Convertible Care?

[cbrookre]

Just curious if anyone can give me guidance, have not yet ordered but want to be ready when I do and it gets here. Waiting to sit in a convertible before ordering and drive to see the level of road noise, and rear seat and trunk space (or lack of). But one question for you, this will be my first convertible and I want to know what you guys have to offer for advice on care and maintenance of the convertible top.

This will be my DD, so will drive in all weather, but want to take pro-active steps to prevent excessive wear of the top and ensure that the seals have maximum life and continue to look good for the longest possible time. Anything else that I should know or expect?

Thanks,

Chris

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[Wizzard77]

This will be my DD, so will drive in all weather, but want to take pro-active steps to prevent excessive wear of the top and ensure that the seals have maximum life and continue to look good for the longest possible time. Anything else that I should know or expect?

Replace the EPDM seals on the convertible top to header and body every 5 years. They collapse and cannot seal well after about that long. There are no chemical conditioners that effectively lengthen the life of the material. The reinforced nylon convertible fabric should be good for 12 to 15 years before you'll want to replace it, depending on how much sun exposure.

 

[tsunami]

303 Protectant

Two of my neighbors have convertibles. They apply 303 Protectant to their soft-tops each year. There are several Youtube videos on applying 303.
However, my neighbor said not to spray 303 on the top...apply with a good soft brush. Don't flood the fabric, just get it to cover evenly. Over applying wastes liquid and allows it to try to drip on to the paint. He covers the rear window and contact paint surfaces with paint tape and plastic sheeting. He said that 303 will wipe off but not easily.
303 makes the fabric much more water and U/V resistant.

My RV has a EPDM (rubber) roof. I clean it with a EPDM cleaner and then apply a coat of EPDM protectant each spring. It does make a big difference in the pliability of the material. I buy the EPDM protectant from my local RV dealer.

 

[cbrookre]

Thanks for the tips! I am going to be in it for the long haul, want to make sure that I take good care of it!

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