our top gets a nice compliment from detail supplier
03-12-2004, 07:39 AM
#1
Thread Starter
posted by permission- most recent email newsletter from classic motoring (properautocare.com)- note the compliment that our top got!
(not sure that this will post completely, but am trying anyway!- to see photos, click on embedded links):
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<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ClassicLogo.jpg>
by Terry Freiberg,
Classic Motoring Accessories
Proper Auto Care Club, No. 21
There's still time!
Take advantage of *Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more and get ready for Spring!
*Offer Ends March 31st., 2004
*From March 1st. through March 31st., 2004, we'll ship any mainland USA order of $75.00 or more by ground UPS absolutely free! Orders of $75.00 or more to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam will be shipped free by Priority Mail.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ng/UPSTruck.jpg>
Free UPS Ground Shipping
on orders of $75.00 or more!
(Ends March 31st., 2004)
Sorry this offer does not apply to previously placed orders, International orders or orders shipped by UPS next day, 2 day or 3 day express shipping. There are no codes or coupons to remember. Just place your order on line or by phone (800-628-7596) during the promotion's time period and visualize how good your car will look this spring!
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ldsteinWhse.jpg>
Proper Convertible Top Care.
An interview with Rick Goldstein
President, Wolfsteins Pro-Series.
Q: How did you come to be in the convertible top care business?
A: It started innocently enough when I purchased a Porsche Cabriolet. The owner's manual told me to clean and protect the fabric top but didn't tell me how. I went back to the dealer and they showed me products that couldn't be used in direct sunlight and required the windows and paintwork to be masked off prior to application. I thought this was absurd. There had to be a better way. I contacted an acquaintance who worked for DuPont and together we spent two years developing a cleaner and protectant for fabric convertible tops.
When we thought we had something, we sent samples to the Haartz Corporation for testing. Haartz and their German subsidiary, Rode & Schwalenberg Gmbh. supply 99% of the world's convertible topping material. They tested our protectant in their weather chambers for 90 days, a test that represents 3 years of "real world" exposure. They couldn't believe the results. Our product was the only protectant ever evaluated that passed all of their tests. It exceeded the performance of the top protectant they had been recommending by such a wide margin that they agreed to endorse our product if we brought it to market.
Haartz was less than thrilled with the cleaner we had developed but Eric Haartz said if we would put the protectant into production he would give us a special, low pH cleaning formula they had spent years developing but never got around to marketing. Most convertible top cleaners are high-pH, alkaline cleaners which can leave residues in seams that deteriorates stitching over time. The cleaner Haartz developed (now our RAGGTOPP Convertible Top Cleaner) is a low-pH, low alkalinity formula that had been tested and approved for years of repetitive cleaning. It was a protein and enzyme combination that was safe for vinyl, fabric, rubber seals, paintwork and clear vinyl windows.
I formed a new company, Wolfsteins Pro-Series and in 1997 launched RAGGTOPP Convertible Top Cleaner and RAGGTOPP Fabric Protectant.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...steinOffice.jpg>
Q: So you didn't just pay Haartz for their endorsement and put it on your product?
A: No way! Haartz's endorsement can't be bought. We got it the old fashioned way. We earned it by passing every one of their tests better than any other product.
Q: Then Haartz tests other convertible top care products?
A: Absolutely, not only domestic products but European products. Because they warranty their material worldwide, they want to know how various products will affect their tops over time. To do this, they use two weather chambers. One is set for the dry heat of Arizona and the other is set for the heat and humidity of Florida. One month in these chambers represents one year of real world exposure. All products are tested in both chambers for three months. Our RAGGTOPP products got the Haartz endorsement by beating every other product tested, in both chambers.
Q: How does RAGGTOPP Fabric Top Protectant differ from competitive products?
A: In layman's terms, without divulging any trade secrets, we're using a state-of-the-art, very heavy, very expensive, UV stabilizer and we're putting more of it in our protectant than anyone else. We're also doing a few other things that competitors aren't doing but I can't really go into that.
Q: I know it took you over a year to come out with your protectant for vinyl convertible tops. Why couldn't you use the same formula you developed for fabric tops?
A: The properties of woven thread (fabric) and solid sheet (vinyl) tops are so different that they require totally different protective technologies. Protectants optimized for fabric tops simply will not work on vinyl. Plus, almost all vinyl protectants contain either a petroleum distillate or silicone oils. Our RaggTopp Vinyl Protectant contains absolutely no petroleum solvents or silicone oils.
Q: There are dozens, if not hundreds, of vinyl protectants in the marketplace. What's so special about RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant that it took you over a year to bring it to market?
