PDA

View Full Version : Convertible Roadster Fabric Top Detailing



togwt
07-26-2011, 07:21 AM
A convertible top is subjected to the same harsh environmental conditions as the paint surfaces of your car but your convertible top is not as durable as painted metal /fibreglass surfaces. The fabric/cloth material that your convertible top is made from, although durable, is more delicate and for this reason it is vitally important to protect and maintain it. An unprotected fabric top will lose its original repellence with time and exposure to the elements, it will deteriorate, but even worse it may start to leak, which will wreck havoc on the convertibles interior.



Using the wrong product can harm your convertible’s top. If you don`t care for the top properly, it will deteriorate prematurely, as attested by the number of warranty claim attempts manufacturers receive. The truth is, by using the wrong materials the top could disintegrate even faster.



To select the proper maintenance products, you must know if your car’s convertible top is fabric (cloth) or vinyl. Equipped with a little knowledge, the correct chemicals, and the right procedure, most people find that convertible top care is very simple



Automobile manufacturers are receiving warranty claims from owners of convertibles that have disintegrated prematurely. Often this can be attributed to an unwitting detailing professional or vehicle owner who uses strong solvents or other harsh cleaners on a regular basis to keep the convertible material clean. Unfortunately, such harsh cleanings tend to break down the material and the stitching that holds the various materials together. They also offer no protection from ultra violet radiation (UV) which will result in subsequent fading from photosynthesis



The Haartz Corp (acquired Rode & Schwalenbert that was established for 105 years) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops exclusively recommends Wolfsteins Pro-Series. Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products RaggTopp ™ Cleaner and RaggTopp ™ Protectant



Fabric tops



Haartz Corporation solution dyed acrylic topping fabrics - Cambria, Stayfast, Twillfast II, Sonnenland

dyed acrylic topping fabrics - Cambria, Stayfast, Twillfast II, Sonnenland



Typical Fabric Top Composition: Twill Fast™ II by the Haartz Corporation, a three-ply composite comprising:

1. 100% acrylic twill weaves outer fabric

2. Electrometric twill weave inner fabric and / or a layer of butyl rubber or urethane

3. A ````genously dyed polyester / cotton dobby weave lining fabric



Fabric convertible tops (mistakenly referred to as `canvas`) are considered to be the best. These are not vinyl or canvas, but a laminate consisting of several components, a top layer of a solution-dyed acrylic textile, a middle layer of butyl rubber or urethane, and the poly-cotton headliner.



A Fabric top comprises a multi-layer composite outer fabric, an inner layer and dyed polyester / cotton-lining fabric, the acrylic textile is very UV resistant...that`s why it`s used in this application. However, it has no inherent soil resistance; it is only water resistant, not waterproof. These breathable fabrics are made `water repellent` by a chemical treatment process during manufacture. It repels (beads) water, resists soiling and impedes mildew formation.



With time and use however the original treatment diminishes, making periodic cleaning and pre-treatment necessary, thereby extending the useful life of the fabric. After a year or so, fabric convertible topping starts to lose is soil and stain resistance, owners begin to notice the fabric gets wet and has to dry out when it rains.



The top doesn`t leak because of the layer of butyl rubber (that`s what it`s for). However, wet fabric is an indication that the top can now soil or become stained and that it is time to treat the top with an appropriate fabric protector to prevent soiling and staining.

Road dust and dirt settles on the fabric weave, water and dirt act as an abrasive and if left will break down the fibres and abrade the stitching. There should be no need to wash your fabric top every time you wash your car. Each time you wash, even with the gentlest car wash concentrate: you are removing the previously applied protection.



On fabric tops, it is recommended that you use a chemical with a fluorocarbon repelling system. Such a chemical will bond with the fabric and repel liquid and dirt while at the same time providing ultraviolet protection. Look for products that do not contain silicone, Freon, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Just vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and then rinse with plain water, blotting dry with a Microfiber waffle weave towel



Although the fabric does not promote mildew growth by itself, mildew may develop on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed. This is especially true in warm, humid, dark environments. A program of keeping the fabric clean through regular washings, before it becomes dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of the acrylic and make successive cleaning easier.



