Convertible Top Care?

[Sarjik]

Hi. I'm a new member here, but I think I've come to the right place

Anyway, I have a 2002 electron blue convertible, 8k miles, all the bells and whistles (still trying to figure out what to do with the HUD, if there actually IS a use for it). I've read all the Corvette commandments and adhere to them, so I know to keep my baby in the garage unless it's a sunny spring morning between 68 and 79 degrees.

BUT, what I don't know yet is how I'm supposed to take care of my convertible top. It's flawless for now - and I'd like it to still be that way in 10 years.

Any suggestions or convertible top care product recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Patrick]

Sarjik,
First of all, Welcome to the Corvette Action Center!

I think you'll find this community to be a wealth of information and fun about your favorite car. And please, feel free to post pics! (We love to oogle over other people's Vettes.)

To your question, as I don't own a Convertible myself, I did a little forum search and found THIS THREAD (click for redirect) in the Care & Detailing Forum. I think the concensus opinion among vert. owners is Raggtopp is pretty good stuff, although I'm sure you'll get lots of advice in this thread.


-Patrick

 

[ROADAPPLE]

Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your top.

Use a medium bristle brush for scrubbing (If you can scrub your forearm with it whithout damaging your skin it's OK)

Use a product specially made for fabric tops such as RAGGTOPP cleaner.

If the top does not "bead" water use a sealant to protect the surface. RAGGTOPP makes a product for this also.

 

[GS Diva]

Sarjik,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center from another owner of a 2002 Electron Blue convertible! Yes, you've come to the right place!! Care of the convertible top depends on whether it's cloth or vinyl. Ours is white vinyl, and I think it's easier to keep clean than the black cloth. Raggtop is a great product and will give your top, regardless of whether it's cloth or vinyl, many years of protection.

Elaine

 

[04 Commemorative]

Hi. I'm a new member here, but I think I've come to the right place

Anyway, I have a 2002 electron blue convertible, 8k miles, all the bells and whistles (still trying to figure out what to do with the HUD, if there actually IS a use for it). I've read all the Corvette commandments and adhere to them, so I know to keep my baby in the garage unless it's a sunny spring morning between 68 and 79 degrees.

BUT, what I don't know yet is how I'm supposed to take care of my convertible top. It's flawless for now - and I'd like it to still be that way in 10 years.

Any suggestions or convertible top care product recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

I like to vacuem mine before I even wet it to wash,gets the grit,sand and dirt "out" I have the ragtop products but have not used them yet. Good luck and talk again I hope

 

[MsSchroder]

Sarjik,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center
Your low miles '02 sounds sweet. Play around with the various displays on the h ud... most people like it, but it takes just a little getting used to. I like to keep an eye on my speed and gas gauge with mine, without having to look down.

Tammy

 

[cruzer99]

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome...............Raggtop, Raggtop....
It's the best...

 

[Sarjik]

Thanks to everyone for the fast advice. I'll be sure to vacuum the top before I do anything else (that's a great idea) and I'll buy some Raggtop. Of course, I may have to try out the Raggtop on my boxers before using it on the 'Vette. Just to make sure it is sufficiently delicate, of course.

 

[Rob]

Also, see this article in our Knowledgebase:

Convertible Top Care

 

[Patrick]

Sarjik,
I'm going to move this thread to the Care & Detailing Forum to broaden it's visibility to other folks curious about caring for a 'vert top.


-Patrick

 

[Aurora40]

Just FYI, I know 303 also makes convertible kits: http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=kits

Keep in mind I don't own a convertible, I've just seen their kits for sale.

That knowledgebase article has an update by someone claiming all US and Euro convertible tops (fabrics, I assume) come from one supplier. Is there any evidence to back that up? It just seems highly unlikely that the automotive market, which is sooo full of suppliers and subcontractors would only have one player in the convertible top market. I'm not saying it can't be true, just that it really sounds untrue. :confused