A: I'll tell you an industry secret. Most vinyl protectant formulas were created in the 1950's. They contain silicone and were developed for interior (dash) treatments. Most are cosmetic dressings. They do not contain any modern UV stabilizers and were never intended for exterior applications. As most enthusiasts discovered, these dressings washed off in the first rainfall leaving white streaks running down the car's paintwork!
We created RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant from a clean sheet of paper as an exterior protectant. It contains no silicones, is designed to last through rainfalls and contains Ciba Tinuvin #5151, the strongest UV stabilizer in the industry. Our final formula contains 15% solids by volume. Competitive vinyl dressings typically contain 1-1/2 to 3% solids by volume!
This concentration of solids gives RAGGTOP Vinyl Protectant exceptional durability. When we presented our formula to Haartz for testing (which took another 3 months) they found it outlasted every vinyl protectant they had ever tested!
Q: Can RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant be used on interior vinyl surfaces also?
A: Absolutely, it's an extremely durable vinyl protectant without the gloss and greasy smear of silicone dressings. It can be used on the dash, rubber door seals, car bras, tonneau covers and the exterior vinyl cladding found on many SUV's.
Q: There appears to be a lot of misleading information in the marketplace regarding proper convertible top care. How soon should you apply a protectant to a new convertible top?
A: Immediately. Especially the stitched seams. The thread in these seams is the first part of a top to fail. Manufacturers use a poly-cotton thread and do not use any UV sealant or protectant on their threads after the tops are stitched. It's the same with vinyl seat cushions on boats. It's always the stitching that fails first. It doesn't matter if you're protecting a convertible top, bimini top, RV awning or marine seat cushion, always pay particular attention to treating the seams.
Q: After the initial treatment, how often should you reapply a protectant to your car's top?
A: A good regimen would be once every month or two or whenever the top is cleaned.
Q: Can you over clean or over protect a convertible top?
A: Not with RAGGTOPP products. If you live in an industrial area with heavy air pollution, bi-weekly or weekly washing and protecting would not be out of line. Remember, always use a protectant after cleaning or washing the top even if using a car wash shampoo and always pay particular attention to treating the stitching.
Q: What other tips do you have for proper convertible top care?
A: First, you don't have to wash your car's top every time you wash your car! I know it sounds funny but every time you wash your convertible top, even with the gentlest car wash shampoo, you are stripping off any previously applied protectant. A better regimen would be to vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and just rinse the top with water when you wash the car.
If the top becomes noticeably soiled, clean the top with RAGGTOPP Cleaner. Wet the top with water, spray on RAGGTOPP Cleaner, gently scrub with a soft nylon bristle scrub brush, rinse and park in the sun to dry.
After cleaning, when the top is thoroughly dry, follow with a protectant. If the car has a fabric top, use RAGGTOPP Fabric Protectant. Don't saturate the top. Apply two or three light coats allowing 10 to 15 minutes between coats. Any overspray on glass, paintwork or clear vinyl windows can be easily wiped off with a dry Microfiber cloth. After treating the top, park the car in the sun to cure the UV stabilizers. If you're so inclined, while the top is drying, remove any carpet mats, spray them with Fabric Protectant and allow them to dry 10 to 15 minutes in the sun. Treated mats will keep any spills (like your morning coffee) on top of the fibers where it can be easily wiped off.
If your car's top is vinyl, protect with RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant. I prefer to spray the protectant on a Microfiber applicator pad and use the pad to wipe the car's top. When I'm done with the top, I use the same applicator to wipe the dash, door seals and vinyl door panels. You can also use RAGGTOPP Protectant to protect clear vinyl windows. Lightly mist the window and buff with a dry Microfiber cloth. Again, park the car in the sun after treatment to allow the stabilizers to cure.
We included the following information on convertible tops in last months newsletter but felt we should include it again to compliment our interview with Rick Goldstein of RaggTopp.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo.../MiataTopsm.jpg>
Sorting out convertible tops.
Convertible tops are made with either a vinyl or fabric material. Using the wrong cleaner or protectant can harm the topping material. Most vinyl tops can be identified by their solid, crinkle-type finish. Most fabric tops are smoother and have a woven thread pattern. Some tops are deceiving. Both the Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z have tops that look like fabric but are in fact vinyl.
Here is a list of popular convertibles and the topping material used:
Miata:
Mazda has announced a gradual change over from vinyl to fabric top material. This change started in 2002. One half of Miatas imported in 2002 had fabric tops. The other half were imported with vinyl tops. Mazda states that this split will continue during 2003 with approximately one half of Miatas coming with fabric tops. The change over to fabric tops is due to be complete in 2004.
