I got my 2006 MINI almost a year ago...and absolutely LOVE that car! My question is...what type of care is required for the rag top? I have purchased some 'conditioner' for it (havent used it yet) but thought I would ask what other convertable owners use on their tops? Thanks in advance~

 

RaggTopp! Cleaner and protectant.

http://www.wolfsteins.com/product-raggtopp.htm

It's the only brand that's actually endorsed by the company that makes the top material. I usually clean and protect the top twice a year. Sometimes more. Never use soap or detergent on the top. Only the cleaner. A SOFT brush can help clean some of the stuff off. When washing the car between top cleanings and treatments, just spray with water only.

 

Please, please, please don't run the top up and down when the canvas is dirty. The grit will cut fabric and severly shorten the life of the top. Hose it clean or if it's not too bad I've used the shop vac with the upholstry brush. +1 on RaggTopp.

Also, if you haven't already, add a wind deflector to your kit. You won't believe how much of a difference it makes.

 

Also, if you have a gen 1 car, you should know that eventually, small holes will wear in the top where the sides of the top at the top rear of the drivers and passenger's windows rub on the top at the left and right rear of the car where that seam is when the top is folded. After getting my top replaced, I always stick a folded piece of black felt, roughly 5" x 5" in there to keep those two surfaces from rubbing directly on each other. So far it's worked perfectly in preventing those wear holes.

And don't be afraid to use the top in really cold weather. If it's not raining, the top is down on mine. Though if it gets cold enough, I use my North Face expedition weight jacket, a knit pull over cap, gloves, and turn the heated seats on. People think I'm nutz, but it's wonderful.

 

One other thing you need to have that you don't know you need is a 'Light in Sight'. It solves a huge problem at stoplights.

http://www.lightinsight.com/