Convertible Tops: 303 vs. Raggtop vs. Others

I

imported_fireberd350

New member
CMA seems to highly recommend Raggtop cleaner and protectant ($9 and $13). However I have heard nothing but good things about 303 products and they offer a cleaner/protectant package for $23.



Does anyone have any advice on what to buy? I've never done a convertible before so I was just going to follow the tips from CMA:

Here's the factory recommended procedure for cleaning fabric and vinyl convertible tops:



Vacuum the dry top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt.

Rinse the top with water.

Spray Raggtopp cleaner evenly over entire roof and scrub with a nylon bristle brush (RaggTopp recommends our OXO #17007 Scrub Brush) or sponge to loosen bird droppings, tree sap, oils and soot.

Rinse thoroughly with water until no remaining soap foam is observed.

Dry with a lint-free towel like the P21S Drying Towel.

After the top is thoroughly dry, spray with Raggtopp Protectant (cloth tops only) to renew water repellency.

For stubborn stains on fabric convertible tops, here's a trick recommended by the Haartz Corporation:



Mix a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) bleach and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) Raggtopp Cleaner with one gallon of water in a clean bucket. Soak the convertible top for approximately 20 minutes and scrub lightly as indicated above. Rinse thoroughly. Several cleanings may be necessary.

Dry and treat with Raggtopp Protectant as described above.







Anyone have any advice for me before I buy?



FYI: I will be dealing with a vinyl top. Does that mean I do not need any protectant?
 
I don't have experience with Raggtop cleaner, but I have heard good things about it. I have used 303 on fabric and vinyl tops and for vinyl it works awesome. Don't get the convertible top cleaner, just get the 303 protectant. You can wash the top with regular car wash. 303 protectant leaves a great high gloss shine. I can't imagine not using it.
 
i got anxious and ordered it already:D I went with the 303 combo pack because it comes with the 303 Protectant that I've heard such good things about. I've made like 4 $70 orders this week on deatiling supplies. :nixweiss
 
My dad uses Raggtop on his Boxster S. I have to say I'm impressed by how well and how long it beads water off.



His top is cloth though.
 
Application Methodology:

ï‚· Use a soft horsehair brush to remove any loose surface dust, use a lint lifter to remove lint from the fabric surface. Be careful around the rear window to avoid scratching

 Mask the areas around the fabric top with masking tape (3M® Painters Easy Release Blue Tape) also cover the rear window to avoid over-spray

ï‚· Shake product for 30-60 seconds to ensure even mixing

ï‚· 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.

ï‚· Apply fabric cleaner (303TM Fabric & Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner) with a clean, damp applicator and leave to penetrate fabric for 15-60 minutes dependant upon stain.

ï‚· Appling two light coats are better than the application of one heavy coat: allow drying thoroughly between coats.

ï‚· Rinse off using a low-pressure water hose and a soft horsehair brush

ï‚· Dry with a waffle weave Microfiber towel using a blotting motion to dry excess moisture.

ï‚· Apply a fabric protector (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard) keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak.

ï‚· If time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat. Allow to air dry thoroughly between coats. Allow fabric to dry thoroughly before using or storing.

ï‚· Remove all masking tape and any other materials

ï‚· Be sure to remove any accidental over-spray from paint or glass surfaces immediately with a damp Microfiber towel, or if necessary with a pre-wax cleaner.

ï‚· After treatment the top will bead water, when the beading diminishes, it's an indication that it's time for another treatment.

ï‚·

Maintenance- apply a UV protection (303TM Aerospace Protectant) by keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak fabric.



Do not use household cleaners, powered abrasives, steel wool or industrial cleaning products, dry-cleaning fluids, silicones (petroleum distillates) bleach or harsh detergents.



~Hope this helps~
 
BDawg said:
My dad uses Raggtop on his Boxster S. I have to say I'm impressed by how well and how long it beads water off.



His top is cloth though.
Click to expand...



I also use RaggTop on my canvas GM top. This is recommended by www.Haartz.com that manufactures this top.

Beads just my painted surfaces. :xyxthumbs

Application is easy and over-spray wipes right off.:xyxthumbs
 
RaggTopp is much better than 303. I sell them both so my opinion is not biased. We choose to sell RaggTopp based on the testing Haartz did and the results I have seen on friends tops. It beads like paint!
 
Agree with eshine, i have used both and my choice is Raggtopp

I always apply 2 coats, looks like it was done with boot polish very dark and beads water forever



Karl
 
I've got to agree - I've got a cloth top and I've used both products - Raggtopp wins hands down. Not that 303 is bad, ut the Raggtopp is incredible.



Cory
 
Sounds like "What's the best wax"?



Both products do what the manf says they will, only question remains is 'which look do YOU like the best?'
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top