Corvette:
General Motors uses both vinyl and cloth topping material on the 2001-on Corvette but these tops are easier to identify. Black Corvette tops are fabric. White Corvette tops are vinyl.
Honda S2000:
The new S2000 has one of the nicest looking topping materials in the industry. It looks like fabric but it isn't. All S2000 convertible tops are vinyl!
Nissan 350Z:
Like the S2000, Nissan's new 350Z has a top that looks like fabric but it isn't. All 350Z convertible tops are vinyl.
New Thunderbird:
The new T'birds sport a fabric top.
Jeep Wrangler:
Jeeps come with a vinyl top.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche:
All of the above German automakers use only fabric topping material.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...nyltopping1.jpg>
Vinyl Miata top material.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...g/Clothtop3.jpg>
Fabric Miata top material
* Chevrolet Camaro - Cloth
* Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler uses both vinyl and
cloth toppings. Check with your dealer.
* Dodge Viper - Cloth
* Ford Mustang - Vinyl
* Mustang Terminator - Cloth
* Plymouth Prowler - Cloth
* Pontiac Firebird - Cloth
* Audi TT - Cloth
* BMW Z8 - Cloth
* VW Golf - Cloth
* Isuzu Rodeo - Vinyl
* KIA Sportage - Vinyl
* Land Rover - Vinyl
* Suzuki Samurai - Vinyl
* Toyota RAV4 - Vinyl
* Jaguar XK8 - Cloth
* SAAB 9-3 - Cloth
* Volvo C70 - Cloth
To learn more about cleaning and protecting convertible tops, please click on:
* "Best products for vinyl convertible tops" or
* "Best products for fabric convertible tops."
The most overlooked spring
clean-up procedure.
You've waited all winter. The weather finally broke and you're ready to give your car a fresh coat of wax for spring. If you're an enthusiast, you may even decide to polish your car before waxing.
Hold it......What about all the paint contamination that has been landing on your car's finish all winter? "What is paint contamination?" you ask.
Paint contamination consists of tiny metal shavings from rail dust, brake dust and industrial fallout. This contamination affects all paint finishes and can cause serious damage when left untreated. Paint contamination can be felt as a "rough or gritty" texture on the paint's surface and can lead to tiny rust spots. This contamination can not be removed by washing, waxing and/or polishing.
Stage 1:
Metal shavings land on the paint's surface.
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=12]
Stage 2:
Shavings start to oxidize.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ring/Stage2.jpg>
Stage 3:
Rust forms in the paint.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ring/Stage3.jpg>
Actual photo of rust spots
from paint contamination.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo.../BeforeClay.jpg>
Take this simple test:
After washing and drying your vehicle, put your hand inside a plastic sandwich bag and lightly run your fingertips over the paint's surface. It should be as smooth as glass.
If your car's surface has a rough, gritty or pebble-like texture, it indicates the presence of paint contamination. This contamination should be removed before applying a polish or wax.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...g/HandinBag.jpg>
Removing Paint Contamination:
There is no wax, natural or synthetic, or any chemical treatment that can prevent or protect against this contamination. Compounding with an abrasive polish may remove paint contamination but it can only be performed a few times before removing too much of the top, clear coat finish.
The best solution, a special clay bar, was developed in Japan nearly ten years ago. This clay safely removes rail dust and industrial fallout by "pulling" it off the surface. It does not "cut" or perform any abrasive action normally associated with polishing or compounding.
The latest evolution in clay technology are PolyClay bars. These clay-like bars are made in the U.S.A. of entirely man made polymers. These bars perform all the functions of traditional clay bars but have an elastic quality which makes them easier to work with.
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=14]
How to use clay bars:
Clay bars should always be used on freshly washed, clean surfaces. Dirt on the surface could cause scratches.
Always use a lubricant such as BLACKFIRE Clay Lubricant when using a clay bar.
Work on areas about three square feet. Lightly mist the surface with the lubricant. Place the clay bar in the palm of your hand and rub it across the lubricated area using moderate pressure. (Hard rubbing is not required) You should feel a slight grabbing at first. As you rub, the bar should glide smoothly over the surface. When the bar moves freely you are done. Wipe the surface with a clean dry towel and continue in sections until the entire vehicle is complete.
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=16]
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...yAudiBFClay.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ring/BuffTT.jpg>
Mist surface with lubricant,
rub clay across surface.
Wipe off any residues
with a soft towel.
As the bar becomes soiled, simply pull, stretch and refold to expose a new, clean side. When the bar becomes totally soiled (dark colored) discard it. A single 3 oz. bar should clean at least 7 to 10 cars.
