Cleaning Top

gr8-wrx · 11-09-2015, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rnchdude

I used the 303 per instructions on the bottle (didn't apply using a paintbrush as suggested on here) and it made NO improvement. Not a single bead of water on the top at the next rainstorm. Applied liberally to a clean, dry top, then parked in the sun for a few hours to "cure". On another forum I read a similar complaint so I'll contact the company. Maybe a bad batch?? Of course, now El Nino has started up out here so It'll be a while for a clean dry top again.

Not sure, did you use the 303 protectant, too? I used the 303 cleaner, waited for it to dry, then used the 303 protectant. Beads like crazy! Just checking because 303 makes a lot of different products.

Rnchdude · 11-09-2015, 03:44 PM

Ya, I used the Fabric protector. I didn't use their brand for cleaning. And there's hardly any liquid left in the bottle, so I know I sprayed pretty heavy. I sent the mfg an email and will post how they respond.

Rnchdude · 12-03-2015, 10:13 AM

A rep from Gold Eagle (maker of 303) contacted me right away, apologized for the issue and sent me a new 32 oz bottle to try again. I told him I would buy their cleaner product and try again. Super customer service for sure.

370z_Roadster · 12-05-2015, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rnchdude

Ya, I used the Fabric protector. I didn't use their brand for cleaning. And there's hardly any liquid left in the bottle, so I know I sprayed pretty heavy. I sent the mfg an email and will post how they respond.

Weird. I use the 303 Fabric Protector every 4-5 month and it beads up like crazy, but diminishes during long rains. Paint brush method and use about 2/3 bottle each dose.

Moe370 · 12-17-2015, 07:49 AM

Might be a little off topic but what material is the top made of?

barncobob · 12-17-2015, 01:13 PM

used raggtop cleaner and sealant 1x year on porsche, excellent

GOBLUE · 12-31-2015, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moe370

Might be a little off topic but what material is the top made of?

Pretty sure it is canvas. It's not the vinyl, shiny material used on the 350Z roadster.

GOBLUE · 12-31-2015, 03:10 PM

I've had great results with the 303 fabric protector. It beads water like crazy.

This is the one I used:

Amazon.com: 303 82043306066 (30606) Fabric Guard Trigger Sprayer, 32 fl. oz.: Automotive

barncobob · 01-04-2016, 01:47 PM

Porsche uses a high grade canvas from Hartz, they recommend Raggtop, used it for years, excellent....I do use 303 protectant on the Z, tires, interior, rubber moldings,etc.

OldGuyFla · 01-31-2016, 11:59 AM

I just did the first major cleaning of mine & used Raggtopp. It came out really good & was a very easy task.

Dan

270slx · 03-04-2016, 06:05 PM

The first step in cleaning is always to vacuum the top. Most often, this is the only cleaning needed. When washing, I use commercial convertible top cleaner, like Meguirer's, using a brush with long, soft bristles. Once dry, I apply a water proofer like those mentioned in prior posts. I do this once per season. (In Iowa, that's April through October.)

bon370z · 03-11-2016, 11:36 AM

what about cleaning inside guys, i noticed some white sort of stuff in mine want to clean that up.... and yeh no jokes

littlejuanito · 03-11-2016, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bon370z

what about cleaning inside guys, i noticed some white sort of stuff in mine want to clean that up.... and yeh no jokes

Welll... I assume to clean all that "Rocket Sauce" inside your roof, you would follow the same process as if you were cleaning the outside...although I would suggest looking into a special cleaner that works well removing jizz

WI_Hedgehog · 05-31-2016, 09:57 AM

Reading through the thread I'm seeing several products and would like some advice on which to get, cost of the product is irrelevant as a new top is much, much more and I'd rather invest in maintaining it than have to replace it:

Meguiar's G2016 Convertible Top Cleaner - 16 oz
- vs -
303 (30207) Multi-Surface Cleaner Trigger Sprayer, 32 Fl. oz

303 (30606) Fabric Guard Trigger Sprayer, 32 fl. oz.
- vs -
303 (30313-CSR) Aerospace Protectant Trigger Sprayer, 32 Fl. oz.
Not recommended for canvas/fabric

Also found this video, not sure about using a pressure washer, seems like a bad idea:
How to clean and protect your car's fabric convertible top by Auto Obsessed

GOBLUE · 05-31-2016, 11:51 AM

I used 303 Fabric Guard and it worked great.

http://www.amazon.com/303-30606-Fabr...av_hcs_bia_t_1

I would not use a power washer on a fabric top, but I'm pretty anal about cleaning it. I also never use auto car washes. I hand wash and use a soft bristle (horse hair) brush to work up a lather and then rinse. I also use a lint roller after the top is dry to get any horse hairs or fuzzies that may have stuck around.

