After getting my 2004 XK8 back from the body shop (hit by truck's retread) I noticed several scratches on the top. I've also noticed 2 spots on the top directly over the forward top brace, and waear in the folds at the back near the window. Not sure how they got there. My question is how to remove or cover these scratches. They don't seem to be deep, but I'm not sure how to get them out. Is there a top conditioner that will take care of the scratches?

 

Don't know if it will remove or minimize scratches in the fabric, but Raggtop cleaner and conditioner products are the only ones endorsed by the convertible top manufacturer.

If you can't find Raggtop products locally they are also available online.

Good luck!

 

Second on RaggTop. After a few treatments the worn fibers in the 'scratches' will absorb some of the cleaner and become less obvious.

Of course you are probably the last person I would have to warn to be gentle when cleaning the fabric top. I seldom do more than hose it off and pat it dry w/ a towel. Never scrub it.

 

I bought a spray bottle of 303 canvas/fabric cleaner for my top. You scrub the top with the cleaner and a soft bristle brush. Then, spray the top off with a water hose--completely soaking the canvas. Let it dry completely.

You then take a clothes lint brush (sticky roller type) and roll off any fuzz or dingleberries on the top. You then spray the top with the 303 canvas/fabric treatment to get it to shed water. That's about all you can do for it.

I understand the 303 canvas/fabric treatment will continue to shed water for 2-3 years. Since it's so easy to apply, I can see reapplication yearly. I also have a car cover and a cover on my Waverunner that will have 303 applied.

 

Umm... no. It should last one season, you will need to reapply it though. What the manufacturer says and reality are often two different things.

 

I've gotten an honest 12 months out of the 303 (measured by water beading) by taking seriously the instruction to use enough to make the top wet when applying it. A little better staying power than RaggTopp, IMO.

Also, 303 claims UV protection (which is my real reason for using any of this stuff) but not sure if that is so for RaggTopp.

 

From my readings and research, I think 303 might be longer lasting when applied using a brush or swab. [proponents indicate the spray bottle is useless, especially in a light breeze] However it appears Raggtop is easier to apply. It certainly cleans up easier; leaving a wax-like film on glass and auto finish that wipes off to leave a clean shine.

I try to use a light spraycoat of Raggtop about 2-3 times per year. I usually apply before a wax so that any overspray is cleaned up when the wax is wiped to a shine. It has been my treatment of choice since owning the car.

On a side note; my car is garaged and out of the elements. I have a hunch the 303 formula might penetrate the fabric deeper and be more effective against the harshness of outside storage conditions.

PS/ I use two bedsheets to mitigate most of the overspray. Begin to raise the top and open the doors; then insert the sheet edge between the top and windshield header, wrapping around to cover the door windows. A second sheet is used between the rear deck and the rear edge of the top. I fudge the back windows rearward using some cardboard templates to blunt most of the overspray. I do not cover the plastic rear window at all.

 

Thanks for all of the comments. I've used Raggtopp cleaner and protectant and the car is garaged when not in the parking lot at work. I've not tried the 303. Sounds like that might be a better option for the Texas sun.