Cabrio Raggtop Maintenance

sberger · 04-28-2009, 05:52 AM

Take care of that Raggtop! I just bought my 2009 Cabrio in January and the dealership said that it had been treated just like the Scotchgard had been done prior to pickup. Dealer added about a $500 charge for this crap they did. Noticed that the top was absorbing water when wet, not good. I went to the canvas shop and got some waterproofing spray for canvas, $18, and sprayed it and now it beads up water like crazy. Also went to Walmart and got some Scotchgard $5, and did the seats, dash, and door material. Really does do well now. Beware of this done through the dealerships, and their charges. Did it all for less than $25.

kdfcogwheel · 04-28-2009, 01:53 PM

Check out SCOA Enthusiast News issue #44 for April 2009 for some really good information about Convertible top care. They recommend using a protectant product that blocks flourocarbons as well as UV rays. See the article:

"[Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Top Care
Most automatic car washes are safe for a Smart Fortwo cabriolet top. But using a car wash with barrel brushes should be avoided. All Smart Fortwo cabriolet owners should use a fluorocarbon repelling system to protect their tops. There are kits developed exclusively for the cleaning and care of a cabriolet roof.

Smart Cabriolet Top Care...Your Smart cabriolet top is basically just a piece of cloth that, when driving, gets everything our environment can throw at it.

Smart manufacturers are aware of this and use high-grade and heavy-gauge materials for cabriolets.

But there still are things we can do to provide added protection to the material for longer-lasting protection to the Smart cabriolet top, which needs safeguards just like the car panel's paint, cloth, leather seats and even the carpeting.

For starters, most automatic car washes are safe for convertible tops, but those using barrel brushes should be avoided. Hand-washing will ensure the least amount of cumulative wear-and-tear on your cabriolet top.

Clean your top with mild dishwashing soap. Never use a cotton wash mitt on your convertible top. If you do, you'll see why!

For hard to remove spots, stains and to seal your top here are two products we recommend!

One product is terrific for cleaning your smarts cabriolet top as well as the carpet and upholstery. This is not a shampoo but a professional extractor that goes at the source of the cabriolet top's stain, braking it down and eliminating most spots and stains from your cabriolet top.

It’s called Smart Cleaner and sells in many high end car dealerships such as Porsche, Mercedes and Lexus. You can purchase it directly from the manufacture by...CLICKING HERE!

The other product is a fabric-Guard protectant. Once your cabriolet top is cleaned and thoroughly dried apply Fabric-Guard Protectant sealant. We recommend you apply it evenly over any exposed fabric surface of the cabriolet tops in three light coats, allowing the product to dry 10 minutes or so between coats. CLICK HERE!

These two products are specifically for cleaning the Smart cabriolet roof and re-proofing that, when used correctly thet protect and preserve your cabriolet top, extending its life and helping stop dirt from penetrating the cloth to keep it looking clean and fresh. No matter what you use, make sure it does not contain any silicone, Freon, or CFCs.

We recommend all new Smart Fortwo cabriolet owners use a chemical with a fluorocarbon-repelling system. Products with these chemicals bond with the top’s fabric and repel liquid and dirt while, at the same time, providing ultraviolet protection.

You can use Scotch-guard on your Fortwo’s cabriolet top. It will make hosing off dirt and grime much easier. You should also try it on your Smart's cloth seats; it will do wonders and help in the long run with the car’s trade-in value.

If you've ever had that nasty and sticky tree sap on your convertible top, you know it's challenging to remove and can ruin your cabriolet.

Here's a useful tip that will help. Just use a little WD40, vegetable oil or PAM cooking spray to remove it. But, try it first on an unobtrusive area for color-fastness.

Hopefully, you'll never get green mold on your top. But if you do, there is only one thing I have found to remove it permanently and that is sodium hypochlorite. But it can also damage natural fabric.

It is very potent, and if the fabric cover is white or nylon (and stitched with nylon), no problem. If it is black, don't even think of using it. Again, use it first in an unobtrusive area to be certain of its effect.]"

Haartz Ragg Topp cleaner and protectant meets these essential needs. I have purchased the two-part kit for $30. I paid a bit extra for the insurance that the product will do what it advertises and extends the life of my top for years to come. I noticed new from the showroom (a couple of weeks ago) that the top appears to absorb water (untreated), but does not allow any to get through. It dries rather quickly once wet. I hope this helps anyone interested in finding a good car care product.

SmartDigger · 04-28-2009, 05:43 PM

try this link RaggTopp Convertible Top Care by Wolfsteins: RaggTopp Convertible Car Top Detailing Products for fabric & vinyl tops. convertible top cleaner, fabric

dubblxtc · 04-28-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartDigger

try this link RaggTopp Convertible Top Care by Wolfsteins: RaggTopp Convertible Car Top Detailing Products for fabric & vinyl tops. convertible top cleaner, fabric

So do you just order one of each on page. Which are needed?

Periclaws · 04-29-2009, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubblxtc

So do you just order one of each on page. Which are needed?

The kit which includes cleaner and protectant:

RaggTopp Fabric Convertible Top Care Kit: Premium convertible top care products for your rag top! convertible top care, car convertible top cleaner,

SmartDigger · 04-29-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Periclaws

The kit which includes cleaner and protectant:

RaggTopp Fabric Convertible Top Care Kit: Premium convertible top care products for your rag top! convertible top care, car convertible top cleaner,

Opps My bad I got the kit with cleaner and protectant

NCC1701 · 06-29-2009, 04:15 PM

Several weeks ago, I cleaned and treated my roof with the RaggTopp Kit. I followed the directions precisely, except I applied 4 or 5 light coats instead of the 2 or 3 they recommend.

Today it rained here. I didn't get to examine the car until the rain was over. The rear end, which is nearly vertical, beaded the rain off almost perfectly. There were some beaded droplets still clinging to the fabric, but it was essentially dry.

The top portion, which is nearly horizontal, was a different matter. I saw very little beaded water there and the surface appeared to be wet. Is this normal, and should I be concerned? Perhaps RaggTopp isn't the best for waterproofing.

To date, I have seen no evidence of water leaking through the roof to the interior.

Oh, since this thread is about cabrio care, I'll attach another question. As others have noticed, the interior surface of my roof has some discoloration ... which is increasing with time. Is there an easy way to maybe dye the interior fabric, so it at least won't show the discoloration? I'm thinking dark grey to match my interior.

smart fortimo · 08-29-2009, 10:12 PM

We're just about at one of the two times a year when it's a good time to maintain your cabrio top.

My dealer didn't give any instruction, but this is one of those "good-to-know" type of things before you leave the dealership that should be shared (even if it were/is in the OM).

In responding to a smart questionaire soon after taking delivery, I specifically asked about product and maintenance recommendations for cleaning and treatment of the cabrio seals, top and mechanisms and got zero response.

The following video covers the top, but the cleaning and treatment of the seals is just as important. I wish I had some expert guidance for that...

Timo

YouTube - How to Clean & Protect your Fabric or...

Full Disclosure: I do not sell or have any business interest in this or any other products or services.

smart fortimo · 08-29-2009, 10:25 PM

This is good info from Motor Trend's Goss' Garage on caring for your cabrios seals and mechanisms...

YouTube - Convertible Top Maintenance - Goss's...

FINBAR · 08-30-2009, 07:11 AM

Just watched the 2 videos, the rag top spray is without silicone, but the mechanism product is silicone. Is silicone damaging to fabric but not the rubber insulation? Do we have chemist in the group to clarify this?