11-09-2015, 03:44 PM	#17 (permalink)
Rnchdude Base Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NorCal Sacramento Posts: 34 Drives: 12 370Z 6M Roadster Rep Power: 10	Ya, I used the Fabric protector. I didn't use their brand for cleaning. And there's hardly any liquid left in the bottle, so I know I sprayed pretty heavy. I sent the mfg an email and will post how they respond. WI_Hedgehog likes this.

12-03-2015, 10:13 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rnchdude Base Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NorCal Sacramento Posts: 34 Drives: 12 370Z 6M Roadster Rep Power: 10	A rep from Gold Eagle (maker of 303) contacted me right away, apologized for the issue and sent me a new 32 oz bottle to try again. I told him I would buy their cleaner product and try again. Super customer service for sure. WI_Hedgehog likes this.

12-31-2015, 03:10 PM	#23 (permalink)
GOBLUE Base Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 148 Drives: 2010 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 10	I've had great results with the 303 fabric protector. It beads water like crazy. This is the one I used: Amazon.com: 303 82043306066 (30606) Fabric Guard Trigger Sprayer, 32 fl. oz.: Automotive WI_Hedgehog likes this. __________________ 2010 370Z Roadster, Touring 6MT, Pearl White on Black, FI CBE

01-04-2016, 01:47 PM	#24 (permalink)
barncobob A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: hangtown, CA Posts: 1,164 Drives: 16 370Z auto Rep Power: 590	Porsche uses a high grade canvas from Hartz, they recommend Raggtop, used it for years, excellent....I do use 303 protectant on the Z, tires, interior, rubber moldings,etc. WI_Hedgehog likes this.

03-04-2016, 06:05 PM	#26 (permalink)
270slx Base Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 19 Drives: 2012 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 12	The first step in cleaning is always to vacuum the top. Most often, this is the only cleaning needed. When washing, I use commercial convertible top cleaner, like Meguirer's, using a brush with long, soft bristles. Once dry, I apply a water proofer like those mentioned in prior posts. I do this once per season. (In Iowa, that's April through October.) WI_Hedgehog likes this.

12-17-2015, 07:49 AM	#20 (permalink)
Moe370 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 4 Drives: 2010 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 10	Might be a little off topic but what material is the top made of?

12-17-2015, 01:13 PM	#21 (permalink)
barncobob A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: hangtown, CA Posts: 1,164 Drives: 16 370Z auto Rep Power: 590	used raggtop cleaner and sealant 1x year on porsche, excellent

01-31-2016, 11:59 AM	#25 (permalink)
OldGuyFla A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Indian Lake Estates Fl Posts: 1,049 Drives: 14 370Z TS Roadster Rep Power: 19128	I just did the first major cleaning of mine & used Raggtopp. It came out really good & was a very easy task. Dan

03-11-2016, 11:36 AM	#27 (permalink)
bon370z Base Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: UK Posts: 21 Drives: Nissan 370Z CV M6 Rep Power: 10	what about cleaning inside guys, i noticed some white sort of stuff in mine want to clean that up.... and yeh no jokes

05-31-2016, 09:57 AM	#29 (permalink)
WI_Hedgehog Base Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 41 Drives: 2015 Slingshot SL Rep Power: 10	Reading through the thread I'm seeing several products and would like some advice on which to get, cost of the product is irrelevant as a new top is much, much more and I'd rather invest in maintaining it than have to replace it: Meguiar's G2016 Convertible Top Cleaner - 16 oz - vs - 303 (30207) Multi-Surface Cleaner Trigger Sprayer, 32 Fl. oz 303 (30606) Fabric Guard Trigger Sprayer, 32 fl. oz. - vs - 303 (30313-CSR) Aerospace Protectant Trigger Sprayer, 32 Fl. oz. Not recommended for canvas/fabric Also found this video, not sure about using a pressure washer, seems like a bad idea: How to clean and protect your car's fabric convertible top by Auto Obsessed Last edited by WI_Hedgehog; 05-31-2016 at 02:30 PM.

05-31-2016, 11:51 AM	#30 (permalink)
GOBLUE Base Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 148 Drives: 2010 370Z Roadster Rep Power: 10	I used 303 Fabric Guard and it worked great. http://www.amazon.com/303-30606-Fabr...av_hcs_bia_t_1 I would not use a power washer on a fabric top, but I'm pretty anal about cleaning it. I also never use auto car washes. I hand wash and use a soft bristle (horse hair) brush to work up a lather and then rinse. I also use a lint roller after the top is dry to get any horse hairs or fuzzies that may have stuck around. Bummer, WI_Hedgehog and OldGuyFla like this. __________________ 2010 370Z Roadster, Touring 6MT, Pearl White on Black, FI CBE

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