New MCSC owner. How should I wash/care for a convertible top? Should I always close it at night (parked in garage), or can it be left open? Any special rules for washing and drying the top? Any special treatments that will prolong the life?

 

Try the 303 stuff

www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=kits

My MINI is relatively new -- I've only used these products once. They came highly recommended and seem to work well.

 

Is our top vinyl or fabric?

 

The top is fabric. The 303 kit that contains the cleaner and fabric protectant is a great way to go.

 

Ok. I just got my car a few days ago. should I apply the stuff now, or wait some period of time for the factory treatment to start wearing off? It sounds like you just spray it on, right?

When you wash your car with car wash shampoo, do you also wash the top?

 

I never noticed any factory protectant - no signs of water beading up when I first washed her. I used the 303 top cleaner per their directions and then after the top was dry I applied their protectant.

For the next several months you should be able to just rinse off the top w/o using any soap - at least that's worked for me.

 

#1: Search the detailing forum... I know I've seen this before on NAM and there was a bunch of good information

#2: 303 makes some very good products. If your car is new within the past few months, go straight to the protectant. If not, use the fabric cleaner then the protectant.

#3: If you keep the protectant up to date (follow the directions for how often to re-apply) then you should be able to wash the roof fabric with car wash water and a mit during your wash. I'd recommend a wool mit or microfiber... Chenile or cotton will probably leave your top 'linty'.

#4: I would think that it would be good to store the car with the top up... just to reduce wrinkling and to reduce dust in the interior. I don't think that the occasional night with the top down would cause any worry, though.