This last week I finally got around to trying out the Raggtopp products. I knew I needed to do something with my top. It is in impeccable shape considering it is nearing 20 years old. I certainly want to take good care of it to ensure that it continues to age gracefully!!

Previously, I had been using the Meguiars Convertible Top Cleaner. And I HATED it. It left a lot of dirt behind, and despite just a light misting, it sudsed up profusely. You know...to give the simple-minded folk the illusion that it was cleaning. Rinsing it off was a heller.

Totally different experience with the Raggtopp cleaner! I moistened the top with water, and then sprayed the cleaner. Let it sit about 10 minutes, and watched it literally lift the dirt. Kind of hard to see in the picture, but there is a ton of grit and grime that has floated to the surface!



I ended up rinsing that first coat of cleaner off. I reapplied it, let it sit another 10 mins, and scrubbed it. And no annoying over-sudsing with this stuff! It was a breeze to rinse.

So, all that to say I feel like the Raggtopp cleaner is much more effective!! The Meguiars cleaner is a waste of time - I think you would be better served to just rinse the top, honestly.


Two hours after washing and allowing to fully dry, I brought my baby into the back warehouse at work ...don't mind the chaos in the background. Haha

I worked for awhile to get any remaining dust and fuzz off of it. A vital step, because you don't want to seal junk into the top! I used an air hose, a lint roller, and then small pieces of masking tape where I couldn't fit the lint roller.




100% grime free! One step closer to finishing the process!





I was so excited to start spraying. Not quite ready yet, though. Had to tape it first!




Finally ready to rock n roll! If I hadn't felt so lazy, I would have plasticked all around. I just held up a piece of cardboard to catch the overspray. You definitely want to use something, the tape would not be sufficient on it's own. The aerosol really atomizes the product well - which you want it to do so that it applies evenly on the top! However, a consequence of that atomization is unavoidable overspray.

I applied the protectant a total of 3 times, with a 15 minute window inbetween each application. I should say that I did have the thermostat set quite high (90F) to encourage a fast flash time. In cooler temps, I'm sure you would need to allow a longer span of time inbetween coats.




Here it is the next day. I really do wish I had gotten some good before pictures. It is noticeably richer in color, and much softer to the touch.




And most importantly - it no longer guzzles water!!! Heck, it doesn't even sip water! The canvas is bone dry.


I'm definitely sold on the Raggtopp products! Initially I was contemplating using the 303 Fabric Guard product instead. I was quickly persuaded otherwise when I read complaints of weird waterspots and residue on the paint the first few rains after applying it. No such issue with Raggtopp. Once it flashes off, it doesn't move!!!

If you have actually made it to the end of this, I applaud you. Not too sure if there is anybody as easily enthralled by their car and detailing products as I am.

~Britta

 

By the way, it the car color a purplish-tone? Pretty rare I would guess.

Doug

 

nice! and love the color of the car!

 

I drape a $4 2mil painter's plastic drop 'cloth' over the car nose to tail. Cut across the top and close the top with everything covered except the canvas and the usual stuff you have to mask with tape.

 

Yes, it is a very dark purple. Quite rare, I believe. I am only aware of one other XK8 like it.

~Britta

 

Nice job. Its come up well. Shall have to give that stuff a try.

Can I ask who hosts your photos? They are a decent size that Photobucket does not replicate.

Thanks.

 

I do not have my photos hosted. I took them with my iPhone 7 Plus and then directly uploaded them into my thread post.

 

This is where I'm going this weekend. 'Should be interesting..

Autogeek's 2017 Detail Fest/Car Show

 

Ohhh, that looks like a treat. Enjoy!

 

I had a similar experience. The Raggtopp treatment performs as advertised.

SLS

 

I am a coupe guy but seeing your car could convert me. Purple with a Black roof is super nice. XK8 colours were as tastefully thought up as the design of the car, and probably demanded by Geoff Lawson I would guess as they suit the car so well. Your Amaranth Purple Pearl is one of the sweetest.