Anyone ever use that Never Wet stuff on your top? I'm wondering what the best protection is for it.

 

I'm using 303 (paint on liquid)and it literally repels the water and creates beads that roll right off. any prolonged rain it will still get wet after sitting on the top but then after drying it maintains the same process. I have only given it one coat and it was early in spring so I am definitely going to give it another once the weather stays warm and I have a few days to allow it to really set without dampness but it works absolutely fabulous.

 

What's the recommended care for our tops, and what's the general life span? I don't want it to fade or get dingey.

 

Thru all the R52/R57 threads concerning canvas care there are only two products consistently recommended. As mentioned, 303 and Ragg Topp.
As far as fading and getting raggedy, that is totally a matter of time in the sun and frequency of ups and downs. Mine rarely goes up so unless I gotta go somewhere it stays garaged if it's raining.
General life span? Hard to say. Mine's near 10 years old with no indications of needing replaced. Over time I've put away a fund just for when. It's called 'self insurance'. Most guys that cry about replacement have other problems like catastrophic canvas damage or total mechanical failure. No hard and fast rules apply, every situation is anecdotal.

 

That's what I'm concerned about. We don't have a garage so our cars are exposed to the elements all year long.

 

Miniphoto ..mine is also exposed to the elements, as long as you are diligent about cleaning, protection and overall maintenance of your top you will be fine. I just started to show wear above the rear window fold and I applied black silicone rubber to prevent any more deterioration. They are canvas so eventually they will break down but as long as you keep her clean and water free that will prevent unwanted wear on the top when cycling through ..up/down. These cars have the ability to act as a magnet for dirt and fine sand at the back window area, just be cognoscente of that fact and remove any build up. The grit/sand will act as an abrasive when cycling through and will decrease canvas wear. Don't over think it ..just keep it clean and motor on!

 

Americo makes a good point about dust and grit. I also use the upholstery brush on my shop-vac to remove that stuff periodically. Also, in an emergency, just strike the canvas along the edge of the window with the flat of your hand and it will dislodge a lot of grime.


But most of all, remember: "Topless motoring is motoring at it's best!".

 

I use Raggtopp Cleaner and a soft brush to agitate, and then rinse off. To protect, I put two coats of 303 Fabric Guard. I applied it by pouring it into a paint tub thingy and applying by paint brush. I do this process once every 3 or 4 months.

For maintenance, during every car wash I use a soft boar's hair brush and car wash soap, lightly agitate the top, and then rinse it all off. Once the top is dry, I use a lint roller to pickup any light dust or thingies that may be stuck to the roof.

 

Sounds like a serious commitment! But I like your procedure. I May Give It A try.

 

...and I thought I was OCD (obsessive compulsive detailer). My rubber duckie time just got longer.

 

Hahaha, well I don't think the maintenance washing with the brush adds much timebecause a normal car would need its roof washed anyways. In my case, I just use a soft brush to wash the roof whenever I am washing the rest of the vehicle.

Sealing the top at least every 6 months is critical to maintaining the life of the fabric top. It pays off because every time it rains, the water beads up and rolls off like crazy, similar to having a good coat of wax on the paint.

 

x2

 

Use the MINI stuff or CG:

Doing twice a year on the R52 and looks great / new.

Treat once to twice a year and it will bead up when you apply the Repellent. very similar to the 303 product.

83192339689 & 83192339697 MINI Branded.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/83192339689/



and

Soft Top Repellent - 8oz

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/83192339697/



On a brand new top the protection is great and keep it looking new.

 

fyi i've used neverwet and it has a frosty white look to it

 

I have done in on the black and blue top with the genuine stuff and no residue or marks seen. After you clean it up with the cleaner the top looks really good. Gets all the dirt out. 245,000 miles later

 

I use this and this. We sell both. I love Adam's products, personally.

-Luccia