Boxster ragtop
05-17-2018, 05:21 PM
#1
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Boxster ragtop
This may sound like a dumb question. I remember way back when, when you had a ragtop and washed the car, you were supposed to wait a while before putting the top down due to material shrinkage. Is this still an issue with ragtops like my 09 Boxster?
05-17-2018, 06:05 PM
#2
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I don't know that shrinkage would be the concern, but I wouldn't put the top down immediately after washing when the top is still wet. My owner's manual says: "To prevent damp stains and abrasion damage, retract the convertible top only when it is in a dry clean state."
05-17-2018, 06:30 PM
#3
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I would also worry about mildew, can’t imagine how smelly that top would get if you stowed it wet.
05-18-2018, 10:28 AM
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Thanks. I don't put the top down until it dries as it is, just remember the older generations of tops (60's mustangs, 90's miatas). Shrinkage was a problem only on seinfeld I believe, if I am correct.
05-18-2018, 10:40 AM
#6
Drifting
Do you fold and put away your laundry when they're wet?
05-18-2018, 12:33 PM
#7
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Personally, I think the newer fabric is a miracle of modern science. I don't store it wet, but it has been folded up wet for a while.. for a variety of reasons and more than a few times. I've seen no perceivable impact.
When washing the car, I do not wash the top. If it gets wet, it's by accident and overspray of the hose. As such, it dries usually before I'm done with the rest of the car. Occasional vacuuming with soft brush attachment, sometimes a lint roller (I keep one in the glovebox), and very rarely a cleaning with the RaggTopp cleaner. Do treat it as recommended. I like the RaggTopp Protectant myself.
Some of the elastic straps that align and operate things will get worn or stretched out over time, but they are easily corrected when and if they occur. I've covered that a bit in other threads if it's useful.
YMMV... Mine is original top, 13 years old, goes up / down even for 5 minute local runs, so lots of movement and use.
Good Luck!
Dave
'05 987S
'92 968 SP3
'88 944 NA
When washing the car, I do not wash the top. If it gets wet, it's by accident and overspray of the hose. As such, it dries usually before I'm done with the rest of the car. Occasional vacuuming with soft brush attachment, sometimes a lint roller (I keep one in the glovebox), and very rarely a cleaning with the RaggTopp cleaner. Do treat it as recommended. I like the RaggTopp Protectant myself.
Some of the elastic straps that align and operate things will get worn or stretched out over time, but they are easily corrected when and if they occur. I've covered that a bit in other threads if it's useful.
YMMV... Mine is original top, 13 years old, goes up / down even for 5 minute local runs, so lots of movement and use.
Good Luck!
Dave
'05 987S
'92 968 SP3
'88 944 NA
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05-18-2018, 02:09 PM
#8
I try to avoid washing the top of my Spyder as well, unless hit gets hit by a bird or is unduly dirty. I may look into RagTopp Protectant, I have been wondering what product I could use for it. For what its worth tho, I have had decent results washing the top by just flooding it with fresh water from the hose run through a home car wash de-ionizer from CR Spotless, no cleaners or soaps used.