Do not use a bar dropped on the ground.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ing/Chart1b.jpg>
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=17]
After claying, the surface should be as smooth as glass. Remove any remaining smudges with a clean dry towel. Microfiber towels are perfect for removing clay residues. Mist the surface with the lubricant if necessary to make the final wipe down easy.
Tech Note: Clay bars will not remove scratches, swirls, dull, oxidized paint or restore surface gloss. This is accomplished by polishing the surface after claying. Polishing alone will not remove paint contamination.
Polishing and Finishing:
After claying the surface, you have two options. If the vehicle's paint is in like-new condition (good paint gloss and no swirls), you can finish by applying your favorite wax or paint sealant. If the finish shows any swirls or lacks luster, polish with a swirl remover or finishing polish and then apply a final coat of wax or paint sealant.
New Products Showcase
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=18]
Clay using your dual-action,
machine polisher!
I've had numerous requests from our customers for this product. It allows you to clay a surface using a dual-action polisher like the Porter Cable 7424. I found several pads available from our suppliers that could do this but really wanted to take this technology to the next level. It's taken the better part of a year to bring this product to market but the results were worth the wait.
Introducing the Power Pad Clay Applicator:
The difference between our pad and the competition is in the foam. Our pads are machined out of a patented, proprietary foam made by Reisgies Schaumstoff, Germany. This new foam has taken the European automakers by storm and is being used at the OEM level by Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi and now General Motors.
This is the ideal material for a clay application pad because it has the extra cleaning power of a compounding pad and the gloss enhancing properties of a polishing pad. There's nothing else like this pad in the marketplace.
Combining the properties of this Power Pad foam with a 3 oz. clay bar like our BLACKFIRE Poly Clay allows you to clay the surface faster, remove more surface contamination and create a smoother surface than could be accomplished by hand.
It's like clay on steroids!
Click here Power Pad Clay Applicator for more details and step-by-step application instructions.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo.../InsertClay.jpg>
Sneak Peek....
Coming in 10 days, new products from Menzerna!
At the International Autobody Congress and Exposition, Menzerna announced the introduction of a new product line for American enthusiasts. The product line, consisting of a shampoo, two polishes, a glaze and a paint protectant, was developed as a joint venture between Menzerna USA, Menzerna, Germany and Classic Motoring Accessories. This new line will be shipping late March, 2004 and will be available exclusively through Classic Motoring Accessories. Menzerna is a world leader in paint polishing technology supplying polishing and paint care products to Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Porsche, Audi, VW, Volvo, Renault, FIAT, Diamler-Chrysler and GM.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ing/MenNace.jpg>
Axel Schnarrenberger, International Sales Manager, Menzerna, Germany (left)
and Jeff Silver, President, Menzerna USA (right) at the International
Autobody Congress and Exposition with the new
Menzerna product line for American car care perfectionists.
We're working as fast as we can!
These new Menzerna products have arrived but we're waiting for (English) labels and a new Menzerna Application Guide to be printed.
We've had so many inquiries about these new products that we're going to send out a special newsletter with product information as soon as everything is ready to ship. If you're on our Newsletter mailing list, you'll automatically receive this special edition, Menzerna Newsletter. Look for it in about 10 days.
In the meantime, to wet your appetite, here's what the new products look like on a new Audi A8:
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...nAudiShine2.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest9.jpg> 2004 Festival of Speed
Welcome to the first annual Festival of Speed. This event was sponsored by R.P.M. Magazine and hosted at the Vinnoy Hotel and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida. Held February 21st and 22nd, this festival allowed you to get up close and personal with over 100 of the world's most exotic cars.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest3.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest6.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest8.jpg>
It's tough to be green!
Passenger in lime green Mercedes 300SL.
So many Ferraris.
So little time!
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest2.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest7.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest5.jpg>
The most you're likely to see of the
new Saleen S7
Mercedes CLK GTR
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...1RPMFestJAG.jpg>
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...RPMFestEnzo.jpg>
Remember this cat?
The $1,000,000 Jaguar XJ-220
One of two Enzo's at the festival!
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest4.jpg>
We'll leave with this parting shot of a Lamborghini Diablo SV. The license plate says it all!
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=22]
Welcome RV owners!
We're expanding! Classic Motoring Accessories now offers a wide range of products to clean, polish, protect and shine your RV.
Please visit our new RV care site: www.properrvcare.com
For those of you that prefer one-stop shopping for all your automotive, motorcycle, boat and RV care needs, we have duplicated this site on our main web site www.properautocare.com. Our new RV site is listed on our home page under Stores Within on the right menu bar. Just click on Proper RV Care. We have separated our motorcycle, boat and RV care products into separate stores on our main site to make searching for specific products easier. While the stores are separate, you can use one shopping cart to shop in our automotive, motorcycle, boat and RV care stores. This could save you on shipping charges if you are selecting products from different stores.
