Having an '89 XJS Convertible with the otiginal rag top in near factory condition, I certainly want to maintain it and protect it as long as possible. I've looked through a couple auto parts stores and asked the local Ford dealer (just 'cause they have the new Mustang convertibles), what is available to spray on the outer fabric to protect it. They had no answer, so what say the good members on here?
I'm thinking maybe a Scotchguard product, an Armourall silicone spray?-All I seem to see is intended for vinyl dash and leather care.

 

There is an auto & marine upholstery shop down the road from me that really knows their stuff. They recommend 303 products for convertible top care. 303 sells a two part kit with cleaner and weatherproofer:

303® Fabric Convertible Top Kit - Kits

There is also a kit for vinyl tops...

I use it and it works well. Just watch the overspray on the weatherproofing as it is damn hard to get off windows.

Cheers,

- Will

 

There's a whole thread on this in the detailing section.

 

Thank You Steve, I'll head to the Detalinig section right now.

 

I did some reading in all the "Detailing" section, decided the 303 line was the way go, and went to my local NAPA dealer, and ordered in a Convertible top Cleaner & Protector kit, plus one more bottle of the Protector itself. -Should be in by Friday. -I also enquired about Rear Brake parts, can get them all, good quality Inboard Rotors, Ceramic Lifetime Pads, and E-Brake pads. -I will also be getting Caliper seal kit, and likely a set of Differential seals.

 

Greg,
Let's see Before and After pictures please.
ps take a moment to put car details, miles etc in your signature - it helps with getting the best advice if you've a problem.

 

I used Renovo on my cabriolet top and it made a huge difference, almost looks new instead of badly faded.
In fact it was so faded that I didn't realise that it was originally blue! I had already ordered the black dye so carried on with that.

 

Well, after having the 303 Convertible Top cleaner and Conditioner Kit for a couple weeks, I 'bit the bullet', took advantage of a drizzly day and soaked the top, and sprayed on the cleaner, used a small soft sponge to work the cleaner into the top well, then double-rinsed it all off. I waited a couple days for all to dry well, then I half opened the top, draped a large plastic sheet inside the car from as far to the rear as possible, over the windshield, and over the side windows, and closed the top down to the windshield. This protected the painted areas and glass from the Conditioner/Water Repellant. I laid another piece of plastic around the rear deck/trunk, and covered the rear window, using masking tape to seal it all properly closely to the fabric top. The kit instructions said to apply until the fabric was uniformly well wetted, which I did. I closed the garage doors for 18 hours, peeled off the tape, removed all the plastic, and used WD-40 on the fingertip of a clean cloth to remove any little drips and runs that did find it's way onto the paint. The top looks great, the black is brighter. I haven't run water over it (or been in the rain), but I'm very glad I did it. I will be giving it another coat next year.
I took a few pix, from cleaning, to masking with plastic, to finished spraying.

 

I treated my 1996 XJS top to the 303 cleaner and conditioner kit. The product works very well and water just beads on it and runs off. My only complaint is that the conditioner does not quite have enough in the bottle to wet the entire top. I got another bottle of conditioner at NAPA. There is enough cleaner for about 3 times, I think. Very good product.
RagJag

 

I'm going to put on a new top. Should I put some kind of conditioner on it, and if not, how long after till I put on something?

 

I used the Renovo products on my Saab. Excellent.

for the waterproofing I will use Fabsil (tent waterproofer) which is cheaper but better or so I'm told.

 

I used both Ragg Top & Sunbrella303 and I will stick with Ragg Top

Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Buddyluv, In my humble opinion treating the new top with conditioner would be a good idea. Can't see how it would damage the material if it is a fabric top.
RagJag

 

What are the best products for convertible leather interiors and the roofs?