Convertible Top Issue

[vice]

Right you are on the tape, comes off with none of that tape mess that other tape leaves behind. Instructions are to put on 2 or 3 coats. Only was able to cover about 1/2 of top when trying for third coat. You may be able to get third coat out of a can. For anyone who wants to buy, Auto Geek, thru Amazon, was the lowest price for the kit. But for a new top you really do not need the cleaner.

[swindler]

A couple of other points on the RaggTopp. I've done it three times so far, and it's probably due for it's fourth.

First, put the coats on lightly. I tend to let it soak in, but that's not needed. The lighter coats might help you get three coats with one can (I typically only get two).

Secondly, it's probably best to put it on in the sun. That will help it dry out faster, (which you should between coats). They recommend 10 minutes. My first time the car was in half-shade, and the sun part dryed fast, the shade part didn't dry until the next morning. (Winter time).

Third, the stuff says it won't harm glass chrome, paint, etc. So don't worry that you'll damage something. I never had too much trouble with overspray, but when I did, I didn't think it wasn't too hard to clean. I'm not sure about masking it all off. But if you have the setup time, it would avoid any clean-up at the end.

[PXLpainter]

A couple of other points on the RaggTopp. I've done it three times so far, and it's probably due for it's fourth.

Wow - how often do you have to re-apply it?

I'm hoping only about once a year here in SoCal...

[swindler]

Well as I said, I was never really happy with that first application (~11/05) because of the half-sun/half-shade thing. So I did another application in late winter (~1/06), and then did a new application to protect it for the summer (~5/06). My next application will probably be in the fall.

RaggTopp recommends 3-6 months. I think I'll end up doing it twice a year - to prepare for the summer, and to prepare for the winter. The rest of the year isn't that harsh.

BTW- Referring to the original post: Never, NEVER, use the spray-on wax from the automated wash places on your convertible top.

[vice]

I think they say you only need to do more than 1 coat the first time. I don't plan to do mine again till spring. Some of the other convertible sites say if you put this stuff on when your top is new it will stop it from color change from the sun.

[MrMikeL]

I use automotive masking tape to mask the windows with newspaper. The prep time is far longer than the application time. I apply mine in the garage to avoid wind blown overspray, so I have to wait a while between coats. I usually get 3 coats out of 1 can. Each coat I apply in a different direction (front to back, then side to side, then a diagonal pattern on the 3rd). I wait 1 to 2 hours between coats to allow for adequate drying, and consumption of beverages.

[MCOjerry]

BTW- Referring to the original post: Never, NEVER, use the spray-on wax from the automated wash places on your convertible top.

Well, I guess I'm SOL...cuz I take my car to the car wash...and I'm sure they spray wax. What does it do? So far, nothing has happened, and I've been doing it since April 2005.

[PXLpainter]

Actually, I use the clear coat wax stuff that squirts outta the hose in the coin-op on the top and it stays nice and soft - still looks like new, but it's only been about 8 months now - and I've never put any can treatment on it yet. Maybe the Ragg Topp is like Armor All - once you start applying it you have to keep doing it or it turns your sh!t brown?

[vice]

This is my first convertible so I did some research. If you Google it , you will find it was made for use on BMWs and has been in use for some time. I also found good things about it on a corvette site. The only thing I read about using a car wash is to watch out for the high pressure they use. My dealer also said not to use a car wash. I also read not to use anything with any petroleum product on your top.

[swindler]

I see mixed comments on the issue of whether to apply the automated car wash spray-on wax to a convertible top. So I went to the source and asked Haartz, one of the leading manufacturer's of tops. Here was their reply:

Dear Steve,

I have conferred with our technical staff here and they feel that in general, the spray wax in an automated car wash should not cause any harm to your convertible top. Most car washes use a wax solution diluted with water. As long as these waxes do not contain solvents or silicones (most waxes contain neither), you should be good to go.

Thanks for your email and good luck with your convertible.

Sincerely,
The Haartz Corporation
Gordon Goodwin
Sales Manager - Exteriors

[sparkler]

I see mixed comments on the issue of whether to apply the automated car wash spray-on wax to a convertible top. So I went to the source and asked Haartz, one of the leading manufacturer's of tops. Here was their reply:

Dear Steve,

I have conferred with our technical staff here and they feel that in general, the spray wax in an automated car wash should not cause any harm to your convertible top. Most car washes use a wax solution diluted with water. As long as these waxes do not contain solvents or silicones (most waxes contain neither), you should be good to go.

Thanks for your email and good luck with your convertible.


Sincerely,
The Haartz Corporation
Gordon Goodwin
Sales Manager - Exteriors

BIG TIME thanks, Swindler. I've had my vert for a month, and am crazed with deciding what to do or not to do - I've heard so many conflicting things! BTW - I posted a reply to your 'group buy back-up sensor' poll, but not in either one of those threads... it wouldn't let me - mods only! I'm very interested!!!

[MCOjerry]

Thanks for taking the initiative to find out that answer Swindler! Much appreciated.

[MCOjerry]

I see mixed comments on the issue of whether to apply the automated car wash spray-on wax to a convertible top. So I went to the source and asked Haartz, one of the leading manufacturer's of tops. Here was their reply:

Dear Steve,

I have conferred with our technical staff here and they feel that in general, the spray wax in an automated car wash should not cause any harm to your convertible top. Most car washes use a wax solution diluted with water. As long as these waxes do not contain solvents or silicones (most waxes contain neither), you should be good to go.

Thanks for your email and good luck with your convertible.


Sincerely,
The Haartz Corporation
Gordon Goodwin
Sales Manager - Exteriors

BIG TIME thanks, Swindler. I've had my vert for a month, and am crazed with deciding what to do or not to do - I've heard so many conflicting things! BTW - I posted a reply to your 'group buy back-up sensor' poll, but not in either one of those threads... it wouldn't let me - mods only! I'm very interested!!!

I don't understand the group buy forum. What good does it do if you can't post in it? Anyway, I'm looking forward to your install update, Swindler, because if it's easy to do I want one!