There is a lot of misinformation about protecting convertible fabric tops; if your goal is maximum protection, do not use water beading/sheeting as an indicator, as its caused by surface tension; while it’s true that it is a visual indicator that the protection previously applied is still present it does not guarantee that it’s actually providing protection.



“If water beads on the surface it’s protected and able to repel stains” (Just like water beading on a paint; it’s due solely to surface tension) the answer to both is - No



The waterproof protection you get from a convertible top comes from the butyl rubber core sandwiched between the outer canvas and the inner pre-shrunk cotton layer. An applied protection only renders the fabric water resistant.



Most automatic car washes will not harm cloth top fabrics. Washes with water jets and hanging cloths provide a more gentle cleaning action. Those using heavy barrel brushes could damage the top material. Haartz recommends hand washing. You don`t have to wash your car`s top every time you wash your car, but used occasionally it will remove ingrained soil /road dirt.



Every time you wash your convertible top, even with the gentlest car wash shampoo, you are stripping off any previously applied protection. A better methodology would be to vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and then just rinse the top with clean water.



The Haartz Corp (acquired Rode & Schwalenbert that was established for 105 years) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops exclusively recommends Wolfsteins Pro-Series RaggTopp ™ Cleaner and RaggTopp ™ Protectant Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, fabric tops should be cleaned and retreated every three to six months, these cleaning kits consist of two products:



1. Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials. The best cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe, but effective, cleaning power.

2. Fabric protector to re-proof and preserve fabric tops from the effects of water absorption, surface soiling and staining, and provide a sunscreen from UV radiation and subsequent fading, and it repels dirt, grease, and oil. It doesn’t make your vinyl top glossy or greasy-looking. It will have the natural matte sheen of new vinyl.

These products are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic



Alternative product



1. This is the fabric protector recommended by Glen Raven Mills (Sunbrella) and the Harrtz Corporation, 303 Fabric Convertible Top Cleaner and Protectant Kit - Fabric/Vinyl Top Cleaner is a proprietary blend of sequester agents, surfactants and hyper-wetting agents. It lifts and suspends oil and grease 303 High Tech Fabric Guard – is specifically developed as a UV screening protective treatment for aerospace and aviation applications, Regular use will provide the best protection against UV-B radiation High Tech Fabric Guard - leaves a like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust. Treated surfaces actually repel dirt, oils, road grime, insect residues and tree sap. Restores lost water and stain repellency to OEM levels.



2. Gtechniq i1 Fabric Nano Coating – coats individual fibres, which allows the material to breath, while at the same time repelling dirt and liquid. It has no affect on the tactile feel or colour of any fabric



Masking



Use a 1-mil x 9-foot x 12-foot plastic drop cloth, cut it in two pieces (6 x 9-feet). With the convertible top up in front & back, drape one piece across the back as close to the top hinges as possible. Drape the second piece over the windshield and far enough 6-foot h back to cover the seat back, fold the convertible top down but do not latch. Mask the areas around the fabric top with masking tape (3M Painters Easy Release Blue Tape)

• Mask the rear window - cover the rear window to avoid over-spray

• Use a soft horsehair brush to remove any loose surface dust, and then vacuum to ensure the surface is dust free, use a lint lifter to remove lint from the fabric surface. Be careful around the rear window to avoid scratching



Cleaning



Most off-the-shelf car wash soap/cleaners over time will damage the stitching on a fabric or vinyl top. It usually starts around the rear window.



• Shake product for 30-60 seconds to ensure even mixing

• All surfaces should be clean, dry and free of dust, wax or silicone.

• As with all cleaning products, always test a small, indiscrete area first to ensure it won`t discolour or stain the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material.

• Apply fabric cleaner (Harrtz RaggTopp) in a cross hatch pattern //// \\\\ (to ensure an even coverage) with a clean, damp applicator and leave to penetrate fabric for 10 – 20 minutes dependent upon stain. Gently scrub using a soft brush to get into the texture of the fabric. Work the brush from the middle towards the outside.

• Repeat if necessary; applying two light coats are better than the application of one heavy coat: allow drying thoroughly between coats.



