I was just looking at a 98 black T/A with a black rag top. I have an apt, so I would not be able to garage it. How hard would it be to keep the top in good condition? And are the top mechanisms going to last a while? Or are they pieces (of trash). Any info you convertible people can give me will be appreciated! Thanks.



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99 V6 camaro,
Arrest Me Red,
monsoon system,
M5,
Yellow Calipers,
No mods yet (waiting on the warranty to age a little... kinda like a fine wine, ya know?)

 

Of course black tops are the easiest to keep up as they do not show stains like the tan tops do, but most people who own F body rag tops do not know how to properly care for the canvas, here is how you do it:

First, you should know that the material on the F body tops is made by this
company www.haartz.com and they have very specific instructions on what two
products to use on their materail. Their brand name Haartz spray cleaner and then
to seal the fabric with 303 Fabric Guard.

I have both of these products in stock, the Haartz cleaner is not sold in stores and is
hard to find. Both of these run 27.50 plus shipping. Send me an email if you need the
correct products for the fabric.

Here is the procedure;

Important: A program of keeping the top clean through regular washings BEFORE
it gets dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of an acrylic top and make successive
cleaning easier.

Most automatic car washes will not harm sport topping fabrics. Washes with water
jets and hanging cloths are preferred. Those using heavy barrel brushes should be
avoided. Haartz recommends hand washing in the shade or partial shade, not direct
sunlight.

Bird and tree droppings as well as other loose particle soils should be removed
immediately. Vacuum the top with a brush attachment and rinse the roof fabric
thoroughly with water to remove these loose particle soils. This will also prevent the
soils from being redeposited during the cleaning process. Once the top has been
rinsed thoroughly, spray apply Haartz Roof Cleaner evenly over the entire top while
the top is still wet. Washing with soap and warm water is a safe alternative to
Haartz Roof Cleaner, but not as effective. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS. Allow the
roof cleaner to soak into the top for 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub the top lightly
with a soft nylon brush or terry cloth rag. Rinse thoroughly, preferably until no
remaining soap foam is observed. Allow to dry. Additional cleaning may be
required. It is best to determine this after the top has dried completely. After drying,
cleaning must be followed by re-water repelling the fabric with a fluorocarbon
system such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard . Failure to do so will result in rapid
resoiling of the unprotected fabric.

The fabric itself does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on
dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. For these
more stubborn cases, soak the fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of
no more than ½ cup (4 oz.) bleach and ¼ cup (2 oz.) Haartz Roof Cleaner per gallon
of water and scrub lightly as indicated above. Excessive soaking with the bleach
solution can deteriorate seam threads, so be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Rinse entire vehicle to remove all of the bleach solution from fabric and to prevent
streaking on painted and chrome surfaces. Acrylic fabric readily absorbs water but
dries quickly. Several cleanings may be necessary.

Do NOT use top dressing cleaners or conditioners containing silicones, organic
solvents, petroleum distillates or plasticizers that may permanently stain the fabric.
This product is made from 100% solution dyed acrylic fiber which is thermoplastic.
Do NOT subject to excessive heat.

The use of stronger cleansers should be left to professionals experienced in handling
this type of fabric to avoid discoloration and degradation of the special protective
inner layer




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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

Thanks!

Hmmm... sounds like a real PITA if it is going to be outside alot... and since I don't have a garage... guess I need to keep looking! Thanks again.




------------------
99 V6 camaro,
Arrest Me Red,
monsoon system,
M5,
Yellow Calipers,
No mods yet (waiting on the warranty to age a little... kinda like a fine wine, ya know?)

 

Not a problem. Check out the Convertible Forum. Link in sig.

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Wayne
'01 SS #1618
Pewter Vert M6
Whisper Lid, K&N
B&B Tri-Flo
Hotchkis STB
KBDD SFC's
!CAGS
Lou's Short Stick
Stull Billet Grille with SS Emblem
GM Black Electric Antenna with Manual
Override Switch

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