beaverlake

Has anyone had to remove tree sap from their cabrio top? A fellow PCA'er here in the NW has a small area about half the size of a little finger and located at the edge of the top above the passenger door.

We already got most of it off using heat and paper towels and a sacrificial microfiber rag. I'm hesitant to use solvents - alcohol, Goof-Off, etc. Any suggestions based on experience? I don't want to discolor the black cloth. TIA.

Gordon

sirwilliamaye

Works like a charm.

carsnob

Do any of you Cabrio owners recommend spraying Scotch Guard as a protectant? (Which I would think would make removal of tree sap stains even easier)

beaverlake

Yes it does. And we did. And that's when the challenge arouse. Raggtop cleaner doesn't handle tree sap. And I/we tried.

So I'm open to suggestions / looking for suggestions regarding tree sap removal. Thanks for the recommendation! Rafgtop is an awesome product.

77tony

https://www.google.com/#q=how+to+rem...onvertible+top

beaverlake

Geez. Can you say tunnel vision boys and girls? Thanks Tony for pulling my head up from this (wonderfully diverse and informative) forum group. The various links covered all I needed to know. Well, at least about ragtops and tree sap.

LexVan

Don't. Use a product designed for automotive cabriolet tops:

Ragg Topp
Aerospace 303's product for tops
Or Porsche's

I do mine every other year with RaggTopp. Did mine in March 2014 and again in February 2016.

LexVan

Beaver, after the sap is removed and the top cleaned, it should be sprayed with one of the mentioned protectants. Top must be dry. 3-4 light coats (entire can).

Al.Fresco

I have always used the 303 products for cleaning and protecting and have always been very pleased with the results. Gives the top a nice deep color as if brand spanking new and the water rolls off like its allergic to the top. I do mine each spring. Great stuff.

http://www.autogeek.net/303fabcontop.html

woodranch

I just use the regular Aerospace 303 protectant spray which works great on my top. Everytime after I wash the car I reapply some spray with a microfiber towel and the top looks great. No need to tape off windows or surrounding paint.

TorqueChap

Which is a better protectant for a new top, Raggtop or 303?

LexVan

All the ones that I mentioned are very good. Buy the one that you can find the easiest or has the lowest cost.

TorqueChap

Thanks LexVan

Quick follow up question, is this for 'convertible top' or 'vinyl?' I see Raggtopp offers product for both. Assuming the former for a targa top?

Al.Fresco

303 also has both. Just make sure you get the protectant for fabric.


The 303 cleaner is the same for fabric or vinyl.

thomnellie

Removing immediately with water and a car cleaner works for me. Best solution is to never park under a tree.