Caring for Your Fabric Convertible Top
Proper care and maintenance of your fabric convertible top is not something that will always be top of mind, but is very important in order to keep it looking new and lasting longer, which will save you time, effort and money down the road.
If not cared for properly and regularly, convertible tops can become faded, cracked and eventually damaged to a point beyond repair, leaving you only one option — replacement.
Luckily, with regular cleaning and maintenance, you can enjoy your convertible top for years to come.
Cleaning your convertible top regularly, and with the right convertible top cleaners, is the key to keeping harmful contaminants such as dust, dirt, sand, salt, bugs, tree sap, bird droppings, etc. from accumulating on your top. If left for too long, many of these contaminants can permanently stain the fabric.
It is best to use a product specifically designed for convertible tops. 303® Automotive Tonneau Cover and Convertible Top Cleaner is designed to work with all convertible tops, from fabric to vinyl. It will safely clean without damaging any delicate fabric fibers, and it rinses residue free.
First, rinse convertible top thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, solids or debris. While the area is still wet, apply 303® Automotive Tonneau Cover & Convertible Top Cleaner generously, but without oversaturating. Agitate treated surface lightly with a dampened soft nylon brush, terry cloth rag or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. For difficult stains, let cleaner stand for 10-20 minutes, before scrubbing lightly to loosen the stain.
Rinse thoroughly. (Always rinse before surface dries). Warmer temperatures, agitation, and longer dwell times aid the cleaning action. In cold temperatures, allow cleaner to work longer before rinsing.
Once your fabric convertible top has been properly cleaned and dried, it should be treated with a Fabric Protectant such as 303® Fabric Guard. Protecting a fabric top is slightly different from a vinyl top. Here, your goal is to restore your fabric top’s water repellency to its original state. 303® Fabric Guard restores water repellency to fabric that is lost over time.
First, clean your top, and let completely dry. Then, spray the entire top with 303® Fabric Guard, in a crisscross pattern, making sure to dampen the entire surface, but without over saturating. Wipe off any over-spray on windows and paint and allow 12-24 hours for the top to dry/cure completely before using/exposing top to the elements. One important note before treating with this product is that it should be used in 70 degree weather or above in order to cure properly.
Keeping your fabric convertible top clean and protected at least once every month or so (depending on how often it is exposed to weather), will ensure it stays in tip top shape, and allow you to enjoy your convertible top up or top down, for years to come!
