Show and Shine / Paint and Body Care Washing, polishing, detailing, paint care, etc.

Convertible top care

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 12:55 PM
  #1  
djn's Avatar
djn
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 422
Convertible top care

Can anyone recommend a safe solution for removing small mildew spots from a canvas convertible top?

I have a 95, Z28 with a really nice tan top but its starting to look old. Live in Florida and spots started to show after 5-days of consecutive rain.

Looks like SH@# now.... Any sugestions???

Thanks,
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 01:58 PM
  #2  
KevinSS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 1,654
From: Kenton, TN, USA
Raggtopp products are what you want to use, you have to reseal the cloth every now and then to prevent such staining.

Here is the process:
A properly maintained cloth top should bead water AT ALL times, if it does not the cloth sealant applied to it at the http://www.haartz.com factory has broken down leaving the top material prone to staining and discoloration. The Raggtopp is invisible and will reseal the top material.
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 Raggtopp evenly over the entire top while the top is still wet. 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 Raggtopp . 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.) Raggtopp cleaner. 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.
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 02:09 PM
  #3  
djn's Avatar
djn
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 422
Awsome!! Thanks for the advice. Thats just what I needed to know...
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 02:12 PM
  #4  
KevinSS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 1,654
From: Kenton, TN, USA
Originally posted by djn
Awsome!! Thanks for the advice. Thats just what I needed to know...
I have the Raggtopp in stock if you need it, both the cleaner and sealer.
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 02:15 PM
  #5  
djn's Avatar
djn
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 422
Need them both, need details on how to buy them?
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 02:19 PM
  #6  
KevinSS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 1,654
From: Kenton, TN, USA
Originally posted by djn
Need them both, need details on how to buy them?

25.00 for the kit plus 7.95 shipping, total 32.95

I do Pay Pal...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Victor Lamb
Suspension, Chassis, and Brakes
3
Aug 26, 2017 02:52 PM
shroyvin56
Cars For Sale
0
Apr 3, 2015 08:15 AM
WildRidez
Cars For Sale
1
Feb 23, 2015 07:24 PM
nosliw
LT1 Based Engine Tech
6
Feb 7, 2015 01:30 PM
squarehead
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
0
Nov 21, 2014 08:02 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:18 AM.