Please remember us for all your:
Car care products.
www.properautocare.com
Happy motoring,
Terry & Jan Freiberg
(not sure that this will post completely, but am trying anyway!- to see photos, click on embedded links):
----------
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ClassicLogo.jpg>
by Terry Freiberg,
Classic Motoring Accessories
Proper Auto Care Club, No. 21
There's still time!
Take advantage of *Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more and get ready for Spring!
*Offer Ends March 31st., 2004
*From March 1st. through March 31st., 2004, we'll ship any mainland USA order of $75.00 or more by ground UPS absolutely free! Orders of $75.00 or more to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam will be shipped free by Priority Mail.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ng/UPSTruck.jpg>
Free UPS Ground Shipping
on orders of $75.00 or more!
(Ends March 31st., 2004)
Sorry this offer does not apply to previously placed orders, International orders or orders shipped by UPS next day, 2 day or 3 day express shipping. There are no codes or coupons to remember. Just place your order on line or by phone (800-628-7596) during the promotion's time period and visualize how good your car will look this spring!
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...ldsteinWhse.jpg>
Proper Convertible Top Care.
An interview with Rick Goldstein
President, Wolfsteins Pro-Series.
Q: How did you come to be in the convertible top care business?
A: It started innocently enough when I purchased a Porsche Cabriolet. The owner's manual told me to clean and protect the fabric top but didn't tell me how. I went back to the dealer and they showed me products that couldn't be used in direct sunlight and required the windows and paintwork to be masked off prior to application. I thought this was absurd. There had to be a better way. I contacted an acquaintance who worked for DuPont and together we spent two years developing a cleaner and protectant for fabric convertible tops.
When we thought we had something, we sent samples to the Haartz Corporation for testing. Haartz and their German subsidiary, Rode & Schwalenberg Gmbh. supply 99% of the world's convertible topping material. They tested our protectant in their weather chambers for 90 days, a test that represents 3 years of "real world" exposure. They couldn't believe the results. Our product was the only protectant ever evaluated that passed all of their tests. It exceeded the performance of the top protectant they had been recommending by such a wide margin that they agreed to endorse our product if we brought it to market.
Haartz was less than thrilled with the cleaner we had developed but Eric Haartz said if we would put the protectant into production he would give us a special, low pH cleaning formula they had spent years developing but never got around to marketing. Most convertible top cleaners are high-pH, alkaline cleaners which can leave residues in seams that deteriorates stitching over time. The cleaner Haartz developed (now our RAGGTOPP Convertible Top Cleaner) is a low-pH, low alkalinity formula that had been tested and approved for years of repetitive cleaning. It was a protein and enzyme combination that was safe for vinyl, fabric, rubber seals, paintwork and clear vinyl windows.
I formed a new company, Wolfsteins Pro-Series and in 1997 launched RAGGTOPP Convertible Top Cleaner and RAGGTOPP Fabric Protectant.
<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/classic-mo...steinOffice.jpg>
Q: So you didn't just pay Haartz for their endorsement and put it on your product?
A: No way! Haartz's endorsement can't be bought. We got it the old fashioned way. We earned it by passing every one of their tests better than any other product.
Q: Then Haartz tests other convertible top care products?
A: Absolutely, not only domestic products but European products. Because they warranty their material worldwide, they want to know how various products will affect their tops over time. To do this, they use two weather chambers. One is set for the dry heat of Arizona and the other is set for the heat and humidity of Florida. One month in these chambers represents one year of real world exposure. All products are tested in both chambers for three months. Our RAGGTOPP products got the Haartz endorsement by beating every other product tested, in both chambers.
Q: How does RAGGTOPP Fabric Top Protectant differ from competitive products?
A: In layman's terms, without divulging any trade secrets, we're using a state-of-the-art, very heavy, very expensive, UV stabilizer and we're putting more of it in our protectant than anyone else. We're also doing a few other things that competitors aren't doing but I can't really go into that.
Q: I know it took you over a year to come out with your protectant for vinyl convertible tops. Why couldn't you use the same formula you developed for fabric tops?
A: The properties of woven thread (fabric) and solid sheet (vinyl) tops are so different that they require totally different protective technologies. Protectants optimized for fabric tops simply will not work on vinyl. Plus, almost all vinyl protectants contain either a petroleum distillate or silicone oils. Our RaggTopp Vinyl Protectant contains absolutely no petroleum solvents or silicone oils.
