Best convertible top cleaners according to redditors

Only hand wash, all the time, lovingly, with microfiber everything. It's going to be your new hobby, and on a car this size, takes less time than you would think to do it right.

Here is my amazon list, a lot of stuff has subscribe and save deals, everything Chemical Guys has been top notch.

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-MIC_493-Microfiber-Scratch-Free/dp/B003TTL0TE/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1465225930&sr=8-10&keywords=chemical+guys

http://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465226066&sr=8-1&keywords=303+aerospace+protectant+convertible

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-MIC_506_12-Professional-Microfiber/dp/B00A8MZ7IA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1465225930&sr=8-3&keywords=chemical+guys

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-CWS_301-Citrus-Concentrated/dp/B004K9KETY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1465225930&sr=8-6&keywords=chemical+guys

http://www.amazon.com/Collinite-Liquid-Insulator-Wax-845/dp/B000JK2D06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465225985&sr=8-1&keywords=collinite+insulator+wax OR http://www.amazon.com/Collinite-No-Super-Doublecoat-Auto/dp/B000AP8DZY/ref=pd_sbs_263_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Nde%2B7iakL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0KRY8VA4QS2RZE3XG1R5

http://www.amazon.com/Viking-862400-Blue-Microfiber-Applicator/dp/B0051MYL8E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1465226014&sr=8-2&keywords=microfiber+applicator

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-TVD_109_16-Sprayable-Dressing/dp/B001TI1F5Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1465226032&sr=8-3&keywords=chemical+guys+tire+shine

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-155700-Wheel-Brush/dp/B001GJ3DZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465226178&sr=8-1&keywords=tire+brush

This and this Just one word of caution DO NOT get the fabric guard on your windows it will leave a visible residue that's an absolute bitch to get off.

ready?

you need this

and you need this

only way to do it!

disclaimer: I'm a Mini owner and a detailer.

You should coat the soft top every six months to keep it from soaking up water. I've found that this stuff works the best. Give it a good wash before you apply the top treatment, and let the top dry completely.

So, a little while ago I posted on here about maybe buying a 2000 9-3 Viggen convertible.. and based partially on the replies I got, of course I ended up buying it (this really isn’t helping Reddit’s reputation with my wife…), though this article on Jalopnik definitely helped.. (hell the last paragraph basically told me I had to buy it..)

Now that it’s sat in my driveway, the fun begins.. and I’ll take any advice you guys have.

Current issues:

• The roof leaks.. a fair bit - I had the car sat in the driveway for a couple of weeks while I was out of town. I got home in the middle of a pretty bad storm where it had been pouring all day, so I figured it would be perfect for checking out the water-tightness of the roof and sure enough, there was water dripping in in a few spots: Front LHS leak, Rear RHS Leak, Rear Center Leak, Roof Central Leak. Based on how widespread the leaking was and because the seals around the perimeter still look pretty good, I’m thinking the soft-top may have just lost it’s waterproofness? (this would explain the wet spot in the middle of the roof, as well as why the leaks would only appear after a prolonged downpour..) Does anyone have any experience with this, or waterproofing products they’ve used successfully? I found this article on SaabCentral talking about a product call Renovo, but it looks like it’s a little tough to get in Canada, I’ve also found this “Protex” stuff on Amazon.. though I’ve had one mechanic mention just a good covering with ScotchGuard..? – In the meantime, I got a car cover to put on the car when it’s parked and it definitely seems to be keeping her dry
  
  
• Temperamental roof mechanism - When opening the roof, it needs a little help for the initial opening (lifting the rear window), if I go and give it a little manual lift while someone holds the open button, it seems to work fine; then for closing, it stops a few times through the cycle and I get a malfunction message.. but if I release the button then press it again it keeps going and eventually finishes. I’ve been told this might just be that it’s low on mineral oil.. does anyone with a soft-top have any insight?
  
  
• Spastic Alarm – This one seems to be a known issue.. the backup batteries on the alarm system die and then the system has a stroke and turns into a massive asshole, going off whenever it wants, not letting me disable it and generally pissing off all my neighbors. There was a lot of different info all over the web about which fuse would disable it, don’t know if the fuse box is different on the Viggen but none of them were right (seriously.. I ended up just cycling through every single one.. the damned thing kept whining the hole time). Anyway, I ended up just tearing the little possessed demon out. So not really an issue anymore, just needed to vent about this one..
  
  
• Rad fan cycling – Noticed the other night while she was idling in the driveway that the rad fan cycles on and off rather often and for short periods. Checked her temp and it looked stable.. is this common for this car or is there a chance I have a faulty temp sensor?
  
  
• Headlight wipers – first issue here is one’s missing.. anyone know where I can find a replacement..? Second issue.. they seem to just stop wherever they want to.. usually right in the middle of the light.. though this morning when I left I noticed they were back to flat at the bottom of the headlight.. do they just eventually reset themselves..?
  
