rag top water proofing
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 214
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From: brighton mi
rag top water proofing
Well it's raining again here in Michigan. :nopity Which got me to thinking, if I get cought in the rain with my vert, the top will soak up the water like a dry sponge. :cry
What's the best product / process to water proof the top?
-jc :flag
What's the best product / process to water proof the top?
-jc :flag
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Kennesaw, GA www.96LT4.com
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Re: rag top water proofing (jgclark)
Hartz top cleaner and water proofer. :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: rag top water proofing (jgclark)
I believe the top material, cloth or vinyl, is treated to prevent water soaking in. Mine is sitting out there getting rained on right now and I don't see any sign of water soaking through to the liner.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Kingman AZ
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Re: rag top water proofing (jgclark)
Raining in your part of MIchigan? It was sleeting this morning in my part! :mad Geeez Louise - when is spring coming? Guess my vert will spend this week in its comfy dry garage. :seeya My top is vinyl and sheds water very well. :blueangel:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
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Re: rag top water proofing (jgclark)
http://www.properautocare.com/ragfabcontop.html :yesnod: :seeya
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
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From: NY
Re: rag top water proofing (96CollectorLT4)
A cloth top should always bead water, not absorb it. Use that as a guide for when you will need to treat your top. The frequency with which you treat it will depend on a few things: daily driver vs. garage queen, is it stored outdoors, is it covered with a quality outdoor cover, is the top routinely kept up or down, etc.
That said, I prefer 303 Fabric Guard for my cloth top. I purchase the product in the spray pump form (avoid the aerosol can, it makes a wicked mess). I pour a small amount of the product into a Dixie cup and apply it to the top using a foam paintbrush. While this method of application can be a bit time consuming, I know that I have covered the top with the product both well and evenly. This method allows for controlled coverage and guarantees that the stitching is treated also.
After treating, always allow the top to dry 100%. Never fold down a top that is not 100% dry.
That said, I prefer 303 Fabric Guard for my cloth top. I purchase the product in the spray pump form (avoid the aerosol can, it makes a wicked mess). I pour a small amount of the product into a Dixie cup and apply it to the top using a foam paintbrush. While this method of application can be a bit time consuming, I know that I have covered the top with the product both well and evenly. This method allows for controlled coverage and guarantees that the stitching is treated also.
After treating, always allow the top to dry 100%. Never fold down a top that is not 100% dry.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Northern tip of Virginia
Re: rag top water proofing (96CollectorLT4)
http://www.properautocare.com/ragfabcontop.html :yesnod: :seeya
yup...just did mine last weekend :thumbs:
