convertibles

For my 2004, I use convertible top protectant from this company:
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/exterior-trim-convertible-top-care.html

Order according to the material of your top.. I have cloth because my car is a 40th Edition.. yours is vinyl..

As far as my technique for washing:
  1. Wet the top
  2. Use a convertible top brush or a wash mitt
  3. Rinse top
  4. Let air dry, or put towels over it
  5. Wash the rest of the car

For applying the top protectant:
  1. Cover entire car with drop cloths
  2. Once the top is competely dry, apply protectant
  3. Apply a second coat after the first coat dries
  4. At this point you should probably wax your car... In case some of the protectant got on the top..

:nice:
 
......How exactly do you care for them? reccomend any products?

You protect the top by having a garage, carport or a high quality car cover. I now use a car cover especially if the car is going to sit for a long time. The sun will beat the top up after a couple years if you don't have a garage or at least a car port. Also, never store the car for extended periods of time with the top down, since creases and dark smudge streaks will appear, esp. if the top is light-colored. I just use a damp cloth to clean it. I don't use cleaners or anything else. Get a vert only if you really want one, since they are fun.
 
My car will be 10 years old in a few month and the top is doing pretty good. Only a few rub marks behind the quarter glass from it rubbing when the top is put down. I put the top down whenever I can so it gets a lot of use. I only use soap and water on my top (tan) let it air dry and keep it in the garage when it's not being driven. Given that it's 10 years old I'd like to upgrade soon to a 03-04 Cobra cloth-like top in black, we'll see how that goes when I have the cash. I'd say the top would be good for another 5 years, the big thing is keeping sap, bird droppings and being garage kept will extend it's life.
 
on avg for a car thats not garaged you should expect 8-10years out of it...mine was replaced at 8.5 years and a few friends have had to do the same at about the same amount of time.

i use aerospace303 products.