convertible top cleaner/protectant

[Heff]

Hey guys, I just got a chrysler sebring witha black convertable cloth top. It's not too dirty, so a wash will probably clean it well, but what can I use on it to clean and protect maybe shine it a little. Preferably something easy, safe and that I can get locally, like at autozone etc,

Thanks

Heff

 

[Mikeyc]

Jeff,



It's kind of tough to find a good OTC product for protecting fabric tops. Most of the OTC ones are junk although new products come out all the time so there might be one I don't know about. Most OTC products are intended for use on both vinyl and fabric. So, in the end they try to do too much with one product and end up with garbage.



If you're willing to order on-line Ragg Top is excellent (and I found it locally once). It will make water bead on your top as if it were well waxed paint! A mod on the detailing forum of my owner's site raves about the Porsche brand fabric top kit. If you want to try that you could get it at your local Porsche dealership I'm sure.



Before you buy anything though I would double check that the top is actually fabric. According to Proper Auto Care's convertible top list most models of Sebring have a top made of vinyl. I know the top on my car looks just like fabric but is actually vinyl. If it's vinyl then you can use almost any vinyl & rubber dressing you want. Of course some are better than others.

 

[racingbeat]

if the top is made of canvas and not vinyl don't wash it with soap. Detergents needs lots of rinising to come completely out and detergent left behind attracts dust. Dust is enemy number one for Canvas. You should rinse it with a stiff stream of water every week if you drive it weekly.



Follow up with Raggtopp cleanser and use a feather tip brush like the OXO or Meguiars Gold Class.

Then blot it dry and spray Raggtopp protectant. If you park it outside for more than a couple of hours cover it with a soft top cover. It will keep your interior from fading as well and greatly reduce sun fading. THose tops are very expensive to replace.