S2000 Wash and Wax S2000 Wash and wax discussions, hints and tips.

How to clean convertible top?

Thread Tools
 
Old 08-03-2004, 06:58 AM
  #11  
Registered User

Thread Starter
 
REVS 9K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

We have a cloth or vinyl top? One of you above suggested Vinyl Protectant and the other Fabric Guard. Thanks.
Old 08-03-2004, 07:20 AM
  #12  
Registered User
 
Hokie_S2K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Hampton
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The convertible top on the S2K is vinyl. So get the 303 cleaner and vinyl protectant.

There are quite a few threads in the Wash & Wax forum on how to take care of the convertible top. And from what I read so far, the majority of the people including myself use 303.

I don't use the cleaner, but do I apply 303 vinyl protectant to the outside of the top about every 1-2 months. When applying, spray the 303 onto a rag (I use a dark colored washcloth so it won't get lint on the top) and work it into the top so it covers it evenly. Don't spray directly on to the top. I've read that some people will take a second cloth and sort of "buff" or wipe off excess 303 that may be on the roof. Either way your top will look like new again and the 303 lasts quite a while.

As a side note, you can use 303 on the interior as well. I use it on the dash but not the leather inserts on the door or seats, just anything vinyl or plastic.

Hope this helps.

-Chris
Old 08-03-2004, 09:20 AM
  #13  
Registered User
 
Mike in Atlanta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by StockSH,Aug 3 2004, 02:39 PM
you can buy a kit.. it has 2 bottles of
- 303 Top Cleaner
- 303 High Tech Fabric Guard


ppl say they are the best product..

Anyway.. anyone knows what to use on rubber near window? would they dry off if I don't do anything?
Do I need to put some oil on moving parts of top?
If you are speaking of the rubber seals around the windows, you should use Shinetsu Grease on them every six months or so. Available from dealer or e-tailers like HandA Accessories. Keeps the rubber pliable so you don't get leaks.
Old 08-03-2004, 09:23 AM
  #14  
Registered User

 
Woodson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Hokie_S2K,Aug 3 2004, 09:20 AM
The convertible top on the S2K is vinyl. So get the 303 cleaner and vinyl protectant.
Honda did a great job of making a vinyl top look like a cloth top.
Old 08-03-2004, 11:19 AM
  #15  

 
Hockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 7,191
Received 10 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

[QUOTE=StockSH,Aug 3 2004, 07:39 AM]

Anyway.. anyone knows what to use on rubber near window?
Old 08-26-2004, 12:59 PM
  #16  
Registered User
 
PATHFNDR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: LITTLETON
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yup, Use 303 on the outside of the top. I also use it on the rubber because of it's great UV inhibiting ability. As for the inside, if it's just dusty I'll vacuum. If it's dirty I use 1Z Fabrik (german sp) cleaner and a brush with a clean towel to dab dry. As for the rear window, use Plexus, period, the stuff is amazing. All available from Autopia.
Old 08-26-2004, 11:08 PM
  #17  
Registered User
 
xxxqme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Fresno CA
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Big thank you guys. i tryed the 303 and my top and it look great just like new.
Old 08-27-2004, 04:12 AM
  #18  
Registered User

Thread Starter
 
REVS 9K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yeah, thanks dudes! I used 303 cleaner and protectant and top looks excellent!
303
Old 08-27-2004, 04:14 AM
  #19  
Registered User
 
petraidm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Covington
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Not to bash 303 but there ohers...

For Cleaning:
1) Use your normal Car wash solution and mitt for routine cleaning. Assuming you wash your car once per week this will be sufficient.
2) For spots or deaper cleaner, use a soft scrub brush in addition to the wash mitt
3) For heavy soil or to remove protectent build-up use the 303 vinyl top cleaner and a oft scrub brush. I do this only 1x per year and the 3o3 cleaner is very good

For Protectant my preferences (in order) are:
1) Wolfsteins Raggtopp forp vinyl
2)Vinylex
3) 303

I apply with a soft sponge let sit 15 - 30 minutes then wipe off the excess with a towel. You need to wipe off the excess otherwise you will have protectant on the windows and frame after your first rain. Regardless of how good you wipe you will see evidence of the protectant on windows / paint after a rein. I prefer Raggtopp because it (IMO) results in the least amount of wash off hands down.
Old 08-27-2004, 09:29 AM
  #20  

 
phoenix9999's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I wash the top using feathery hand-mitts and regular car wash soap (right now, NXT car wash soap) just like the rest of the car and rinse off with water. After the top has dried I apply a vinyl protectant. 303 is my favorite right now. I have had best results applying it with a regular kitchen sponge. I do not apply too much of it and I try not to apply it when I know it's going to rain soon. I do not wipe any off with a damp cloth and haven't felt the need to so far.

For the inside, I generally use a clean damp cloth - in particular I sometimes use one of the MF cloths that I used to dry off my car with - it'll be nice and damp and I use it for quick cleaning / de-dusting of the interior.

I also often apply 303 to all the rubber seals associated with the top, including those on top of the front windshield.


Quick Reply: How to clean convertible top?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:58 AM.