Cab Top Issue
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 748
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From: PA & FL - '12 Carrera GTS
Having had a Z3, M Roadster, Boxster S and now the Cab S they all do it and it is caused by the top being down and creased. Lighter color tops will be worse or appear to be because dirt collects in the creases and shows more. I keep the top vacuumed or at least try and it seems to help.
Rocky Mountain High
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From: Kolorado
I'm going clean and protect my top this weekend for the first time since I've owned the car. It has a few marks on it and it seems to need protection - water doesn't bead up on it the way that I would like.
I've read lots of online reviews about various products to clean and protect the top, and I've decided to go with the RaggTopp product. I found a local retailer who sells the cleaner as well as the protector for cloth tops, so that's what I'm planning to use.
Are there any tips, tricks or recommendations I should follow? The application and use of the product seems pretty straightforward. The only problem spot on my top that concerns me is a white circle that is visible right in the middle of the top, approximately the size of a 50 cent piece. It's light, but still very noticeable. I'm hoping that the RaggTopp cleaner helps me remove or diminish this spot.
I've read lots of online reviews about various products to clean and protect the top, and I've decided to go with the RaggTopp product. I found a local retailer who sells the cleaner as well as the protector for cloth tops, so that's what I'm planning to use.
Are there any tips, tricks or recommendations I should follow? The application and use of the product seems pretty straightforward. The only problem spot on my top that concerns me is a white circle that is visible right in the middle of the top, approximately the size of a 50 cent piece. It's light, but still very noticeable. I'm hoping that the RaggTopp cleaner helps me remove or diminish this spot.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 354
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From: Seattle
I am probably a bit too freakish when it comes to my top but here's what I use, with good success:
- Convertible Top wash/protectant from Porsche. Not sure if it's the best but it's been used on the car since new. I apply once every 3-4 months and does a good job of keeping water, etc. from being absorbed by the fabric.
- A rubber brush. It looks like a normal scrub brush but has rubber bristles. I use this to sweep all the water, etc. off the top after washing it. Works well without leaving any marks or grounding residue into the top.
- Lint roller. Never leave home without one in the frunk. This comes in handy when I need to get random junk off the top while out driving around. I also use to take a few passes after the car has been sitting in the garage for a few weeks.
- For random stains I can't figure out how they got there, I use a steam cleaner. Super hot, dilute the stain, heat it out, wipe with brush and let dry. I've been able to get sap and other crap off the top that the detail guys insisted would never be removed.
Hope this helps. Probably not overly insightful but happy to assist in the war.
KS
- Convertible Top wash/protectant from Porsche. Not sure if it's the best but it's been used on the car since new. I apply once every 3-4 months and does a good job of keeping water, etc. from being absorbed by the fabric.
- A rubber brush. It looks like a normal scrub brush but has rubber bristles. I use this to sweep all the water, etc. off the top after washing it. Works well without leaving any marks or grounding residue into the top.
- Lint roller. Never leave home without one in the frunk. This comes in handy when I need to get random junk off the top while out driving around. I also use to take a few passes after the car has been sitting in the garage for a few weeks.
- For random stains I can't figure out how they got there, I use a steam cleaner. Super hot, dilute the stain, heat it out, wipe with brush and let dry. I've been able to get sap and other crap off the top that the detail guys insisted would never be removed.
Hope this helps. Probably not overly insightful but happy to assist in the war.
KS
Rocky Mountain High
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From: Kolorado
Thanks! The steam cleaner is a good idea.
My car is generally in a garage or being driven. It's not parked outside very often. My biggest concern up at altitude in Colorado is UV protection as well as the dry, low humidity environment up here. Mountain weather is tough on anything that's outside...
My car is generally in a garage or being driven. It's not parked outside very often. My biggest concern up at altitude in Colorado is UV protection as well as the dry, low humidity environment up here. Mountain weather is tough on anything that's outside...
