Hi all,
I like to wash my own car but when I’m too busy, I run it through an automated car wash at gas station. I have a convertible and wondering if that is not a good idea. A lot of water accumulated on the wells of the trunk and some water leaked in while I was in the car wash. Does anyone else know if these car washes are just too strong for a soft top or is there an issue with my car?

 

It is not a good idea, as high-pressure wash and soaps might damage convertible top fabric. I would leave it dirty over auto-wash.

I am not surprised that some water got in, convertible top seals are not designed to stop pressure wash, but "a lot of water" is a concern for electronics.

 

I've occasionally taken my vert through a 'touchless' car wash, with no leaks. But the high-pressure water will eventually remove the fabric roof waterproofing. (I 'reproof' my roof annually.) Some have discussed plugged drain holes, but I haven't experienced that.

 

It's not a good idea for a lot of reasons, but the leaks depend on where they came from. The window seals are like 3 or 4 pieces because of where it folds. The drivers side on mine will occasionally let a couple drips through when normally washing it with the hose if I put the jet nozzle near them. I took it through a touchless wash once in a pinch, and had some decent dripping on the drivers side whenever the jets came by the window, passenger side was fine. The seals don't quite overlap as well on my drivers side, so it makes sense, and they'd never leak during normal rain driving. But if yours is leaking from anywhere else, that'd probably be a concern.

 

I've been using automated drive through car washes for my past & current 5 convertibles over the past 25 yrs with no issues. 4 are ragtops: Mustang, 2 Vettes, & current F-Type, & 1 hardtop BMW. I've treat top with 303 once or twice a year. All are/were less than 5 yrs old & under 30K miles, all with no leaks nor fading issues, but don't have longer term experience. No paint issues neither, as all are properly waxed, & now ceramic wax.

 

How does that work? Do you take it to somebody for that as a service?

 

No, I use 303’s kit. I use a horsehair brush with the cleaner, then I use a paintbrush to apply the waterproofing (I don’t mask anything.)

 

ah great thanks for the heads up I just ordered some for mine

 

DJS, interesting that you used a paintbrush to apply the 303. I cleaned and sealed mine with all the masking but it does seem a paintbrush would be easier and more complete coverage. Did you feel it required a lot of 303 - seems as if it would go on a little thicker. I assume you just poured the 303 into a container and went from there? One coat? Any other advice?
Thanks

 

The challenge with a brush - yes, it can go on thick, but doing it on a warm day in the sun, it absorbs quickly enough that it can be hard to tell what you’ve done. I open the roof, then mostly close it to leave a small gap above the windshield, so that I can coat the leading edge of the roof without any masking.

Yes, pour some into a small container, and work from there. After it’s done, the roof beads water like crazy - I use a cordless leaf blower to blow the water off the roof after washing.

 

Dave what kind of paint brush did you use, synthetic or other? I had the aerosol spray from Raggtops the last times I did it. Masking is a pain and the brush sounds more precise,

 

Marko, I’m not sure, though I think I still have it. Not clear if a latex or an oil brush would be ideal, though I don’t really think it makes much/any difference. I’m guessing I used a 3” brush - a compromise between coverage and precision.