Rinsing



Rinse off using an open-ended low-pressure water hose and a soft horsehair brush Using a hose without a nozzle, this allows the gentle flow of water to rinse out the cleaner, gently brush the surface. Continue rinsing until the rinse water runs clear. Once the top is thoroughly rinsed, take a soft brush and “brush” the nap of the top in one direction.



Drying



• Dry with a waffle weave Micro fibre towel using a blotting motion to dry excess moisture.

• Allow the fabric to dry for as long as possible (preferably 24-hours) before using the protectant. An hour or two isn’t long enough, it may feel dry but that’s only the uppermost surface layer (using a protectant on a damp fabric will ‘seal in’ the moisture and encourage the formation of mildew)



Protecting



• Apply a fabric protector (Harrtz RaggTopp Protectant or 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard) on the dry fabric, keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and in a cross hatch pattern //// \\\\ (to ensure an even coverage) using a back and forth movements spray lightly but do not soak (if you use too much product it will turn white, rinse away excess and allow to dry)

• Always ensure that the stitched seams have adequate protection applied to them

• Alternatively use a soft horsehair paintbrush and apply light thin coats, if time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat, using gentle sweeping motion. Do not saturate. Allow to dry 10-15 minutes between coats, and to dry thoroughly before using or storing.



Lint Removal



Once the top is completely dry, remove any lint or brush fibres with a lint roller or the sticky side of plastic packing tape. Any lint left on the top will ruin the appearance of your fabric top.

• Remove all masking tape and any other materials

• Be sure to remove any accidental over-spray from paint or glass surfaces immediately with a damp Microfiber towel or a 1:1 isopropyl alcohol / distilled water solution. On paint work use a pre-wax cleaner if necessary or fine detailing clay.

• After treatment the top will bead water, when the beading diminishes (usually at 6 monthly intervals, dependent upon climate / use) it`s an indication that it`s time for another treatment.



Maintenance



• Providing the fabric is not soiled by any foreign matter that needs to be addressed (i.e. tree resin (sap) bird or insect excrement, etc ) routine cleaning should comprise of vacuuming with a soft bristled attachment and then use a lint cleaning roller to remove dust (including pollen) There is no need to rinse the top with water or use a car wash concentrate or a soft top cleaner; this will only weaken the protection provided by the protectant and is not a necessary part of a maintenance regimen

• Apply ultra violet (UV-B) protection; periodically to avoid photosynthesis (fading), dependant on climatic conditions as its protection degrades over time, apply protection (303™ Aerospace Protectant) to fabric by keeping spray about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak fabric.

• Apply a fabric protector (Harrtz RaggTopp Protectant) each quarter (adjust for use / and or environmental conditions)

Harrtz RaggTopp Horse Hair Brush - this natural horse hair brush will not harm the finish of your convertible. It’ nonabrasive and is incredibly soft, yet strong enough to get into the fibres and texture of your fabric of vinyl top. The design of the brush makes it easy to grip and gently scrub dirt and grime from your convertible top, car cover or other fabric and vinyl material like tonneau covers, vinyl awnings.



Renovo Soft Top Reviver



Available in Black, Dark Blue, Green and Brown to match your convertible top’s hood; that will make your convertible top look like new again, great for classic and modern convertible tops

• Ensure that the soft top is thoroughly cleaned (Renovo Soft Top Canvas Cleaner)

• Ensure that you have sufficient Reviver to complete a full coat.

• Shake the bottle prior to use

• Be diligent in removing previous waterproof coatings prior to application of Reviver.

• Keep a soft damp cloth ready to wipe off any splashes or dribbles on paintwork and glass.

• Work in a timely fashion to ensure that the edges of the freshly applied Reviver do not dry out too quickly.

• Work from the centre outwards round and round the vehicle.

• Apply to a dry top and allow Reviver to dry completely before applying further product or taking out in the rain.



Do not - apply the Reviver in direct sunlight or on a hot day that will cause it to dry too quickly, allow to dry on glass and paintwork, apply to a soft top that has been coated with a waterproofing agent without removing the proofer first, apply to vinyl soft tops






http://www.autopia.org/forum/welcome-greeting-center/] ( [url) Authors Profile [/url]