Rocky Mountain High
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From: Kolorado
I bought the RaggTopp cleaner and protector yesterday. Apparently Porsche cabriolet tops are made by Haartz, and they recommend RaggTopp. It also contains UV protection and it doesn't contain any silicone. I'm looking forward to cleaning it up this weekend. I'm hoping that the cleaner and a horsehair brush will remove a few of the minor stains on the top.
It wouldn't surprise me if the Porsche product was actually RaggTopp that was repackaged - especially because the top manufacturer recommends it.
It wouldn't surprise me if the Porsche product was actually RaggTopp that was repackaged - especially because the top manufacturer recommends it.
Rocky Mountain High
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From: Kolorado
I used the RaggTopp products today, following their instructions. I used the cleaner first, letting it soak for about 15 minutes before using a horsehair brush to agitate it. After it was clean and dry, I used a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on it, followed by a lint roller. I then applied three coats of fabric top protector, following the instructions. The top definitely looks better, although it still has a few wrinkles and marks. I don't think it has any dirt or stains at all. It should be protected for the next 6 months or so!
Here are a few photos of the top after the third coat of protector dried.
Here are a few photos of the top after the third coat of protector dried.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,612
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From: Raleigh, North Carolina
Follow-up. I developed a spot of sticky goo on my top about a week after purchase (2 years ago) and had tried several things to try to make it go away. After reading this thread I went out and got one of those shark steamers and tried it on the spot. It didn't work by itself but in combination with a tooth bruch and some Goo Gone gel, I have pretty much eliminated it. So, thanks to whoever suggested the steamer!
It's been about a year since I cleaned and sealed with the 303, so now that the spot it gone, I will be doing that this coming weekend.
Dennis, that top looks great. Your results look similar to the results I get with 303. I believe it's a toss-up between 303 and Ragg Top and most people seem happy with the results they get with either product. Neither will eliminate creases BUT some time in the sun usually minimizes alot of the creases. Also, leaving the top down for extended periods of time (like when the car is parked for days at a time) will exacerbate these creases and spots. If I'm not driving my car for several days (business trip or vacation), I try to put the top up and leave the car parked that way.
It's been about a year since I cleaned and sealed with the 303, so now that the spot it gone, I will be doing that this coming weekend.
Dennis, that top looks great. Your results look similar to the results I get with 303. I believe it's a toss-up between 303 and Ragg Top and most people seem happy with the results they get with either product. Neither will eliminate creases BUT some time in the sun usually minimizes alot of the creases. Also, leaving the top down for extended periods of time (like when the car is parked for days at a time) will exacerbate these creases and spots. If I'm not driving my car for several days (business trip or vacation), I try to put the top up and leave the car parked that way.
Poseur
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
I'm going clean and protect my top this weekend for the first time since I've owned the car. It has a few marks on it and it seems to need protection - water doesn't bead up on it the way that I would like.
I've read lots of online reviews about various products to clean and protect the top, and I've decided to go with the RaggTopp product. I found a local retailer who sells the cleaner as well as the protector for cloth tops, so that's what I'm planning to use.
Are there any tips, tricks or recommendations I should follow? The application and use of the product seems pretty straightforward. The only problem spot on my top that concerns me is a white circle that is visible right in the middle of the top, approximately the size of a 50 cent piece. It's light, but still very noticeable. I'm hoping that the RaggTopp cleaner helps me remove or diminish this spot.
I've read lots of online reviews about various products to clean and protect the top, and I've decided to go with the RaggTopp product. I found a local retailer who sells the cleaner as well as the protector for cloth tops, so that's what I'm planning to use.
Are there any tips, tricks or recommendations I should follow? The application and use of the product seems pretty straightforward. The only problem spot on my top that concerns me is a white circle that is visible right in the middle of the top, approximately the size of a 50 cent piece. It's light, but still very noticeable. I'm hoping that the RaggTopp cleaner helps me remove or diminish this spot.
When you apply RaggTop you may consider masking off things like the rear window, side glass, and windshield. Use plenty of that stuff.
At the end, you want rain to be literally rolling off the top and never soaking in. Even with RaggTop, that is hard to do because only the factory seems to get it really right.