Hi All !

I'm new to MINI's and new to Convertibles. I'd love to hear what people use to clean, and how/what people use to protect the cabrio tops.

Thanks in advance!

Andy

 

I think there are some threads on this already - do a search. Two basic product lines I know of - Ragtops and 303. I use the 303 cleaner and fabric protector.

 

The stuff on 303products.com works. I don't get anything on the tops that a good rinse won't take care of since I use their Fabric Guard:

 

1. Add pics to your gallery
2. I use RaggTopp to clean/protect - but most days if/when it's really dusty on the back, I take the shop vac w/ a nylon brush attachment to vaccuum the dust off it.

 

Hey, thanks for all the pointers and references !!!

 

We use RaggTopp. When done, the water rolls right off.

 

Did you find a local retailer/reseller, or did you order online ?

 

I use Ragg Topp as well but I only got two - three applications out of the can. How often would you say to use it? Where is the best place to order more?

 

There was an article in MC2 that recommended the 303 products. I use them and i am pleased.

 

I think my hubby ordered RaggTopp online. I applied it when I got Fayt (beginning June). I'll probably reapply now that the rainy season is coming on in these parts.

 

Another great way to just get the lint and stuff off after a wash is to take a lint roller (used for clothing) and do the top with it. Makes everything look just right when you are done.

 

Anyone know of a local source in the SF/SJ Bay Area at a retailer for RaggTopp or 303 ?

thanks. :

 

our tops are canvas/material/fabric, versus Vinyl, right ? Just double checking.

 

Canvas on the outside, fabric on the inside, rubber in the middle. It's the middle layer that makes the convertible top waterproof. So, whatever you treat the canvas with just has to clean it, not make it waterproof.

Scott

 

Ahhh.... thanks for the clarification !

 

After cleaning the roof, the other products also add UV resistance and some water repellency to give the canvas roof some extra durability.

 

yeah, I looked at the marketing literature. Looks like the Ragg Topp provides UV protection, so does the 303 Aerospace Protectant, but not the 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.

 

Powerful enough to protect fabrics in the harshest environment ...outdoors. Yet 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is safe for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers - including suede. On outdoor fabrics, 303 High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellency and stain repellency to factory new levels. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays. Proper maintenance with 303 Products will add to the life of your fabrics, save you money.

 

Interesting... missed the full details. I was reading the summaries of the products, and it wasn't mentioned in the summary. Thanks!

 

303 is great, I have used it on my boat for years. Protects my sailcovers and keeps them looking new. Was the only choice for my cabrio top.

 

I use 303 products as well, but I also have a soft brush, just to take off loose dirt, leaves, pollin, bugs, etc.

 

I have tried both the 303 & the RaggTopp. I liked them both but I think the RaggTopp repels water a bit better However; I am about to ditch them both next spring to try some new stuff recommended by DetailersParadise called Renovo Ultra Proofer.

The Renovo is a paint-on protector. The Mini top is small so it will take much less effort to paint something on my top than it will to mask off the whole Mini against over-spray. If I don't mask off the Mini, no matter how hard I try to wipe overspray off the paint before the top spray dries I always miss some & MAN OH MAN it is a real nightmare to try to get off your paint after it dries . I am really psyched to try the paint-on Renovo this March

p.s...You don't need to wash your top everytime you wash your Mini but everytime you wash your top with soap you DO need to re-treat it to make it water repellant. Use washes specifically made for fabric tops not carsoap to wash your top, the oils in the carsoap make it attract more lint. I only wash & retreat my top a couple of times a year. I just rinse my top with water during my weekly Mini wash to get the dirt off.

 

So, you only soap the top twice a year, and the rest of the time, just water it down ?

So, how DO you take the over-spray off your paint ? Not to make you relive your nightmare, but please describe.....

 

Yes I only soap my top & treat with protectant 2-3 times a year. My cabrio is almost 2 years old & ungaraged. The top looks like new

For overspray, I try to wipe it down immediately with a damp then dry microfiber. The spray I inevitably miss usually takes claybarring & some elbow grease to remove.

 

For overspray, I used a spray detailer and it came off pretty easy even after it dried.