Noob question....



Our newly-purchased '14 convertible has a lot of dust, pollen, and other debris in the top's storage area, behind the seats.

This unkempt look REALLY triggers my OCD (the drugs aren't helping, darn it). The 'approach' area between the seats is small, a Dust-Buster type vac won't fit. My usual garage vac needs a MUCH longer hose to reach that area, too.

Anybody have any tips for me? (Is there an easy way to un-clip the trailing edge of the fabric top?) Do folks clean this area with the top (hood) partially retracted?

Pics if you got 'em! And, thanks in advance.

 

good question, sub'd for suggestions also.

 

Before anyone asks, I HAVE been trying to improve my flexibility in order to access this area.
Hasn't helped, either.

 

I've only done it once. I know I tried different roof positions, but I don't recall that it helped. Obviously, I had to pop out the wind deflector for any access at all.

I have a handheld canister vac, and I think that's what I used. I had some leaves back there, and they weren't easy to get out.

Just thought of something - if you had a decent-sized mirror that you could lay on the outside of the rear window (reflecting in), that might help you see what you're doing - that's part of the challenge.Or perhaps if you could get a bright light back there, maybe you could see the reflection off the window. (Assuming the angle is right.)

I'm probably due to try again. I keep the top down whenever I can, so I don't have to look back there very often.

 

I completed this task just yesterday.

I used a small portable car vac to blindly suck up the heaviest items, and then used strips of blue painters tape to lift up the rest. I methodically laid down a strip of tape, then lifted it and moved it to the adjacent area, repeat until the tape needs to be renewed.

 

Good trick with the tape.

I have GREEN painters tape, seems appropriate.

 

"If you need a tool, BUY IT."

This sage advice made the task achievable now & in the future.

Purchased a small, inexpensive, corded 12V car vac (similar to the picture) and got it 95% clean. (The one I found had a 6 ft straight cord)


The 'Tape Trick' removed the last remnants from the crevices ( THANKS @62jeff)