cleaning cabriolet roofs

[mvukovich]

What product are the cabriolet owners using to clean and protect their roofs? The back of mine really gets dirty.

[mike-in-sa]

I scotchguarded my wifes cabrio top. I had done the interior and had some left. Seems to clean faster now.

[brian r]

I have a coupe, but on other cars with fabric convertible tops I've used 303's Top Cleaner. It's said to not remove the waterproofing which is applied to European top fabric.

http://www.detailersparadise.com/Vie...-1225212614020

[SharonRB]

I was going to post this exact question today. I bought cleaner, a microfiber sponge and a microfiber cloth for the panels, but forgot about the cabrio roof, since I've never had a soft top before. I assume I'll need some kind of shampoo for it.

[nicnichols]

The dealer (on the Benz side..) should have soft top cleaner.. I used the dealer's brand on our other (I won't mention what German company's) car.. worked well..

(also get one of those big sticky lint rollers for a quick fix..)

[SharonRB]

Originally Posted by nicnichols

The dealer (on the Benz side..) should have soft top cleaner.. I used the dealer's brand on our other (I won't mention what German company's) car.. worked well..

(also get one of those big sticky lint rollers for a quick fix..)

Our dealer is a standalone smart dealer (headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, MI), but I can check at the auto supply store, Murray's, where I got everything else. A big sticky lint roller is a great idea! Thanks.

[LorbeerTLC]

Although I haven't used this product yet, I understand this is excellent for fabric tops (they also make a product for vinyl tops too).

http://www.wolfsteins.com/products.htm#fabric



-Tom L.

[mvukovich]

Thanks, I'll look into the 303 and the raggtop.

[knitgirl]

Have there been any leakage problems with the rag top? And does anyone know what the life of these tops are?

[MB DNA]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

Have there been any leakage problems with the rag top? And does anyone know what the life of these tops are?

I am actually quite impressed with not only the quality of the cabrio top but the mechanics of it too. Thus far, no leakage.

As for life, I think that will be a product of care. There are numerous products out there that clean and waterproof the top. As this is not a vinyl product I think the waterproofing is critical!

Personally, I am in search of the 5 piece Smart Cabrio Soft Top Care Kit, EURO smart (Part number: Q000 9460 V001 0000 00). Anyone know of a U.S. dealer who might carry this item?