MusicCity_997

We recently purchased a 2006 4S cab with 30k miles. Car is CPO, and interior and paint are flawless however the top looks 10 yrs old, if not more. We've owned several other convertibles but this is the first to look this worn after such a short time.

Unfortunately this was the case on all of the ones we looked at so was wondering if anyone on the forum has any suggestions for improving the tops appearance.

The issues aren't stains or dirt (our top is black), but more like creasing, wrinkles and rub marks consistent with the other 997 cabs we viewed.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Edgy01

You will find that many of the wrinkles are considered quite normal. What ruins them is leaving them down in hot weather where the creases can set. Just try to stay on top of it with the right cleaner (Raggtop) and protective spray (Raggtop). For your area--at LEAST twice a year. Do not park under trees!

asu_lee

I like using 303. Use it on my s2000 as well.

KeninBlaine

Me too. Some detailers I've talked to apparently like 303 better than Raggtop. I expect they are about the same.

For the OP, I had a very dirty and stained top and recently had it professionally cleaned using a steam/hot water vacuum. It made the top look new again. Don't know if it would do anything for creases, but it might be worth trying. It sounds like the previous owner kept the top down a lot, where it belongs. I highly recommend a SmarTop to facilitate convenient top operation.

LlBr

Did some searching. They look great in the showroom I guess. It's a fact of life. Again, nobody regrets getting a Cab; but there's an annoying price to pay if you are fussy. Big stains, wrinkles and top framework are visible from a distance. Being there opening the car doors you can see the chafing and creasing become more of an issue over time (need close up photos).

LlBr

More:

BostonDuce

Clean it with Dawn detergent, brushing with a soft brush in the direction of the weave.

The brushing should pick up the fibers that got squashed into rub marks.

You can try a small steam cleaner, like a Shark, to 'iron out' the wrinkles

Let dry and finish with Porsche Convertible Top Protector( if it's still available, it's a spray that gives a low gloss shine and makes the fabric waterproof-one of the few OEM products that I used which isn't badge engineered garbage)


BD

PS. Your top is fabric as opposed to the S2000's top which is vinyl.

LlBr

IMO, get one of these. They should be sold with all Cabs.

Principle is soak, disturb slightly with fine built in brush, and then immediately vacuum dirt out then repeat as many times as necessary without damage. It only wears out surface fibers and eventually results in visible chafe if you use a normal brush. Unless it's very fine bristles do not brush. Remember soak and then vacuum. BTW, It's not really steam it's your own hot tap water.

Thing also works great around the house, floor mats, cat vomit.

Bruce R

Oh and never put down the top when wet. The cloth will chafe, I learnt that the hard way!

luisimo

As mentioned beware of the difference between fabric and vinyl top (Porsche is fabric). 303 sells product for both but the naming for thr fabric type is deciving.

MusicCity_997

Thanks for the tips.

Some of those tops look terrible. Fortunately ours is not nearly that bad however I do suspect the top has been down most of the time since it was a west coast car.

asu_lee

Great point....Know your top!
-Lee