My 2007 MCSC is almost here (supposed to arrive at the dealer on 1/4). I was wondering about when I should use Raggtopp. I read that it is treated from the factory. Should I treat it again when the car arrives or should I wait a few months? thanks.

 

I think a safe rule of thumb is to check for beading when the top is wet. If it's beading up you're good to go. If it's not beading as well as it did when you first got it then it's time for a treatment. Be sure to post some pics when your new baby arrives!

 

I agree - treat it when it stops beading well, or when you find it harder to rinse stuff off. And remember - do NOT use soap on your top - just water! I was so excited to wash my cabrio the first time that I forgot and screwed up, and then had to re-treat it...

And congrats on the new cabrio - you're going to love it!

 

Mine is pretty dirty & in need of an application - Anybody got any details on how to do it from start to finish?

 

Sorry - I'm a 303 guy - though I suspect the process is similar.

For 303 - use 303 cleaner following product directions. I use a brush to gently massage it in the top to get all the crud out. Rinse super well. Dry. Then let it air dry in the sun completely. Then use bedsheets, tape, paper, etc. to mask of the ENTIRE car except for the top (a royal pain). Then apply 303 til wet and allow to dry IN THE SUN. Then I apply a second treatment and allow to dry IN THE SUN. Then unmask and you're done.

 

silly question - what's the difference between Raggtopp and 303??

 

Two different brands - Raggtops is specifically marketed for convertible tops. 303 is a high-tech general purpose fabric protector that, among other things, is marketed for use on convertible tops. Both have their devotees. I've only used 303 fabric protector and cleaner and am happy with it. But in general I think the products are similar...

 

I actually treated mine using the 303 about 2 months after I brought it home. The 303 is easy since it is a hand spray - but you have to be careful of the overspray. I taped off the beltline, rubber around the windows and then used an old sheet under the roof and draped over the sides & bonnet. I think it is best to use these products when it is good and hot since the heat activates the chemicals.
I have recently learned however that the canvas top is not what keeps the water out - it is purely for aesthetics and protection of the rubber liner. The liner is what keeps you dry so as far as beading on the canvas, that is great but of little use. More important is the UV protection the 303 & Ragtop stuff provide.

 

All true.

 

thanks! Good to know this stuff.

 

Do these treatments help with the white creases in the top from them being in the lowered position.

 

I read another thread several months back where someone said that their white mark / crease problem ceased when they started using 303 - a big reason I chose to apply it as soon as I got my cabrio. This is the worst kind of hearsay - but so far (3 months of frequent up/down) my top looks new... YMMV. Mine may have a "fixed" top that wouldn't do that anyway...

 

Yes I have no white marks.
I doubt though that any top treatment could prevent those from showing up if your top was so inclined - they would be wear related. Who knows, maybe.

 

Seems like I read in this forum a few weeks back that the white top fold marks were a defect in the material and some owners have had replacements under warranty. Was I dreaming?

 

I wouldn't treat your new top until the weather warms up. It was treated at the factory & should be fine until then. Just be sure to not wash it until then because once you soap it (never use carsoap on the top only top cleaner) you must retreat it. Just rinse your top really well when you wash your Mini. Plus the fabric protectors all recommend that you apply them in full sun on a hot day also.

I have used RaggTopp & 303. I like them both but I feel like the RaggTopp gives me slightly more beading. Due to the whole overspray issue I plan to try a new paint-on product called Renovo Ultra Proofer (sold at DP) in March.

F.Y.I...I have treated my ungaraged top 2 times a year (early spring & late summer) since I got my Mini & it is just now showing the slight beginnings of fade/white marks at 2 years. Is that good or bad, I dunno, but that's just the way it is for me

 

I am not suggesting anybody try this, but I remember my parents painting the top of their '49 Pontiac convertible with black india ink when it started looking faded. It must have kind of worked, because they did it more than once. Here's what it looked like, but ours was metallic green with a RED (really) leather interior.

http://www.prestoimages.net/graphics...154700full.jpg

 

Good gawd - that wasn't a car it was a land yacht .