray later...
Geo
Geo
