Ok, so I got the fluid topped off and all seems to be going well. Now that the top is down (and we really don't drive it in non-top down weather), should I leave it down? Or do I need to raise it occasionally, just to keep the parts exercised? If it matters, I found out that it has the "new" green fluid, not the "old" yellow.

 

I wouldn't keep it down all the time. The top has multiple high stress points when lowered that stress the canvas not to mention the creasing

 

Thanks - I hadn't even thought about the fabric. I was mostly thinking about the hydraulics and avoiding the "green shower"

 

Anyone with a convertible should evaluate both the pressure relief and voltage reduction methods of reducing the probability of hose rupture. Both appear to be viable solutions to the issue that Jaguar never fixed.

Pressure regulation: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=27132

Voltage Reduction: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=42013

Matt, the link in the FAQ Sticky doesn't work.

 

thanks for the note, fixed the link.

 

As suggested, leave the top up to avoid creasing the fabric. As for the pressure issue, I installed a .22 Ohm 100 Watt resistor at the pump, made a significant difference in the pressure and only added a few seconds to the cycle time.

 

I recall seeing a write-up on the extended use of the roof down and if I recall it had no detrimental or adverse affects on the roof at all. The only thing I would recommend would be using a good conditioner on the roof fabric to extend the life and quality of the roof. Exercising the roof operation is not a bad thing but is not always necessary, however, like anything with age the wrong things get stiff and need a little attention. The recommendation of a pressure relief device is in my mind on this car a good investment if you plan to keep it, but that choice is yours. I wish you luck with your car and hope we can help.

 

Thanks Gus, working on the pressure regulator as soon as the money and the time to do the work get a little more possible. I cleaned and treated the top with Raggtop since it seemed to be the best stuff out there - any suggestions for something better? For now I'll try to "exercise" it occasionally anyway.
Unless it really becomes a huge maintenance nightmare, I plan on being driven to my funeral in this car and I'm only 44 .

 

I do not know much about a product call 303 I understand they use it on boat canvas. You may want to look into it and give us your opinion, I know little about it so you tell me.

 

I think they use it on RV awning canvas also - I have a 28' airstream and the 303 was recommended to protect the awning on that.
But the Raggtop cleaner/protectant is recommended by the top manufacturer so I went that route instead.

 

you are on the right track!

 

jagmotorproject.blogspot.com Check out this link--I think it's the one Gus was referring to.
Mike

 

Now that was a blast to the past!