Mike, the most important thing, is to properly adjust your pads when you lower it. Otherwise it will pinch and tear your top. Then you will be bummed paying 1k (give or take) for another one installed. DL
Here ae my rules for keeping a convertible top maintained; 1) NEVER leave the top down longer than necessary; 2) make sure the frame and mechanicals are all in perfect working order; 3) the top is adjusted properly; 4) #3 is dependent on weather and temperature, the cooler and more humid the conditions the harder it is to get the top to fit correctly; 5) keep it clean, don't let any foreign matter stay on the top- NONE!; If you want specifics about what I use and my technique send me a PM and I'll give you some tips A correctly installed and adjusted top is a blend of science and art. Make sure you have a highly experienced shop do the work on your top. It is too expensive and complex a task for 95-99% of owners.
Mike, I went on to the big cruise this weekend and had some time to burn so I paged through my owners manual. I reread the section on convertible top maintance and I was glad that I remembered all of the points that are made in the manual. I'll have to try and check the IM from you. I haven't been able to access it consistantly in the past. Sound like you are enjoying having the car already. Is that true?
Mr.N3 is right,a experienced Top man is irreplaceable. My top frame is in pretty rough shape,it had a garage roof fall on it before I bought it back from a friend. I just got it back from having the seats re-foamed and the top pointed up. He refilled the pump,tightened all the fittings and adjusted the frame. The top has never worked so good in the 20+ years I've owned it.
Yes, absolutely love the car and glad I got a convertible. The top was replaced earlier this year and seems to be done well and correctly. But, I will definitely keep my eye on it closely in the future and use a good repair place if ever necessary.
Thanks. Got the car from Mark (TurboV6) and he did a great job. Mine is a '97 I can't seem to part with.
I've had black tops mostly and use a product called Tonno Tonic. Not water based like Armoral and really works great on black to take away that faded look. You can find it on ebay or they have a web site. It seems to last a long time too. Don't know how it would do on a light colored top. If you keep yours inside which I suspect you do with one those fine Mark Lob creations you probably don't need anything. http://extang.com/store/do/product/TonnoTonic
Don't own stock in the company or anything, but did forget to add that it gives the top (at least black ones) a nice factory type gloss, not shiny like Armoral. It really is great stuff, I bought two bottles just to make sure I don't run out. Use it on my vinyl top too.
