Cleaning and caring for the rag top

Discussion in 'The ragtop shop' started by DeeVeeEight, Sep 1, 2015.

  1. DeeVeeEight

    DeeVeeEight Well-Known Member

    What products, if any, do you use to clean and maintain your convertible top? Mine is about 5 year old and looks good but I was wondering if there are any products you can use to keep them healthy.
     
  2. kevin mcculloug

    kevin mcculloug 72 GS 455 Convertible

    I just did a search and came across this post. I have no idea other than car wash soap and sponge. Mine is a 2 year old bright white top and just needs the dust and light dirt washed off. I'll see how it turns out and post results.
     
  3. rrbnut

    rrbnut Well-Known Member

    besides giving it a good cleaning with soapy water, and maybe a light wet brushing, I use the Mgic sponge, available in all stores in the sponge section, to clean the whole top. Amazing what dirt comes off. Another good product is ToughStuff in the yellow can. Shake, spray,let it sit for a minute, then use a moist clean rag to wipe it off. ToughStuff gets into the nooks and cranies.
     
  4. mrolds69

    mrolds69 "The Cure"

    I think RaggTop is the only stuff recommended to use by the only top material maker (Haartz) in the US. I've heard the 303 is ok.
     
  5. Stagedcoach71

    Stagedcoach71 Well-Known Member

    I used 303 cleaner and conditioner on my 94 (canvas top). I used a Microfiber towel to gently agitate the cleaner.

    Top looks like the day is was born. You do have to mask the car when applying the conditioner. It takes elbow grease to remove the overspray from paint and glass.
     
  6. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    My friend's father is the original owner of a 61 Invicta convertible with a white convertible top. The top is still original to the car. He swears by Comet bathroom cleaner and a brush. Go figure. I can argue with the long term results.

    I had a white top that had mold all over it. No matter what I used, the top wouldn't come clean. I finally raided the cabinet under the kitchen sink and used Tilex cleaner. The top looked like brand new when I was done. The mold literally evaporated and turned the top bright white. My neighbor was convinced I got a new top installed.
     
  7. SpecialWagon65

    SpecialWagon65 Ted Nagel

    I have been experimenting with Scrubbing Bubbles (toilet cleaner) on the 65 original top -
    Scrubbing bubbles gets into stitching and whitens it up. Tried it on the F*rd upholstry
    which was really nasty and got it looking about as good as condition allowed.
    Tilex may be next :)
     
  8. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    As someone recently said, "What the hell do you have to lose?"
     
  9. 71skylarkfriend

    71skylarkfriend Well-Known Member

    ME too!!! i have tried soap and water and a lite soft scrub brush and NOTHING is cleaning off the Mold. I have a Beige top that is close to 10 years old and where does this Mold come from anyways? ARGHHHH so the Mr magic sponge cleaners did the Trick and did NOT damage the top? my wife will KILL me if i wreck the top on her car, LOL
     
  10. 71skylarkfriend

    71skylarkfriend Well-Known Member

    Ok so I am back, The Mr. Magic sponge is not doing the trick any more, I see the Comet post, I am about to try almost anything here to get this top Clean again, CAN it be stained?? and I may never get this clean again?
     
  11. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    I've used 303 on Landau vinyl tops for several years with satisfactory results; The top for my GS convertible recommended RaggTopp. At the time nobody carried it anywhere near me. But I've used it a few times and am pleased. Fairly labor intensive for ANY product to get satisfactory results... But, hey...
     

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