Q: There are dozens, if not hundreds, of vinyl protectants in the marketplace. What's so special about RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant that it took you over a year to bring it to market?
A: I'll tell you an industry secret. Most vinyl protectant formulas were created in the 1950's. They contain silicone and were developed for interior (dash) treatments. Most are cosmetic dressings. They do not contain any modern UV stabilizers and were never intended for exterior applications. As most enthusiasts discovered, these dressings washed off in the first rainfall leaving white streaks running down the car's paintwork!
We created RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant from a clean sheet of paper as an exterior protectant. It contains no silicones, is designed to last through rainfalls and contains Ciba Tinuvin #5151, the strongest UV stabilizer in the industry. Our final formula contains 15% solids by volume. Competitive vinyl dressings typically contain 1-1/2 to 3% solids by volume!
This concentration of solids gives RAGGTOP Vinyl Protectant exceptional durability. When we presented our formula to Haartz for testing (which took another 3 months) they found it outlasted every vinyl protectant they had ever tested!
Q: Can RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant be used on interior vinyl surfaces also?
A: Absolutely, it's an extremely durable vinyl protectant without the gloss and greasy smear of silicone dressings. It can be used on the dash, rubber door seals, car bras, tonneau covers and the exterior vinyl cladding found on many SUV's.
Q: There appears to be a lot of misleading information in the marketplace regarding proper convertible top care. How soon should you apply a protectant to a new convertible top?
A: Immediately. Especially the stitched seams. The thread in these seams is the first part of a top to fail. Manufacturers use a poly-cotton thread and do not use any UV sealant or protectant on their threads after the tops are stitched. It's the same with vinyl seat cushions on boats. It's always the stitching that fails first. It doesn't matter if you're protecting a convertible top, bimini top, RV awning or marine seat cushion, always pay particular attention to treating the seams.
Q: After the initial treatment, how often should you reapply a protectant to your car's top?
A: A good regimen would be once every month or two or whenever the top is cleaned.
Q: Can you over clean or over protect a convertible top?
A: Not with RAGGTOPP products. If you live in an industrial area with heavy air pollution, bi-weekly or weekly washing and protecting would not be out of line. Remember, always use a protectant after cleaning or washing the top even if using a car wash shampoo and always pay particular attention to treating the stitching.
Q: What other tips do you have for proper convertible top care?
A: First, you don't have to wash your car's top every time you wash your car! I know it sounds funny but every time you wash your convertible top, even with the gentlest car wash shampoo, you are stripping off any previously applied protectant. A better regimen would be to vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and just rinse the top with water when you wash the car.
If the top becomes noticeably soiled, clean the top with RAGGTOPP Cleaner. Wet the top with water, spray on RAGGTOPP Cleaner, gently scrub with a soft nylon bristle scrub brush, rinse and park in the sun to dry.
After cleaning, when the top is thoroughly dry, follow with a protectant. If the car has a fabric top, use RAGGTOPP Fabric Protectant. Don't saturate the top. Apply two or three light coats allowing 10 to 15 minutes between coats. Any overspray on glass, paintwork or clear vinyl windows can be easily wiped off with a dry Microfiber cloth. After treating the top, park the car in the sun to cure the UV stabilizers. If you're so inclined, while the top is drying, remove any carpet mats, spray them with Fabric Protectant and allow them to dry 10 to 15 minutes in the sun. Treated mats will keep any spills (like your morning coffee) on top of the fibers where it can be easily wiped off.
If your car's top is vinyl, protect with RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant. I prefer to spray the protectant on a Microfiber applicator pad and use the pad to wipe the car's top. When I'm done with the top, I use the same applicator to wipe the dash, door seals and vinyl door panels. You can also use RAGGTOPP Protectant to protect clear vinyl windows. Lightly mist the window and buff with a dry Microfiber cloth. Again, park the car in the sun after treatment to allow the stabilizers to cure.
We included the following information on convertible tops in last months newsletter but felt we should include it again to compliment our interview with Rick Goldstein of RaggTopp.
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Sorting out convertible tops.
Convertible tops are made with either a vinyl or fabric material. Using the wrong cleaner or protectant can harm the topping material. Most vinyl tops can be identified by their solid, crinkle-type finish. Most fabric tops are smoother and have a woven thread pattern. Some tops are deceiving. Both the Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z have tops that look like fabric but are in fact vinyl.
Here is a list of popular convertibles and the topping material used:
Miata:
Mazda has announced a gradual change over from vinyl to fabric top material. This change started in 2002. One half of Miatas imported in 2002 had fabric tops. The other half were imported with vinyl tops. Mazda states that this split will continue during 2003 with approximately one half of Miatas coming with fabric tops. The change over to fabric tops is due to be complete in 2004.
