Do convertible tops need extra special care????

Mustang2004GT

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Jul 23, 2004
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I just purchased a 2002 GT convertible. I have never owned a convertible before and don't know the do's and don't. Any suggestions?

Do convertible tops need extra special care????
If so can anyone recommend what I need to do?

Thanks
 
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Mustang2004GT said:
I just purchased a 2002 GT convertible. I have never owned a convertible before and don't know the do's and don't. Any suggestions?

Do convertible tops need extra special care????
If so can anyone recommend what I need to do?

Thanks

It comes from the factory pretreated so as long as you just rinse it off, do not use anything like DAWN as a cleaner, but rather a soft brush and some water should take care of most of your cleaning needs.

The many rag top Porsches I care for only get washed once a month. The other 3 weeks they get dry brushed and vacuumed when needed.

Bird poo gets taken care of on a spot cleaning basis.

When you need to retreat it then let me know and I'll tell you what to use.

Anthony
 
I wash mine with regular car wash soap every time I wash the car. I always use a clean cloth and fresh soapy water, I wash the top first. I had the original top until 2 years ago, and it was starting to get pinholes in it and worn around the edges, but it was still clean looking.

A friend of mine has a 96 with a white top, they use GoJo orange and a brush for dirty spots. I have used that too, they tend to get dark lines where they fold if you put your top down a lot (which I do).
 
one thing I ALWAYS do now, is when putting the top down... stop mid-way & pull the top fabric out of the scissor-joint. This way, it won't get pinched & leave cuts in your top. Also makes for a slightly lower stack height for the top as well. As for cleaning, I've heard from multiple sources to NEVER use bleach, bleach-water, tire bleach, etc. on the vinyl tops as is weakens the threads & fabric. Have tried several supposed cleaners... Meguiar's vinyl cleaner works pretty good. Just picked up some RaggTopp vinyl top cleaner... will see if it is any better. Unfortunately, I have a WHITE convertible top- which is just about the worst to keep looking good.
 
Calidude said:
Just picked up some RaggTopp vinyl top cleaner... Unfortunately, I have a WHITE convertible top.

So do I.
You'll like it.

I use a soft nylon brush with the cleaner. I apply the protectant by spraying the cloth, then wiping the top.

What surprised me was the first time I washed the car afterwards. I have a white terrycloth-covered sponge. Just wiping the top it came away showing a LOT of dirt. Good to know that it was being kept from the top.