Convertible Top
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 24
From: SW FL
Convertible Top
Hello, Everyone.
My 2016 Z51 is sitting in the garage (I know, you want pics). Is there anything special (Scotchguard, etc.) that I need to do to my top? Is there some sort of waterproofing that was applied at the factory?
Thanks
My 2016 Z51 is sitting in the garage (I know, you want pics). Is there anything special (Scotchguard, etc.) that I need to do to my top? Is there some sort of waterproofing that was applied at the factory?
Thanks
Popular Reply
Jan 26, 2016, 09:57 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
Yes there is a water proofing agent on your convertible top. It is fluoro-carbon based. It was applied by Padding, dried, and then cured around 170C. No need for Scotchguard. Without going through a curing process again, the Scotchguard will just wash off when you wash the car. Don't apply silicone based products to it. They contain emulsifiers that hinder the original water proofing chemicals. I don't own a vert but I would follow the owners manual for up keep.
Jim Campbell, Archroma Chemicals Fabric Finish chemist.
Jim Campbell, Archroma Chemicals Fabric Finish chemist.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
Yes there is a water proofing agent on your convertible top. It is fluoro-carbon based. It was applied by Padding, dried, and then cured around 170C. No need for Scotchguard. Without going through a curing process again, the Scotchguard will just wash off when you wash the car. Don't apply silicone based products to it. They contain emulsifiers that hinder the original water proofing chemicals. I don't own a vert but I would follow the owners manual for up keep.
Jim Campbell, Archroma Chemicals Fabric Finish chemist.
Jim Campbell, Archroma Chemicals Fabric Finish chemist.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 248
From: Weatherford TX
303 (30520) Convertible Fabric Top Cleaning and Care Kit
I used this kit on my 14 top. Mainly the protector after I washed it. Corvette Museum use to sell it, but Amazon sells it
It water sheds for quite a while after application.
It water sheds for quite a while after application.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 182
From: South Dennis MA
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 182
From: South Dennis MA
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Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 182
From: South Dennis MA
Yes there is a water proofing agent on your convertible top. It is fluoro-carbon based. It was applied by Padding, dried, and then cured around 170C. No need for Scotchguard. Without going through a curing process again, the Scotchguard will just wash off when you wash the car. Don't apply silicone based products to it. They contain emulsifiers that hinder the original water proofing chemicals. I don't own a vert but I would follow the owners manual for up keep.
Jim Campbell, Archroma Chemicals Fabric Finish chemist.
Jim Campbell, Archroma Chemicals Fabric Finish chemist.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,778
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
On my 4 Vette Vert and my 10 convertible I have owned and all they ever got was a washing off with a light water pressure hose. If real dirty a little mild soap applied by a sponge and then well rinsed off.
FWIW my last 4 Verts have been garaged when not in use!
FWIW my last 4 Verts have been garaged when not in use!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 318
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
At 5300 mi, this is all I have done with my black top so far. Basically rub on it as little as possible. I just hose it off good and pretty much let it air dry. Lightly soap and rinse if beyond dusty. I don't put the top down unless it's totally dry. My car might sit out on the weekends up at the lake, but otherwise in the garage at night or during bad weather.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 747
From: Keller Texas
He's absolutely right. We've had half a dozen Corvette 'verts' (all with black or tan tops) and never used ANTYHING. Wash it lightly when you wash the car. Don't put the top down when it's wet. (common sense) The longest we held onto one was 6 years and the top looked new when we sold it.... and I'm very detail sensitive.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I have used Rag Top products in the past with excellent results. My C7 has not needed to be cleaned and treated yet. Only have used water and sponge to date. Sponge doesn't leave lint.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 499
From: Northern Virginia
Haven't treated mine yet, and water still beads up and rolls right off. When it stops doing that, I'll treat it with 303. On my Miata with cloth top, I found that 303 sealed better (more beading) and lasted longer than Raggtop.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 314
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 499
From: Northern Virginia
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 318
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
Learned the hard way about the lint thing the first time I took one of those washing mits to the top. Oops. The very next thing I learned was those sticky lint rollers you use on clothes work great on vert tops. I guess the lint roller is worth mentioning to get stuff off of it. I keep one in the trunk.