Looking for recommendations on care and treatment for the convertible top.

I'm the new parent of a 2000 XKR. Previous owner did keep her garaged, but I can tell he did not do much for long term care and protection. It appears that the top has never been treated for waterproofing. It is clean, but really absorbs the water when washed/cleaned (no water beading or run-off) and the interior lining shows some previous water staining.

I'm afraid to try an over-the-counter treatment from the local car parts store without knowing the long-term effect of using the "wrong" product.

Anyone have recommendations?

 

Many of us like 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard, usually available at boating supply stores. You should also be able to order it online....

 

Thanks Jon89!
Made a quick call to a boat/marina shop near me, and they also highly recommend this for my rag top.

 

RaggTop is also popular.

My detailer just did a 3M treatment that he likes. I suspect all the big names will have a good product.

Be careful on application and mask off as this stuff can be difficult to clean excess off of the car and windows.

 

+1

Have used this long-term on my blue cat with only positive effects. Recommended. Make sure top is clean & dry first, and avoid getting on paint.

 

Some folks use ordinary waterproofing for canvass tents. has anybody tried it ?

 

I've used Fabsil Gold on soft tops for over a decade now and can highly recommend it. It's better applied with a brush, but you can spray it on too.

R

 

I like the Raggtop cleaner a lot and then if clean, use the 303 protectant versus the raggtop protectant.

 

Saran wrap works great for masking off the windshield and paint surfaces.
(I believe that's cling wrap for those in the old country)

 

that's a great idea ! I never thought of it

 

Some offer UV protection; some don't. I use Raggtopp, which does.

 

I haven't re-investigated this in years. But when I did I found the most positive comments about Raggtop products and bought their which includes both their cleaner and a can of their protectant.

In order to protect the windows and paint when applying the protectant a get a cheap thin plastic drop cloth. Raise the roof a little , put the cloth over the windows and lower the roof (make hole for hood latch) and another piece of plastic drop cloth over trunk(boot) lid.

 

I get my wife to drag a big scrap bath towel around the window and trim edges whenever I spray the 303 protectant on her ragtop. She keeps the glass and rubber trim covered with the towel as I work my way around the area with the spray bottle. Since it is her car, she never objects to this little task....