When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've never owned a convertible before, and I'd like to know how difficult is it to keep the fabric looking good? I've seen a few Mini convertibles with sun faded tops, and it looks horrible. Also keeping in mind that I'm not the type of car owner who wants to invest a lot of time on weekends cleaning and treating a convertible top.
Two or three times a year hit it with either RaggTopp or 303 protectant. The canvas on mine hardly ever goes up and when not in use is garaged so it doesn't get much exposure to the evil elements. Also, if needed, a quick run over with the shop vac using the upholstery brush across the back end gets it clean if you've been running around top up in foul weather.
I'll share my rules for having the top up.
1. It's raining
2. It's snowing
3. My co-pilot is whining louder than the supercharger because she's too hot or too cold and I cant hear it.
4. A bunch of drunks are throwing empty beer cans in the back seat and didn't invite me.
Otherwise it is down 24/7. Somewhere on the forum is a pi$$ing contest about who has been top down in the coldest winter weather. So far, 22°.
One last thing: Topless motoring IS motoring at its best.
Mine has been in the Malaga, Spain sunshine for 4 years and no fading. My routine is to wash the top when I wash the car, no special treatments as it is fully waterproof. Top down is best. I have seen many cabrios in Spain and none appear faded. Dirty, yes!
No special treatment here either just the normal washing. As long as you don't drop the top when it's wet or extremely dirty you should be ok. If it's too dirty the dust/dirt can act as sandpaper and wear into areas that rub when folded.
No MINI experience but I owned a Boxster for 16 years. The only thing I did was to avoid parking the car under trees and if a bird hit the top (or the car) to remove the mess ASAP.
For the Boxster and I think the MINI is the same, the canvas is just there to protect the rubber sheet that is under it and which seals the cabin from the elements. The bird mess is acidic and will of course attack the canvas but the rubber is the bigger concern.
On the subject of birds, for a while there was a tom turkey hanging about and while he took an interest in my car -- chasing it sometimes -- he never tried to get on the car. He got on other cars parked near mine though.
And cats: Never had this problem but some owners of convertibles report a problem with cats getting on the top and even using it to "sharpen" their claws.
When I washed the car I only sprayed the soap on via the wand. I never applied the brush to the top. I thoroughly rinsed the top and then rinsed it again with the no spot rinse. I never used the wand's "WAX" setting. The wax that comes out is not the best wax even if one limits it to the painted surfaces.
A number of owners made a big fuss about the top losing its ability to "bead" water. This was not a problem. The canvas doesn't keep the water out. Really the canvas wants to be somewhat porous in order to "breathe" and avoid the rubber sheet remaining wet. If the rubber sheet remains wet it can develop a growth of mold. A "lumpy" or uneven appearance to the canvas is a sign of this.
Even with care after 13 years or go and being parked outside most of this time the top developed a leak about in the center of the top just ahead of the plastic rear window. I suspect the fact that I had the plastic rear window replaced when it cracked when I put the top down in cold weather contributed to the top's demise. My Boxster was a 2002. The 2003 models came with a glass rear window.
But when I replaced the top I elected to stay with the plastic window as it was quite large compared to the glass window and I liked the top's silhouette with the plastic window better than the top with the glass window. The glass window top also prevented a problem gaining access to the Boxster's engine compartment which required putting the top in the "service" position.
Avoid high-pressure water, avoid automatic car washes, clean and protect the fabric once a year (or more frequently, if you desire or the car is kept in full sun regularly), rinse the top regularly while cleaning the car, remove any sap, bird droppings, or similar ASAP, and you'll have many years of a relatively new-looking convertible top.
My non-MINI convertible is over 18 years old, and the top still looks new. My "secret" is that it never sits out in the sun baking all day long. Its either in the garage at home, or in the basement level of the parking garage at work.
I'll pass along the advise I was given years ago, never park your convertible for substantial length of time (days, weeks, months) with the top down. It will "shrink" (actually un-stretch ?), and you might never be able to put the top back up again.
The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on proper care and operation.
Adhere to the following instructions:
▷ Do not fold the convertible top and stow it
in the convertible top box while it is wet or
frozen; otherwise, water marks, fabric
stains, and chafing may occur.
▷ If water marks nevertheless occur on the
headliner, these can be removed using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
▷ When parking the vehicle in an enclosed
space for lengthy periods, ensure that the
area is adequately ventilated.
▷ Remove bird droppings immediately as
their corrosive properties may damage the
convertible top and the rubber seals.
Stain removal
To remove stains from the convertible
top, do not use stain remover, paint thinner,
solvents, benzine, or similar substances. These
agents can destroy the rubber coating. Improper
care and cleaning can cause the
convertible top and its seams to become permeable
to water.◀
To remove severe soiling, use a special
convertible top cleaner.
Follow the instructions for use from the manufacturer.
Treat the convertible top with an impregnating
agent once a year."
I use RAGG TOPP following the product directions. Note they have both a cloth and vinyl product . . .
