Convertible Top Question
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 61
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From: Castro Valley CA
Convertible Top Question
My top i showing some signs of "wear." There are no rips or anything major, but something that just looks like "spots" (if you looks closely, the material is sort of separating and it looks like dirty spots from a distance.
My basic questions are: what is the best way to preserve the convertible ragtop and possibly fix those trouble spots?
Also, I wash the convertible ragtop just as I would a regular car roof, but do not dry it because it dries itself. Is this wrong? Any washing/drying tips?
PS I already keep the car garaged.
Thanks
My basic questions are: what is the best way to preserve the convertible ragtop and possibly fix those trouble spots?
Also, I wash the convertible ragtop just as I would a regular car roof, but do not dry it because it dries itself. Is this wrong? Any washing/drying tips?
PS I already keep the car garaged.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,869
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle AR
I think it's too late for Raggtop protector to help you with what's already happened, but do use it going forward. I use it and the Raggtop cleaner. Available from the NCM.
http://store.corvettemuseum.com/detail.aspx?ID=207
http://store.corvettemuseum.com/detail.aspx?ID=207
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod MA
I had a similar issue with my tan top.. Dirty, soap just did not clean it. It also had hundreds of dark spots from a compound / polish done years ago that turned almost black when wet.
After trying everything made to clean it yearly and getting no results. I finally got it done yesterday and it looks NEW! The roof has not looked this good for many years. (99 navy 6 spd). It's not only clean, it looks like a lighter color!
When dry, I soaked it with a spray detergent. Let is sit and sprayed it with water to keep it wet for a hour or so. Then, and I was certainly hesitant, I broke out the pressure washer. The results were instantaneous and amazing! It looks new. I can see no ill effects from it, even with a magnifying glass to look for thread damage. I plan to do it again in a day or so as there are some faint dirt streaks still remaining. 99% of the dark spots are gone. I will seal it with the protector after that.
Good Luck!
Roy
After trying everything made to clean it yearly and getting no results. I finally got it done yesterday and it looks NEW! The roof has not looked this good for many years. (99 navy 6 spd). It's not only clean, it looks like a lighter color!
When dry, I soaked it with a spray detergent. Let is sit and sprayed it with water to keep it wet for a hour or so. Then, and I was certainly hesitant, I broke out the pressure washer. The results were instantaneous and amazing! It looks new. I can see no ill effects from it, even with a magnifying glass to look for thread damage. I plan to do it again in a day or so as there are some faint dirt streaks still remaining. 99% of the dark spots are gone. I will seal it with the protector after that.
Good Luck!
Roy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
The earlier tops ('98-'00) were a three layer top. The "01-up were a 5 layer top that resisted wear better than the earlier tops. The light oak is especially prone to show these wear marks that look alot like dirt from a distance. I have 7 years on my top and I am just resigned to the fact that it will need to be replaced real soon. Upon replacement I will use the newer style tops. I love the look of the light oak and will not change that. Good thing that top down weather is here.
