I couldn’t find any posts on this issue. I recently had a new top installed on a 2007 XK, 34k. I am finding black marks on the top (pictures 1 and 2). After doing a little investigation I found the areas in question were coming from when the rubber weatherstripping (pictures 3, 4, and 5) comes in contact with the top. The old top did the same thing so I don’t think it has anything to do with installation. The weatherstripping is supple and when I run my hand over the affected areas there is no residue on my finger. The corners do feel like it has received some type of dressing in the past.

My questions are:

1. Is there a treatment to apply to prevent to the weatherstripping to stop the black streaks in the first place?

2. Thoughts on removing the black marks from the top? I have a top cleaner product from Chemical Guys and my special round green brush. Any other suggestions?

3. Would 303 Fabric Guard stop this from occurring? I treated the top with Chemical Guys top protectorate and that obviously isn’t doing the job.

As always, thanks to all of you that make this forum the place that it is. The wealth of information that I have learned here has been invaluable.

 

No marks like that on my ‘07. Wonder if the top material is folding correctly. Don’t think it should rub like that. When I get a chance, I’ll have to watch mine.

 

When i had my ragtop ftype i used autoglym cleaner and sealer , the cleaner eliment of it worked well but the sealler not so , in the end i used gtec fabric coating its a fantastic coating one of them new fangled ceramic coatings but for fabrics sure it says lasts for 3 years , but you must mask of the rest of the car as you wont be able to remove this stuff once it sets , it should stop any marks getting on to the fabric , in my opinion

 

Chemical Guys VRP (Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic) Protectorant creme.
Because I live in Arizona with high heat and UV levels it is important for me to keep the Jaguar's rubber supple and clean.
Without treatment the rubber begins to harden and shed off its outer layer making black marks; I think that is what you are experiencing here.
I treat the rubber weather seals on my XK by liberally applying the VRP, letting it soak in, and then vigorously wiping the area with a clean cloth (old tee-shirt material works great) until there is no residual coming off.
Don't be surprised by how much black gunk comes off the first few times you do this treatment; conversely, be pleasantly surprised by how clean and soft the rubber is with subsequent treatments!

I hope this helps to prevent new black marks from appearing.

 

Eureka! “kj07xk” was on the money about the new top folding correctly. I went back and looked at old pictures of the original top and I was mistaken, there were no marks. I manually folded in the top last night and voila! No marks. Now its s back to installer for a permanent fix. Thanks to everyone for your help. I will be incorporating your ideas for maintenance in the future.