Looking After a Soft Top?

[JtB]

Just wondering how those of you with convertible cars look after your soft tops. I know there are soft top fabric cleaning and re-proofing kits, but these are for using once a year. I was thinking more about regular soft top cleaning when you wash your car. My assumption is that a quick hose down with water is all that is required unless you get bird droppings in which case you need to use a soft top cleaner (but not re-proofer). Does this make sense?

 

[Minotier]

Sorry I thought it was a cycling term for a non helmet wearer!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Does this make sense?

It all makes sense apart from why would anyone want a car without a roof?

 

[rb58]

It all makes sense apart from why would anyone want a car without a roof?

Mine doesn't have doors either. Nor a windscreen. Driving with an umbrella is always entertaining.

 

[pauldavid]

Forget the expensive cleaning products and save the money up until you can afford a full car with a roof and everything.



Maybe take a friend with you when you buy the next one so you don't end up buying a girls car

 

[JtB]

Well I guess it was always going to be risky posting this question on a cycling forum

 

[Lee_M]

Ok, maybe this will help

I bought some expensive stuff for my soft top

Didnt seem to make a ha'porth of difference

just wash it normally now and occasionally reproof it

(actually I went and bought a hard top too!)

 

[Beebo]

I used to give it an occasional re proofing treatment but I sold my soft top a couple of years ago. I dont have a garage and the great british weather was too much for it, water would get under the seals and the car always had a musty damp feeling. Plus next doors cat seemed to like sitting on it which was a problem!

My daughter was gutted when I sold it but I wont buy another until I have a garage to keep it in, and even then I'm unsure whether a soft top is actually worth the bother.

 

[Lee_M]

I used to give it an occasional re proofing treatment but I sold my soft top a couple of years ago. I dont have a garage and the great british weather was too much for it, water would get under the seals and the car always had a musty damp feeling. Plus next doors cat seemed to like sitting on it which was a problem!

My daughter was gutted when I sold it but I wont buy another until I have a garage to keep it in, and even then I'm unsure whether a soft top is actually worth the bother.

you just need a waterproof car cover - much cheaper than moving house and keeps the car toasty and dry

 

[Manonabike]

Last summer I changed the soft top of my car..... apparently I ruined it with Renovo applications etc. The new roof only gets this stuff now.

The Renovo stuff made the material hard and it not longer felt like cloth anymore.

So, keep it simple and it will last longer. BMW wanted 2k to change the roof but inside information got me the whereabouts of the person who does the work locally - Total cost was under £900.

 

[DCLane]

I've had a go with Renovo - and it seemed to work OK in the Saab. However, I've only used it once.

 

[jonny jeez]

Ive had a couple of soft tops, a year or so ago i bought Mrs Jeez a twin top.

No going back, just like a coupe when the lid is up, good sound, no tent smell and never have to worry about condition, leaks or vandals