Care and feeding of a Roadster top?

TonyD · 04-10-2011, 05:41 PM

My searches came up empty. I just got a new roadtser with black top. The dealer told me not to use anything on it and not to scrub it with a brush of any kind.

Looking for advice here.

1. Any special cleaner to use on the top vs the rest of the car? Or just use normal car wash stuff?
2. Use a sponge or a brush on it?
3. Any kind of protectant? I'd like to keep this from cracking or fading for as long as possible.

Suggestions and experience are very welcome!

christian370z · 04-10-2011, 07:39 PM

Hey Tony, I will try to help as I have used almost every convertible product under the sun on my last car:

1) Try not to use regular car wash soap as it is generally much harsher than a fabric cleaner. The two best products I used were 303 Fabric/Vinyl cleaner and Raggtop fabric vinyl cleaner.

2) You spray them on at the beginning of your car wash, agitate with a soft bristle brush. Then, just rinse until the suds are gone. You only really need to wash the fabric roof like this every month, but you can do a weekly wipe down with a damp microfiber towel.

3) For water repellency, I had great luck using 303 Fabric Guard. When two coats were applied, I got approximately 4-6 months of durability out of it before beading degraded to the point where I felt it necessary to reapply. Any over spray on the window or paint also cleans off easily with a microfiber towel and some quick detailer.

Sandra Dee · 04-20-2011, 03:00 PM

I use Raggtop. There is a kit that has the cleaner in it and the protectant. It has pretty detailed instructions. I have not had any trouble with my top. a year later the water still beads-but i am going to do it again.

SoCal 370Z · 04-20-2011, 03:04 PM

Raggtop

gr8-wrx · 04-22-2011, 08:42 AM

Great responses here on cleaners, thanks!

As for a brush, I've been using a brush on my top made for car washing your paint (I would never use it on my paint). Very soft, yet stiff enough for the canvas top when washing.

TonyD · 04-27-2011, 05:32 PM

Thanks guys. I placed an order with Raggtop. I'll keep you posted!!

04-10-2011, 05:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
TonyD Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston Posts: 32 Drives: 2010 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 14	Care and feeding of a Roadster top? My searches came up empty. I just got a new roadtser with black top. The dealer told me not to use anything on it and not to scrub it with a brush of any kind. Looking for advice here. 1. Any special cleaner to use on the top vs the rest of the car? Or just use normal car wash stuff? 2. Use a sponge or a brush on it? 3. Any kind of protectant? I'd like to keep this from cracking or fading for as long as possible. Suggestions and experience are very welcome!

04-10-2011, 07:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
christian370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 3,900 Drives: 2010 370Z/Saab 900se Rep Power: 432	Hey Tony, I will try to help as I have used almost every convertible product under the sun on my last car: 1) Try not to use regular car wash soap as it is generally much harsher than a fabric cleaner. The two best products I used were 303 Fabric/Vinyl cleaner and Raggtop fabric vinyl cleaner. 2) You spray them on at the beginning of your car wash, agitate with a soft bristle brush. Then, just rinse until the suds are gone. You only really need to wash the fabric roof like this every month, but you can do a weekly wipe down with a damp microfiber towel. 3) For water repellency, I had great luck using 303 Fabric Guard. When two coats were applied, I got approximately 4-6 months of durability out of it before beading degraded to the point where I felt it necessary to reapply. Any over spray on the window or paint also cleans off easily with a microfiber towel and some quick detailer. __________________ -320whp / 259wftlbs- SP Rays -- RE-11s -- SpecialtyZ Tune -- Swift Springs -- Stillen 25R Oil Cooler -- Stillen G3 Intakes -- Berk HFCs -- F.I. 12" CBE -- Stillen Sway Bars -- Es14 Spring -- INGS+1 lip -- CF Spoiler -- GTR Start Button -- VLED Parking Lights -- PWJDM V2 shift knob

04-20-2011, 03:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sandra Dee Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NC Posts: 215 Drives: 370ZRdstr BLK Cherry Rep Power: 15	top care I use Raggtop. There is a kit that has the cleaner in it and the protectant. It has pretty detailed instructions. I have not had any trouble with my top. a year later the water still beads-but i am going to do it again.

04-20-2011, 03:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	Raggtop __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

04-22-2011, 08:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
gr8-wrx Track Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 611 Drives: 10 370z Roadster 7AT Rep Power: 15	Great responses here on cleaners, thanks! As for a brush, I've been using a brush on my top made for car washing your paint (I would never use it on my paint). Very soft, yet stiff enough for the canvas top when washing. __________________ Me: 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Double-Cab SB Wifey: 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD Weekends: 2010 Nissan 370z Roadster

04-27-2011, 05:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
TonyD Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston Posts: 32 Drives: 2010 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 14	Thanks guys. I placed an order with Raggtop. I'll keep you posted!!

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