Just picked up our 2004 Vert yesterday and need some recommendations as to how to clean the top. Top is fabric (light oak) and has what appears to be some grease or oil at the fold down creases. So what are the to do's, the don'ts and what cleaner to use? Thanks

rpgibbs@hotmail.com

 

Raggtop Cleaner and Conditioner. Pickup two plastic drop cloths from home center lightest mil wt., once the top has been cleaned and thoroughly dry lift the top to its upright position, put one drop cloth over the windshield hood forward and the other under the rear waterfall towards the tail. This should completely cover the vehicle. The front section also covers the side windows. Use painter tape (blue) to fully seal off the side window. Then spray the conditioner. At least two 2 - 3 coats per can, use the whole can first time.

Since the conditioner is an aerosol you want to protect everything from the spray because it is really difficult to get off. And the two drop cloths are the quickest easiest way. Use to have pictures loaded and ready but not at the moment.

Afterwards water will bead on the top.

A good quality scrub brush will be needed to thoroughly clean the top with the cleaner. Do this step right before you wash the vette. Dry and then let the top thoroughly dry. Then do the conditioner.

Both products are in one box and it comes as a kit. I order mine online from http://www.autopia.org/forum/index.php

If it does have grease on it, it may take more time and a little more aggressive product. I had some grease drop down from the garage door opener and it took quite a while to eventually remove it by constantly hitting that spot with cleaner and a brush. Then it took extra condition to spot build up the fabric protectant again.

 

Ragg Top is a great cleaning kit. Can be ordered online.

 

Good info, I'm going to pick up a kit

 

Good idea on the drop cloths. I typically clean and treat the top, and then wax the whole car to get the "top treatment" off the paint and windows!

Plasticman

 

Excellent info above about protecting the finish as that stuff is nasty and you don't want it on the paint.
The only part I would change is I use some old sheets instead and I also mask off the rear window.
Time and effort well spent.

 

I have the raggtop cleaner/ conditioner what brush would you guys suggest ?

 

I use a medium stiffness brush for tougher areas and a fairly soft brush for the rest. You just don't want to go crazy scrubbing ,it is possible to remove the texture of the top if you over do it. And Raggtop is also what I use, I would also recommend letting the top dry for a decent period of time, at least 2-3 hours some wait a day.

 

Ragtopp all the way !!

 

Sorry wrote that before I was awake, yes don't forget the rear window. Now I have some left over painters paper on a roll, so I use it to cover the majority of the rear window held by painters tape which seals off the edges.

Thanks good catch.

Here's a few pix-

 

Jet-Jock said it all............
Ragg-Topp works really good
11 years and mine still looks new..........

 

Raggtop all the way here too, I have a shale top so I feel your pain. There are still a few spots I can't convince to come out even with scrubbing...

 

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Now that's what I call protected.
This may look like a lot of work, but it's very easy to do and extremely worthwhile.

 

YEP - Roadster's Rule!

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

I have the same torch red vert with an oak top and RAGGTOP is awesome!!! I use a soft brush so as not to ruin the fabric and do it at least once a week. The protectorant works great and the water beads up. Have patience-the finished product is worth it.

 

RAGGTOP enough said