Corvette:
General Motors uses both vinyl and cloth topping material on the 2001-on Corvette but these tops are easier to identify. Black Corvette tops are fabric. White Corvette tops are vinyl.
Honda S2000:
The new S2000 has one of the nicest looking topping materials in the industry. It looks like fabric but it isn't. All S2000 convertible tops are vinyl!
Nissan 350Z:
Like the S2000, Nissan's new 350Z has a top that looks like fabric but it isn't. All 350Z convertible tops are vinyl.
New Thunderbird:
The new T'birds sport a fabric top.
Jeep Wrangler:
Jeeps come with a vinyl top.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche:
All of the above German automakers use only fabric topping material.
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Vinyl Miata top material.
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Fabric Miata top material
* Chevrolet Camaro - Cloth
* Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler uses both vinyl and
cloth toppings. Check with your dealer.
* Dodge Viper - Cloth
* Ford Mustang - Vinyl
* Mustang Terminator - Cloth
* Plymouth Prowler - Cloth
* Pontiac Firebird - Cloth
* Audi TT - Cloth
* BMW Z8 - Cloth
* VW Golf - Cloth
* Isuzu Rodeo - Vinyl
* KIA Sportage - Vinyl
* Land Rover - Vinyl
* Suzuki Samurai - Vinyl
* Toyota RAV4 - Vinyl
* Jaguar XK8 - Cloth
* SAAB 9-3 - Cloth
* Volvo C70 - Cloth
To learn more about cleaning and protecting convertible tops, please click on:
* "Best products for vinyl convertible tops" or
* "Best products for fabric convertible tops."
The most overlooked spring
clean-up procedure.
You've waited all winter. The weather finally broke and you're ready to give your car a fresh coat of wax for spring. If you're an enthusiast, you may even decide to polish your car before waxing.
Hold it......What about all the paint contamination that has been landing on your car's finish all winter? "What is paint contamination?" you ask.
Paint contamination consists of tiny metal shavings from rail dust, brake dust and industrial fallout. This contamination affects all paint finishes and can cause serious damage when left untreated. Paint contamination can be felt as a "rough or gritty" texture on the paint's surface and can lead to tiny rust spots. This contamination can not be removed by washing, waxing and/or polishing.
Stage 1:
Metal shavings land on the paint's surface.
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Stage 2:
Shavings start to oxidize.
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Stage 3:
Rust forms in the paint.
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Actual photo of rust spots
from paint contamination.
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Take this simple test:
After washing and drying your vehicle, put your hand inside a plastic sandwich bag and lightly run your fingertips over the paint's surface. It should be as smooth as glass.
If your car's surface has a rough, gritty or pebble-like texture, it indicates the presence of paint contamination. This contamination should be removed before applying a polish or wax.
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Removing Paint Contamination:
There is no wax, natural or synthetic, or any chemical treatment that can prevent or protect against this contamination. Compounding with an abrasive polish may remove paint contamination but it can only be performed a few times before removing too much of the top, clear coat finish.
The best solution, a special clay bar, was developed in Japan nearly ten years ago. This clay safely removes rail dust and industrial fallout by "pulling" it off the surface. It does not "cut" or perform any abrasive action normally associated with polishing or compounding.
The latest evolution in clay technology are PolyClay bars. These clay-like bars are made in the U.S.A. of entirely man made polymers. These bars perform all the functions of traditional clay bars but have an elastic quality which makes them easier to work with.
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How to use clay bars:
Clay bars should always be used on freshly washed, clean surfaces. Dirt on the surface could cause scratches.
Always use a lubricant such as BLACKFIRE Clay Lubricant when using a clay bar.
Work on areas about three square feet. Lightly mist the surface with the lubricant. Place the clay bar in the palm of your hand and rub it across the lubricated area using moderate pressure. (Hard rubbing is not required) You should feel a slight grabbing at first. As you rub, the bar should glide smoothly over the surface. When the bar moves freely you are done. Wipe the surface with a clean dry towel and continue in sections until the entire vehicle is complete.
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Mist surface with lubricant,
rub clay across surface.
Wipe off any residues
with a soft towel.
As the bar becomes soiled, simply pull, stretch and refold to expose a new, clean side. When the bar becomes totally soiled (dark colored) discard it. A single 3 oz. bar should clean at least 7 to 10 cars.
Do not use a bar dropped on the ground.
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After claying, the surface should be as smooth as glass. Remove any remaining smudges with a clean dry towel. Microfiber towels are perfect for removing clay residues. Mist the surface with the lubricant if necessary to make the final wipe down easy.
