How do you take care of your soft top?

[Flgatrz]

I own a 2000 model rt/10 and enjoy using the soft top more than the hard top. However, I am concerned that over time it may fade. Is there some kind of product that someone would recommend to clean, protect and preserve it?

Many thanks,

 

[BigBadViper]

I don't do anything on my wifes convertible. I do park it inside.

 

[J&R3xV10]

I don't do anything except vacuum and wipe mine off with a damp cloth. I always keep mine in the bag stored in the trunk when its not on.

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

I don't use any products on my soft top. I never take it apart and stuff it in the trunk to avoid the wear and tear on it. I just leave it in the garage and check the weather. I used to have a Mustang convertible and had a new top put on it years ago for around $550. I figure it would be much cheaper to get the soft top redone if I ever got a rip and I am sure they could match it well.

 

[Vipuronr]

I use a damp microfibre cloth lightly to take off any dust. Since it is real canvas, it is delicate and you have to use extra care.

As above, I keep mine in the factory bag in the trunk when not in use.

For me, I actually prefer the hardtop.

 

[Matt M PA]

On my former RT, I used one of those lint roller things...like for clothes.

The top for the current RT has been in the bag, on a shelf as long as I have had the car.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Nothing. The only time I use it is when it rains. All the other times it sits in the trunk. Not that I care but no matter what it looks like crap when it's on anyway, so why bother doing much to pretty it up?

 

[cayman]

Does the cloth form any permanent crease marks when stored for long periods folded up? I've always left mine assembled and just have it covered up in a safe place in the garage. I haven't used it for 4 years now since I got the three piece hard top.

 

[J&R3xV10]

Does the cloth form any permanent crease marks when stored for long periods folded up? I've always left mine assembled and just have it covered up in a safe place in the garage. I haven't used it for 4 years now since I got the three piece hard top.

Mine has been in the bag for the majority of 16 years and has no creases or marks.

 

[viperbob]

I've used "303 High Tech Fabric Guard" on convertible tops for many years (and patio furniture cushions, etc.) and found it to be the best - clean the top first and then spray it on the top after it is dry...continues to look like new and bird crap, etc. comes right off.

 

[cayman]

Mine has been in the bag for the majority of 16 years and has no creases or marks.

That's good to hear. I've always wondered since four or five years ago when I recall a thread came out on this forum suggesting that leaving it folded up for extended periods of time will cause creases and lines. That's really the only reason I've left it out. I'm going to fold it up and put in in the bag then. It's a pain in the **** to store fully assembled!

 

[ViperTony]

I don't pamper my soft top. Sometimes it's in the storage bag, sometimes it's not. I once used 303 on it and it seems to work as advertised. Then again, my top spends most of it's life not being used. It's folded, creased and has some tears in it from when it flew off the Viper years back. Creases don't scare me, tears actually makes it look better. I take comfort in knowing that I can replace the canvas at any time for a nominal fee.

The soft top, for me, is like that comfy, torn, discolored old pair of underwear ya' just can't seem to throw away even though you know it's useless. Well, except for that once-in-a-while situation where you run out of underwear and old reliable is ready to rescue you. That pretty much sums up my appreciation for the soft top.

 

[Mopar Boy]

303 for all that type of stuff. Dad has used it for 30 years and swears by it.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I used mine almost year round and would put the silicone spray for camping tents on it. The water would bead and not soak in, and dust seemed not to get into the fabric. PS It's for sale.

 

[Vipuronr]

So, Tony, does that mean that you have other soft tops in different colors and some with hearts?

 

[ViperTony]

So, Tony, does that mean that you have other soft tops in different colors and some with hearts?

Actually, yes I have hearts, Simpsons and Spongebob boxers. If you want some pics, I'll post them for you.

 

[Black Moon]

Try 'RagTopp' It comes with a cleaner and a preservative. I ordered mine on Amazon. It's made by 'Wolfstein'

 

[Black Moon]

303 makes a product just for fabric tops

Amazon.com: 303 Fabric Convertible Top Cleaner & Protector Kit (030520): Automotive

 

[Mopar Boy]

The soft top, for me, is like that comfy, torn, discolored old pair of underwear ya' just can't seem to throw away even though you know it's useless. Well, except for that once-in-a-while situation where you run out of underwear and old reliable is ready to rescue you. That pretty much sums up my appreciation for the soft top.

I would like to nominate this for quote of the week.

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Never use the hard or soft top. In Arizona, it's either convertible weather (<100 degrees) OR garage weather (>100 degrees).

 

[ZYellow01RT]

The soft top, for me, is like that comfy, torn, discolored old pair of underwear ya' just can't seem to throw away even though you know it's useless. Well, except for that once-in-a-while situation where you run out of underwear and old reliable is ready to rescue you. That pretty much sums up my appreciation for the soft top.

I was with you until I saw the word "discolored".

 

[ViperTony]

I was with you until I saw the word "discolored".

LOL...perhaps a better word would've been 'weathered'.

 

[J&R3xV10]

LOL...perhaps a better word would've been 'weathered'.

Through good times and bad eh Tony?

 

[hershey43]

Try 'RagTopp' It comes with a cleaner and a preservative. I ordered mine on Amazon. It's made by 'Wolfstein'

+1 on Raggtop.

I don't have a SRT-10 yet but I use it on my '03 BMW M3 vert & it has been taking care of the top. However, I'm going the coupe route on the SRT-10...RAGGtop has a top sealant also that works awesome!