Protecting and cleaning top

[dogpaddler]

What is the best way to clean and protect the cabrio top? I've heard that it needs a new treatment of water-repellant after every 3-5 washes. I've also heard not using soap on the cloth top everytime you wash to prevent having to retreat it so often. Scotchgard anyone?

[Madeira Jon]

Turtle Wax swll a very good 2 part product as do BMW. Ive only washed my BMW Convertible top twice in 5 years! However I regularly vacuum or brush it.

[heatherh]

I use RaggTopp cleaner and protectant. I use only a stiff stream of water every time I wash, then a big soft body brush (only for use on the top!) and the cleaner when needed. I retreat every time I "scrub" the top.

[ThomB]

I've gone with the 303 cleaner and protectant. I'm in the salt belt, and haven't had much problem. The snow and water is still beading up after a winter of snow-slush-salt-grime.

If you do go this route, do yourself a favor and get the bigger bottles. The cleaner goes pretty far, but the protectant I used almost 1/2 the bottle in one application. Make sure you let it (the protectant) completely soak in (a few hours) before operating the car. I just did the protectant in the garage before I went to bed and gave it the entire night to work it's magic.

I have noticed that the back of the hood is filthy right now, but this last winter it washed of with just a jet of water.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[heatherh]

Quote: Originally Posted by ThomB

I just did the protectant in the garage before I went to bed and gave it the entire night to work it's magic.

Hey, that's interesting. I have only treated my top a few times so far. The first time I did more coats and let it sit for the recommended 24 hours (if I remember correctly). Last time I didn't do as many coats and I only let it sit overnight. I am wondering if more coats or more sit time made the difference.

How many coats of the 303 do you use?