Tech Note: Clay bars will not remove scratches, swirls, dull, oxidized paint or restore surface gloss. This is accomplished by polishing the surface after claying. Polishing alone will not remove paint contamination.
Polishing and Finishing:
After claying the surface, you have two options. If the vehicle's paint is in like-new condition (good paint gloss and no swirls), you can finish by applying your favorite wax or paint sealant. If the finish shows any swirls or lacks luster, polish with a swirl remover or finishing polish and then apply a final coat of wax or paint sealant.
New Products Showcase
[http://elog.relevanttools.com/eis-cgi-bin/...bacpas.com&u=18]
Clay using your dual-action,
machine polisher!
I've had numerous requests from our customers for this product. It allows you to clay a surface using a dual-action polisher like the Porter Cable 7424. I found several pads available from our suppliers that could do this but really wanted to take this technology to the next level. It's taken the better part of a year to bring this product to market but the results were worth the wait.
Introducing the Power Pad Clay Applicator:
The difference between our pad and the competition is in the foam. Our pads are machined out of a patented, proprietary foam made by Reisgies Schaumstoff, Germany. This new foam has taken the European automakers by storm and is being used at the OEM level by Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi and now General Motors.
This is the ideal material for a clay application pad because it has the extra cleaning power of a compounding pad and the gloss enhancing properties of a polishing pad. There's nothing else like this pad in the marketplace.
Combining the properties of this Power Pad foam with a 3 oz. clay bar like our BLACKFIRE Poly Clay allows you to clay the surface faster, remove more surface contamination and create a smoother surface than could be accomplished by hand.
It's like clay on steroids!
Click here Power Pad Clay Applicator for more details and step-by-step application instructions.
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Sneak Peek....
Coming in 10 days, new products from Menzerna!
At the International Autobody Congress and Exposition, Menzerna announced the introduction of a new product line for American enthusiasts. The product line, consisting of a shampoo, two polishes, a glaze and a paint protectant, was developed as a joint venture between Menzerna USA, Menzerna, Germany and Classic Motoring Accessories. This new line will be shipping late March, 2004 and will be available exclusively through Classic Motoring Accessories. Menzerna is a world leader in paint polishing technology supplying polishing and paint care products to Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Porsche, Audi, VW, Volvo, Renault, FIAT, Diamler-Chrysler and GM.
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Axel Schnarrenberger, International Sales Manager, Menzerna, Germany (left)
and Jeff Silver, President, Menzerna USA (right) at the International
Autobody Congress and Exposition with the new
Menzerna product line for American car care perfectionists.
We're working as fast as we can!
These new Menzerna products have arrived but we're waiting for (English) labels and a new Menzerna Application Guide to be printed.
We've had so many inquiries about these new products that we're going to send out a special newsletter with product information as soon as everything is ready to ship. If you're on our Newsletter mailing list, you'll automatically receive this special edition, Menzerna Newsletter. Look for it in about 10 days.
In the meantime, to wet your appetite, here's what the new products look like on a new Audi A8:
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<http://edit.store.yahoo.com/lib/hawgwash/N...N21RPMFest9.jpg> 2004 Festival of Speed
Welcome to the first annual Festival of Speed. This event was sponsored by R.P.M. Magazine and hosted at the Vinnoy Hotel and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida. Held February 21st and 22nd, this festival allowed you to get up close and personal with over 100 of the world's most exotic cars.
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It's tough to be green!
Passenger in lime green Mercedes 300SL.
So many Ferraris.
So little time!
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The most you're likely to see of the
new Saleen S7
Mercedes CLK GTR
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Remember this cat?
The $1,000,000 Jaguar XJ-220
One of two Enzo's at the festival!
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We'll leave with this parting shot of a Lamborghini Diablo SV. The license plate says it all!
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Welcome RV owners!
We're expanding! Classic Motoring Accessories now offers a wide range of products to clean, polish, protect and shine your RV.
Please visit our new RV care site: www.properrvcare.com
For those of you that prefer one-stop shopping for all your automotive, motorcycle, boat and RV care needs, we have duplicated this site on our main web site www.properautocare.com. Our new RV site is listed on our home page under Stores Within on the right menu bar. Just click on Proper RV Care. We have separated our motorcycle, boat and RV care products into separate stores on our main site to make searching for specific products easier. While the stores are separate, you can use one shopping cart to shop in our automotive, motorcycle, boat and RV care stores. This could save you on shipping charges if you are selecting products from different stores.
Please remember us for all your:
Car care products.
www.properautocare.com
Happy motoring,
Terry & Jan Freiberg
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