Sounds like the results I get. Seems to darken the cloth a little, so my navy top looks better as well.

 

I found an easy solution. Don't drive in the rain. My top is 11 years old and still looks new with no treatments.

 

I don't drive mine in the rain either, but when washing it, it's nice to have the water bead.. makes for easier cleaning.

 

I am sitting here in the UK. Mid winter. Have to smile when you guys say "don't drive it in the rain". Thats a bit like saying to avoid accidents dont drive pass any cars, good advice but not exactly practical.

I also cannot put my car in the garage as here we tend to use our garages for everything except cars

Ohhh one last thing for Uk readers Sandra Wrap is the American way of saying Cling Film. I had to look it up. It's not their fault, as Basil Fawlty would say "they are Americans"

 

Is it just me or did the top look darker and better before the cleaning and conditioning? Is it just the photos? When I see it all tapped up with the newspapers around it it definitely looks darker than the after photos.

 

Three years later, and with my top now 17 years old (as far as my records show it's original), I still haven't tried the 303 or the Ragtop because the car hardly ever leaves the garage . I did, however run it through the local self-serve car wash the other day and it's now nice and clean again. The newer soft brushes and mild soap seems to be ok for it as far as I can tell. Even with the blow dry I immediately take the kitty to the freeway for a 10-15 minute drive at 70 or so. As much as I want to put the top down I always wait until it's completely dry. But, back in the garage until I get the "new" coolant reservoir tank installed.


Wait a minute! I just grabbed the 303 out of a box and it says to use at 70 degrees or above. Can't do it in the garage now, but I guess it's going to be warm enough this week outside. Now, I'm anxious to try it so I can get to doing some fall/winter driving around Northern California and maybe back down through Death Valley again. Hopefully, an application in the next day or two. I'll post up the results. Thanks for all your input.

 

Regardless of which product you choose, I believe the key is to use enough of it each time to lay down a sufficient layer of protection. I purchase 303 in the 32-ounce bottle to get the price discount vs. the 16-ounce bottle. I use half the bottle each time, one application per year every April. My wife's XK8 is her daily driver so it sees all types of weather with the exception being when the snow and ice flies, the XK8 stays safely at home....

 

Saran Wrap, not Sandra.
Mid-winter in the UK? In early November? Ooookay..

 

Well, it all depends on the purposes you bought the car for. It may very well be impractical to avoid driving in the rain if it's your only car. But in Chicago, having a Rwd convertible as your only car, when it's possible to get over 2ft of snow overnight, doesn't work. Since I have to have another car to handle winters, might as well preseve the XK. What fun is a convertible in the rain anyway?

And sounds like it's time for a yardsale!! Haha

 

I use the Autoglym soft top treatment kit. It comes with a cleaner and a protectant. I put it on in the spring and it's still beading up when I put the car away in November. The added benefit is that it's available at most large auto parts stores. I believe it is also recommended by the Queen with a Royal Warrant. Don't forget the Sandra Wrap,

 

Wolfsteins makes a great system for convertible top cleaning and protection. It's like sunscreen and waterproofing for you fabric. It restores the top beautifully. Look at Wolfsteins.com or call 800-377-4700, Atlanta, GA, USA. The top must be clean before you protect it. Follow their videos and it works great.
My 1999 XK8 loves it!

 

Yes the top got darker but it does that with both conditioners.

 

You guys are nuts I'm in Connecticut. In the summer, I can take the car out on a sunny day and get a downpour 20 minutes into my drive. Avoid the rain. That's like saying avoid driving.

 

Darker? It looks grey in the after photos and black in the before.... or did you do a after/before sequence rather than a before / after?

 

These new nanotech waterphoblc sprays like Neverwet...any one had any luck with any product like that?
Just curious....the videos are pretty wild. Had me thinking...

 

Never tried it, but the info from their website would keep me away.

* Sprays clear and dries to a flat, frosted haze, may cause items to change color or sheen and is more noticeable on dark colored objects, test in an inconspicuous area first
* May leave a slightly chalky feel to treated objects

 

I guess it does in the photo but that was caused by the sun light and the angle of the camera. I just did mine yesterday and it got darker.

 

I use water /dust repel available at your local shoe store for under $5

Works better than anything out there ive tried and last over a year.