Top treatment question

[san rensho]

I've been using Aerospace 303 on the top for a couple of years with great results. I just rinse off the top, use a wet brush to to clean anything off it, rinse again and then apply the 303. With this method, water would bead off the top like it beads off the paint for a good 4-6 months.

After the last application, in which I used a little over half the bottle, the water doesn't bead any more after a couple of weeks.

The top is a GAAH model, about 4 years old.

Any ideas?

[JayG]

Were you using the version specifically for fabric?

The regular Aerospace 303 protectant is for rubber, plastic, leather, etc, not fabric.

I use that sh_t on everything ! (except fabric)

They sell a product specifically for convertible tops.

303® Fabric Convertible Top Kit


If you were using the fabric stuff, did you let it dry/cure completely before getting it wet? Also I believe you are supposed to apply it to a dry surface

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by JayG

Were you using the version specifically for fabric?

The regular Aerospace 303 protectant is for rubber, plastic, leather, etc, not fabric.

I use that sh_t on everything ! (except fabric)

They sell a product specifically for convertible tops.

303® Fabric Convertible Top Kit


If you were using the fabric stuff, did you let it dry/cure completely before getting it wet? Also I believe you are supposed to apply it to a dry surface

I'm using this stuff and yes the top was dry when I applied it.

303® High Tech Fabric Guard

[JayG]

Don't know what to say. I put it on my top 2 months ago and it is just like the day after I applied it

Maybe give the company a call

[san rensho]

Mayb I'll try cleaning it and reapply. What should I use to clean the fabric? Mild soap and water?

[Perfectlap]

I hit with the lint roller. Then I use Raggtop cleanser with a very soft brush.
Once dry I get out a big umbrella and apply the Raggtopp protectant dragging the umbrella towards me in order to keep the spray from drifting onto the paint.

Sounds like maybe the top was dirty and didn't cling to the canvas fibers.

[Heiko]

I use the 303 Fabric Cleaner after every other application of the Fabric Guard and the water beads off great. Don't use too much of the Fabric Guard, you're only supposed to spray on a light mist. Maybe wet it down, apply some 303 Fabric Cleaner and use a very soft brush then rinse it, let it dry really good and apply a new coat of the Guard. It could be that you got a bottle that's gone bad too, a buddy of mine left a bottle in the garage over winter and the bottle froze and the stuff went bad... who knows if the bottle you got wasn't from some warehouse in the Northern states... who knows... maybe get another bottle from another supplier.
H

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Heiko

I use the 303 Fabric Cleaner after every other application of the Fabric Guard and the water beads off great. Don't use too much of the Fabric Guard, you're only supposed to spray on a light mist. Maybe wet it down, apply some 303 Fabric Cleaner and use a very soft brush then rinse it, let it dry really good and apply a new coat of the Guard. It could be that you got a bottle that's gone bad too, a buddy of mine left a bottle in the garage over winter and the bottle froze and the stuff went bad... who knows if the bottle you got wasn't from some warehouse in the Northern states... who knows... maybe get another bottle from another supplier.
H

+1 I used their cleaner first, let the top dry, then applied the Fabric Guard

I would call the company, maybe they will give you a free refill

[Ian c]

I rub mine with next-door's cat .

[Flavor 987S]

Use better technique:

Day #1:
wash top with cleaner
let dry overnight

Day #2
apply 3-4 light coats (entire can)
allow 30 minutes between coats

Day #3
let cure from elements and sunlight

I use the Ragg Topp products (cleaner and protectant). The parent company, Wolfstein, is the OEM supplier to Porsche.

[Finnegan]

I've been reading Amazon reviews for Raggtop, 303, and Renovo. Users say the aerosol cans of Raggtop are problematic, with lots of mist going everywhere. Renovo has a ~4 week delivery estimate. So I'm settling in for the 303. Is this the correct product:

http://www.amazon.com/303-30606-Fabric-Trigger-Sprayer/dp/B00KMYYQ36/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

[Jamesp]

I cleaned my top with Dawn dishwashing soap to get the bird crap off, then nailed it with 2 cans of Scotchguard from WalMart. Looks great and water still beads after relentless rain and a tropical storm. I did this because the inside of the car would get damp after rain, now it's dry as a bone after loads of rain off Galveston bay.

[EJ-Fresno]

I am using 303 as well: wet the top, clean it with a sponge, rinse. Let dry out of direct sunlight. Apply the Guard. Works very well! (Not that we have so much rain in Cali anyway...)

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

I've been reading Amazon reviews for Raggtop, 303, and Renovo. Users say the aerosol cans of Raggtop are problematic, with lots of mist going everywhere. Renovo has a ~4 week delivery estimate. So I'm settling in for the 303. Is this the correct product:

Amazon.com: 303 (30606) Fabric Guard Trigger Sprayer, 32 fl. oz.: Automotive

I've been using Raggtop for five years and have never had the problem the poster has. I use the cleaner on a wet top with a soft brush, rinse and let dry. While it's drying I apply Wet Paint New Car Glaze to the paint then spray the Raggtop conditioner on. When I'm done with the conditioner I wipe off the New Car Glaze and any overspray (which wipes off paint easily and does not harm it) comes off with it. Never had a problematic can and don't spray out in the wind. I use it twice a year and never had an issue with water not beading up.

[Fintro11]

I use 303, I use a whole bottle once a year lasts every year

[Duezzer]

I'm using the Porsche product. Seems to work well but I think I will try the neighbours cat also as it may be cheaper in the long run. I think the old Tabu was declawed to which I think will be beneficial for both me and the top. Then a lint brush.

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by Duezzer

I'm using the Porsche product. Seems to work well but I think I will try the neighbours cat also as it may be cheaper in the long run. I think the old Tabu was declawed to which I think will be beneficial for both me and the top. Then a lint brush.

A little pussy never hurt anything.:dance:

[Heiko]

Originally Posted by Fintro11

I use 303, I use a whole bottle once a year lasts every year

you use a whole bottle!?!?!? OMG... I think it says to apply a light coat So far the same bottle has lasted me 3 years. Perhaps all the rain in BC requires several applications

[WillH]

Originally Posted by Ian c

I rub mine with next-door's cat .

I tried that but it just made it worse




Maybe I was doing it wrong.

Will probably have to try the 303 stuff...

[flaps10]

Not sure why this thread reminded me of this old picture