I know nothing about the care and cleaning of convertable cloth tops. I have a customer who wants all that done. I need an education on it. Also, I have to do one top tomorrow, so i can only use "over the counter" products (this time). How should i do it, and what should i use?

 

anyone?

 

You might want to hit up a few local parts stores for convertible top products. I believe I have seen some products on shelves before, but since I generally don't do much, if any, convertible cleaning, I can't remember any specific brand. Even if it isn't the best stuff, it'll be better than nothing.

If you're gonna do a bit more convert cleaning in the future, you might pick up RaggTopp..... http://www.properautocare.com/ragclean.html

http://www.properautocare.com/ragprot.html

Here're some other highly regarded convertible cleaning products: http://www.properautocare.com/ro-32.html
http://www.properautocare.com/303vincontop.html

Good Luck!

Mike

 

http://www.haartz.com makes all the fabric for the late model F bodies and most all other car makes

Here is the cleaning procedure:
Although the fabric does not promote mildew growth by itself, mildew may develop on
dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed. This is especially true in warm,
humid, dark environments. A program of keeping the fabric clean through regular
washings, BEFORE it gets dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of the acrylic and make
successive cleaning easier.
Most automatic car washes will not harm cloth top fabrics. Washes with water jets and
hanging cloths provide a more gentle cleaning action. Those using heavy barrel brushes
could damage the top material. Haartz recommends hand washing.
The Haartz Corporation recommends using RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner and RAGGTOPP™
Protectant
Hand washing in shade or partial shade, not direct sunlight, is best. DO NOT USE
DETERGENT. Bird and tree droppings, as well as other loose particle soils, should be
removed immediately. Vacuum with a brush attachment and rinse thoroughly with water
to remove loose particle soils. This will also prevent the soils from being redeposited
during the cleaning process. Once the fabric has been rinsed thoroughly, spray
RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner evenly over the entire surface while still wet. Allow the cleaner
to soak for 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub lightly with a soft nylon brush or terry cloth
rag. Rinse thoroughly, preferably until no remaining soap foam is observed. Additional
cleanings may be required. It is best to determine the need for additional cleanings after
the fabric has dried completely.
For more stubborn cases, mix a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4oz.) bleach and 1/4
cup (2oz.) RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner per gallon of water, soak for approximately 20
minutes and scrub lightly as indicated above. (Excessive soaking with the bleach solution
can deteriorate seam threads.) Rinse thoroughly to prevent streaking on painted and
chrome surfaces. Several cleanings may be necessary.
Once dry, cleaning must be followed by re-water repelling with RAGGTOPP™
Protectant. (This product does not contain CFC's and therefore, is not harmful to the
environment.) Failure to apply will result in rapid resoiling of the unprotected fabric.

 

I asked the same question on here about a month ago and someone said to use LUX dishwashing liquid and a soft bristle brush. I have not tried it yet, but it makes sense because it is not abrasive or too strong and would clean nicely. That would get you over until you can get some Raggtopp items.

Jason U