Convertible top question
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 84
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From: Itasca, Illinois
Convertible top question
1. Does anyone know if the top on a 2014 is vinyl or fabric?
2. The owners manual doesnt say anything about applying a protectant to the top, just cleaning. Does anyone apply 303, Ragg Topp, etc, protectant? How have your results been?
2. The owners manual doesnt say anything about applying a protectant to the top, just cleaning. Does anyone apply 303, Ragg Topp, etc, protectant? How have your results been?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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Fabric.
I don't use any special products, but mine is garaged both at home and at work. If you're going to use a product, use something like 303 Fabric Guard, which is approved by Sunbrella, manufacturer of high quality fabric awnings, outdoor umbrellas, boat canopies, etc. They also produce a great fabric cleaner, which is also approved.
Tops on every model year are identical. My 14 top was exactly like my current 18 top.
I don't use any special products, but mine is garaged both at home and at work. If you're going to use a product, use something like 303 Fabric Guard, which is approved by Sunbrella, manufacturer of high quality fabric awnings, outdoor umbrellas, boat canopies, etc. They also produce a great fabric cleaner, which is also approved.
Tops on every model year are identical. My 14 top was exactly like my current 18 top.
Last edited by Foosh; May 24, 2019 at 10:49 AM.
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2014 tops are fabric. I have never used anything on my Corvette convertible tops other than mild soap and a soft brush, for going on 40+ years now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Down south in Dixie
Owned convertible Vette's for years. If your car will be kept in a garage, soap and water is all you need. But, if it's outside 100% of the time Raggtop is your friend. And, enjoy that drop top.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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I've never even used soap on either my 14 or 18 C7s or any other of the many fabric-top convertibles I've owned, but as I said above, my cars have been garaged at both home and work for many years now. I just hose it off with plain water when I wash and let it air dry. They've all looked brand new when sold or traded, but that's mostly the garage treatment.
Last edited by Foosh; May 25, 2019 at 04:59 PM.
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Team Owner
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How long will a kept wet C7 convertible top, keep the water out? This is my 1st ragtop. Days, or indefinitely? Is there a breaking point of the fabric being totally watertight/proof when drenched indefinite periods of time?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Virginia
The OEM top has a good protectant applied, so I only use water or mild soap to preserve it.
I wouldn't use a detergent as strong as Tide, unless as a last resort to clean a very dirty or stained top.
I wouldn't use a detergent as strong as Tide, unless as a last resort to clean a very dirty or stained top.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Chirper Island
Indefinitely as far as water tightness.
Tide is a fabric detergent, not harsh at all, otherwise your clothing would be falling off you all. I have over 350,000 miles on light colored Corvette tops, and it hasn't hurt one bit. Both my tops look pretty darn good for having the number of miles they both have on them.
Tide is a fabric detergent, not harsh at all, otherwise your clothing would be falling off you all. I have over 350,000 miles on light colored Corvette tops, and it hasn't hurt one bit. Both my tops look pretty darn good for having the number of miles they both have on them.
Last edited by owc6; May 26, 2019 at 07:24 PM.