Soft top prep before putting on hardtop

[lee]

I'm looking for suggestions on how I should prep the soft top on my car before using the detachable hardtop. I would typically like to use the hardtop in the hot summer months and the soft top during spring, fall & winter (Florida car just in case it needed to be said).

Car: 2002 Toyota MR-2 Spyder

Soft top material - Haartz says they don't make it, it has a pebble finish and is definitely some sort of vinyl or vinyl like material.

Local Toyota dealer is worthless as the hardtop is not a US option (must order from JDM supplier.

Barring a logical suggestion I expect to clean the top, put on some 303 (or similar), fold it carefully, and put on the hardtop.

Also would be open to suggestions on how often I should remove the hardtop and put up the soft top. This is the first time I ever owned a vinyl top, all my previous convertible experience has been with canvas.

and of course tia, Lee

[E-Jag]

You're pretty much on the right track. My experience is with RaggTopp, which makes excellent products for both vinyl and fabric tops. So, if you're sure your top is vinyl, then:
1. Clean the top good and condition it with a vinyl conditioner.
2. Clean the back window good.
3. Put a clean towel over the back window and carefully put the top down, making sure the towel stays in place so that the plastic/glass doesn't fold inward upon itself. As the top is folding down, make sure it is as crease-free as possible.
4. Put your hard top on.
Your convertible top should be good for months. If your hard top isn't that hard to remove/replace, take it off a couple of times between, say, May and September, and check the soft top. It should be okay. This worked for me with my last 'Vette and I live in Tampa.

______________________
E-Jag

[derekz]

I use Renovo Vinyl Cleaner and then Vinyl Ultra proofer. I'd say if you go with something similiar you should be fine. I actually rarely use the Vinyl cleaner as my top stays pretty clean as I wash the car (an MX-5) pretty much every week.

Sorry can't advise you on how often to put the soft top up as I don't have a hardtop. You might want to try the UK MR2 forum. http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/

[lee]

thanks to you both.

derekz, I'm a member there, as well as on Spyderchat (the US equivalent). I will ask. Not to demean my fellow MR2 forum members, but I just thought there might be a wider experience base here.

[SB_92_MX5]

I have a Miata. I use Duragloss #301 on my vinyl top. It's the best product I have used in 5 years of ownership.