For the new members who have not yet been through the hot and humid summers with their convertibles, you may want to consider applying a protectant to your top once the weather begins to warm up. Many of us like 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard. I applied a 16-ounce bottle of it last April to my wife's XK8, and that one application continued to do its job well into January. Once the temps get into the low 80s here (still probably a few weeks away due to our extended winter this year), I'll treat it again....

The 303 product line is available in our neck of the woods at auto interior & ragtop shops as well as boating supply stores. I've found a close-by boat store selling a 32-ounce spray bottle for $27.95, best price I've seen for this stuff in the stores. That will provide me enough 303 for two annual treatments....

 

What technique do you use for keeping the spray off the paint, etc.?

 

Saran wrap is a quick and easy way to mask the car.

 

I try to apply on a calm morning, holding a foot-long piece of cardboard in one hand and spray with the other. Then it can be spread around with a small rag or pad. The trickiest spot is around the rear window, but I find any overspray just cleans up with Invisiglass (or whatever that glass cleaner is called). And yeah, twice a year seems to do the trick. If you need to deep clean the top, 303 makes a spray-on cleaner that I scrub on with a brush, rinse off and let dry before applying the protectant. I'm sure the OP has his own technique, sorry for the highjack.

 

I use a large scrap bath towel to mask the areas around where I'm spraying. Just drag the towel around the car as needed. Having a second person hold the towel in place in the tricky areas helps. And as previously mentioned, spraying outside on a calm day is crucial. Apply the 303 with outside temps above 70, preferably above 80, and allow it to "bake in" exposed to the bright sunshine for a few hours to make it stand up to the elements for a longer period of time....

 

I prefer the 303 in a pump bottle. Easier to control. Used Raggtop and it works fine but its aerosol.

 

Over the past several years I used both produces and both performed well however, I prefer only one. When I applied my product I used painters tape and the local newspaper to cover the windows and body. I have a write up on my page if you wish to look.

Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Hello, I just did this summertime detail to my XKR convertible top today!

I use electrostatic plastic sheeting made by 3M, (Napa sells it get the 9" X 90' foot roll it then opens up to 72" wide )
to cover car paint and include some blue painters tape as well, for rear window. I like the 3M sheeting a lot, it just sticks to paint because of it's electrical charge and is easy to just place over windows and close top on it with no taping. Stays in place nicely.

Then I pour the 303 Fabric Protector (40 sunscreen and great water repellent) in the paint sprayer's gravity feed cup connected to a air compressor properly set for fine light spray and I spray the canvas top and then use a brush to lightly brush the protector into the canvas and get deep into canvas nap.
Let dry and repeat once more.
The paint sprayer blows the 303 on with good pressure and smooth consistent coverage with no waste. Brushing the wet 303 gives a very nice finish to the top. I change direction of brush for the second coat.
I also clean my floor mats from the car and spray the mats with the 303 protector as well as my canvas (matches the top) boot cover.

All finished in about 1 hour 15 minutes. OK 1 ½ hours with clean-up.

The 303 dries pretty quick, but I utilize the drying time by cleaning windshield and windows, then I do a AQUAPEL rain repellant treatment on all the glass. Aquapel, BEST product on market, Bar none.
NO FUSS, NO MUSS!! VERY SIMPLE, VERY EASY!!

VIOLA', I'm ready for summertime.

Tomorrow comes the paint sealant and wax job.
oh my aching back!!

Happy Motoring...

 

I pretty much do the same as Vettgood except for the manner in which I cover the car. I use a disposable plastic drop cloth from Home Depot or Lowes. First I put the top down then with the windows closed I cover the front and interior of the car with the drop cloth. Close the top, mask the rear window, and wrap the plastic around the trunk (boot). Finally I spray using a cheap paint sprayer from Harbor Freight dedicated for use with 303.

 

Hi All; Up here in the North East we tend to get cold and wet (some snow) winters and hot and humid summers. Having had had several convertibles in the past and 3 currently (XK8, MGA and MGB) I looked around for the best product. I now use a Wolfstein product (Raggtopp) for cleaning and sealing needs. (www.wolfsteins.com) It contains no sillicone and has been tested and endorsed by HAAETZ. It comes in a twin pack, with both the cleaner and protectant. Water beads right up. Good luck all, drive save. JP