I've seen the posts and read the ads, but I still don't know what's best for our tops. I have used Scotch Gard, and while it may resist dirt, it seems to do NOTHING for waterproofing. I have something in hand that I picked up at WallyWorld in the camping section: Atsko Silicone Water Guard. Apparently, it is good for waterproofing everyhting from nylon to leather to canvas. BUT....as I read the claims from the "big 2" of the vert top treatment products, they say that silicone attracs dirt. Okay, maybe.

I can get some 303 locally (don't know if it takes 16 or 32 ounces), but haven't found Raagtop yet. Reviews run from "amazing/best ever" to "didn't work/didn't last...".

So, since silicone based treatments are about 1/3 or 1/2 the cost, is it really necessary to go for the self-proclaimed "name" stuff?

Oh...'97 vert, original top as far as I know.

 

I read someplace in this forum that there is actually a layer of rubber sandwiched between two layers of canvas. A waterproofing product isn't needed just something to help keep the top clean. Jack

 

I used both the 303 and RaggTop and I am staying with RaggTop, it lasted longer. This link to my page might help Jaguar roof conditioning

 

My experience with Ragg Topp on my former car (M-B CLK) was that it worked great, but did not last very long (three months, maybe). They warn about overspray so I spent a lot of time masking the glass and body, and I used almost an entire bottle on one application. I ordered it online.

 

I used the 303 this year and it did not last nearly as long as the RaggTop. Yes the overspray is an issue but I feel you need to give a little to get what you want.

 

I used 303 'cause I'm a boater and their stuff works well in that environment. Use the cleaner (spray on, wipe around with sponge, hose off well.) Dry well in the sun, then head to the shade and apply 303. Masking off is a great help. Use saranwrap, quick and easy. Spray away with 16oz and spread w/clean lint free applicator of whatever material you have on hand. Just get the top fully wet and covered. Go back to the sun and let dry. I probably wouldn't open the top for a few days to let it dry fully. Can't tell you if other methods last longer, etc., but your top will look like new and bead water.

 

Thanks.

Anyone use a product with the silicone??

 

I used raggtop on my Z3, didn't worry about overspray, just wiped it off, then washed with mild detergent. Bought it at amazon.com.

 

A vote for 303. In my experience, it outlasts RaggTopp and is for sure easier to apply.

Both are good products, IAC.

The biggest benefit of this stuff for me is the UV protection. Nice that water beads up, and this provides a good indicator when it's time to reapply, but UV will probably kill the top before water will.

 

I used Ragg Topp and immediately wiped the overspray off the glass but there's still a film/haze on there. Anyone know how to remove it?

 

How to remove it----
I have always used a household cleanser call "Soft Scrub" on all glass--auto or what ever. Should remove that haze in a heart beat. Does not scratch and will clean any glass to squeaky clean. I then use "Stoner's"
"Invisible Glass"-- a premium Glass cleaner" to polish.------any auto store.

Chuck
05XK8 Vert C.F. 1 of 200

 

If you will read the ingredients on the Raggtopp can you will see that it only contains petroleum wax and naphtha. The solvent evaporates and leaves the wax behind in the canvas fabric. Raggtopp is what I have used for 6+ years and it does a great job of waterproofing the fabric. I cut a slit in a $3 plastic drop cloth, slip it over the partially open top and trim out with Sarand Wrap and masking tape.

Brake cleaner on a cloth will do an instant job of removing over spray.

I bought 303 cleaner and protectorate this year to try it since there is a never ending discussion on the subject.

 

Just purchased the 303 through Autogeek.net per a fellow menber. Sounds like a good product I will let you know how I make out. Some of the advise re saran rap, etc sounds like a good idea. Bought on sale with a special discount for $ 19.54 I will let ya know. Plan to use it on my Buick as well. I have used vinyl top dressing for years on the old Buick which has worked well. Top on the Buick is a non cloth vinyl. Rich

 

Thanks Chuck - I'm familiar with it. I personally dislike any abrasive cleaner, no matter how gentle they claim to be(try using S.S. on your paint - you'll find out quickly how "gentle" it is I'm hoping there's a solvent to remove the haze - e.g. rubbing alcohol or something.

I'll email the company and will report back if/when I hear back. In fact, if I don't hear back from them I'll follow up with a warning not to use their product. I followed the instructions on the can; I shouldn't have this haze in the first place.

 

Oh, thank goodness - so the film is only wax. Brake cleaner? Will have to investigate that. Thanks!

 

I already heard back from a Rick at Wolfstein's (manufacturer of Ragg Topp). Their recommendation: Rubbing Alcohol.

I'll give it a try and will report back with the results.

 

Just to follow up on removing Ragg Topp overspray from the glass, I simply washed the car and it was gone. I didn't want to try their suggestion of rubbing alcohol - it might fade/dry out the black rubber front & rear windshield surrounds, so I bought Stoner's Invisible Glass cleaner instead. But in the end, I didn't need it.

Also, there was minimal beading up of water on the 'vert top. When I was done washing the car there was NO water beading even tho I didn't even wash the top. I applied the treatment properly and gave it 2 coats. Not sure why it didn't provide the water-repelling quality that it's supposed to.

 

Whenever I use the 303 top treatment product, water clearly beads on the top for at least 6 to 8 months....

 

There's a comparison between the 2 products on youtube someplace and 303 'won'. I chose Ragg Topp because they're endorsed by Haartz, the #1 manufacturer of replacement 'vert tops.

 

I also use RaggTopp for both my XK8 and XJS. I can't say it beads up like the paint does, but I'm happy with the results. Have never used 303 so I can't compare.

I apply at the beginning of each season in April, and it lasts almost the whole summer, until Sept. or so.