  
• Oil – This is my first turbocharged car, I’ve heard they can burn through oil and if you don’t keep it topped up you can oil-starve and damage the turbo. Is this true on this car? How often should I be checking my oil levels? And what oil would you guys recommend I use? (the engine has about 100,000km - 62k miles on it and the rest has about 340,000km – 211k miles).
  
  I think that’s all I’ve got for now, though I’ll take any other advice you guys might have for me about things to look out for / monitor / keep an eye on, etc.
  
  Thanks!

303

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https://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0/

This kit works great and is rather cheap, only extra thing you need is a brush to agitate the cleaner.

I had a similar situation happen and have used this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N6DRHL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_biR2DbN62WS7C

It's not a 100% fix, but it was closer to 90% IMO.

Don't use regular 303 Aerospace Protectant on fabric. 303 makes another great product called Fabric Guard (Formally High-Tech Fabric Guard, same product new name) that works fantastically on convertible tops and also repels water like Scotch Guard. However it lasts much longer and also provides UV protection. To clean the top, you can use most regular APC cleaners, or if you want a purpose made product 303 Tonneuau & Convertible Top Cleaner also works very well.

Just ordered the Chemical Guys kit for my soft top sap.
https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-HOL_996-Convertible-Protectant/dp/B00UZE8D00

For paint and glass I’ve used GooGone on my other cars. Used extremely sparingly and washed off immediately after. Haven’t seen an issue so far.

You can clean the top with your normal car wash soap both as a first step and as maintenance once you get it really clean. Use a soft boar/horse hair brush. If you don't have one, I have used a kiwi shoe shine brush and it's worked perfectly.

If it's really dirty in spots, you will need a dedicated convertible top cleaner. Meguiars sells one that you can get in Walmart/AutoZone/Advance/O'Reilly's.

You will also need a protectant for it. I can't think of one offhand that's OTC, but that doesn't mean you can't look.

If you are not in a rush, and can wait a few days, there is a 303 kit that is great.
https://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0

The plastic can easily be fixed up with Meguiar's Plastx, again, something you can pick up from Wally world and the like. Or add it it to the order from amazon. I like it because it's a cleaner/light abrasive, so it's gentle enough for using every other month without worrying about cutting through the plastic.

Good Luck!

I used this and it worked wonders.

" 303 Convertible Top Cleaning and Care Kit for Fabric contains both the 303 Convertible Top Cleaner and the 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. 303 Convertible Top Cleaner utilises a unique colloidal action to lift and suspend oil, grease and dirt. It does not contain soap, detergents, toxic organics, phosphates, nitrates or caustics. 303 Top Cleaner is extremely effective and extremely safe and leaves no residue like most cleaners. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is powerful enough to protect fabrics in the harshest environment. Safe for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers - including suede. On outdoor fabrics, 303 High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellency and stain repellency to factory new levels. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays. "

https://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0

I have the factory Premium top (same as Bestop's twill tops). The manufacturer of the material for these tops suggests RAGGTOPP cleaner and protectant.

When you get the opportunity, pick up this top care stuff https://www.amazon.com/RAGGTOPP-Convertible-Top-Care-Kit/dp/B0002KKIVO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1467243602&sr=8-3&keywords=raggtop

I had it for my E46 and it was recommended unanimously

Looks like a fabric top? This 303 kit will clean and protect it.

For the leather, it's likely coated leather, most cars are. The actual leather is coated with a thin layer of vinyl to protect it, which means leather conditioner does squat. For most cars I just clean with some murphys oil soap (use a sponge or toothbrush and work to a good lather) and then top it up with some 303 aeorspace protectant (same stuff I use on the dash).

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-SPI-192-16-Convertible-Cleaner/dp/B00UZE80HG/ref=pd_bxgy_263_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UZE80HG&pd_rd_r=4M0Y35SGZ8610CBCFYRA&pd_rd_w=HCBwn&pd_rd_wg=i2znl&psc=1&refRID=4M0Y35SGZ8610CBCFYRA

And then this:
https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-SPI_193_16-Convertible-Protectant/dp/B00UZE80N0

When I detail cars that are convertibles.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UZE8D00?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

Keep it clean and protected! Use a soft natural fiber brush to gently scrub it

I bought Raggtopp from Amazon. Then I bought the 'horse hair' brush along with it. Worked for me. Read the instructions though, the vinyl on the car needs to be completely wet before applying. There's two different solutions (bottles) one is a cleaner the other is a protected. I don't remember paying that much for it but that was 2 years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Raggtopp-Convertible-Top-Care-Kit/dp/B0002KKIVO

Go ask /r/autodetailing. I would suggest a good convertible top cleaner like Griots. (Yes I know it's not a Vert) And then follow it up with something like 303 Aerospace UV protectant. This is what I would do.

Is your convertible top cloth? If so, this is what you want: http://www.amazon.com/RAGGTOPP-Convertible-Top-Care-Kit/dp/B0002KKIVO

This is what I use on my Miata's cloth top.

For vinyl tops, there are special cleaners and you can follow up with 303 Aerospace.