davieboy Posted June 25, 2005 Report Share Posted June 25, 2005 I've been a reader of these forums for some time and now thought I'd post this top tip for soft top owners. The missus owns an MX-5 with a black canvas top, which we picked up new in March. I'd been doing the summer valet overhaul of our two cars last week and after washing and waxing I wanted to turn my attention to the canvas top of the MX-5. I'd looked at a few products for protecting and waterproofing it but was a little scared to use them because of the effect on the paint work, especially it's difficult to spray the damn stuff away from the paint. Anyway, I was off at my local climbing shop picking up some ropes and other gear and started to wonder about using some tent waterproofing or similar. A quick browse lead me to something likely sounding, Nikwax UV Proof, which claims to waterproof and protect from UV damage. Got it home and applied it to the MX-5. Spray all over (waterbased so no paint damage), wipe off the excess and then leave to dry. Result is amazing. Water beads like a freshly waxed paint surface. Recommended! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OGWT Posted June 27, 2005 Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 Rode & Schwalenbert Gmbn. (Germany) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops exclusively recommends Harrtz RaggTop Cleaners and Protectant. Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products This product is considered the best for conv tops- 1. Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials. The best cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe, but effective, cleaning power. 2.Fabric protector to re-proof and preserve fabric tops from the effects of water absorption, surface soiling and staining, and provide a sunscreen from UV radiation and subsequent fading. The fabric protector recommended by Glen Raven Mills (Sunbrella) and the Haartz Corporation is 303 High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellence and stain repellence to factory new levels. It stops leaks, resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays. Kit approx. $25 JonM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleanimage Posted June 27, 2005 Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 Jon, The problem is availability of the products you mention... we have tried Raggtopp and it's fantastic but you have to order it in, last time I tried that meant postage from the US. AutoGlym to a kit which is very good and available in the shops, but now days we get all our hoody stuff from Renovo:- http://www.renovointernational.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted June 27, 2005 Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 I have now used the Autoglym kit properly - having just used the cleaning bottle initially. Now I've used the cleaner and the waterproofing sealant together. It's bloody fantastic! Weird in fact! The water beads perfectly and hosing the car down at the weekend had my neighbour taking a second glance. The water just beads off it and runs about like it's lost until it finds a channel to roll down! Top marks for this stuff. Very very impressed and worth the hassle. I had to use polish and glass cleaner to get rid of the overspray mind you! They're not joking when they say don't get it on the paintwork - because it bonds very well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OGWT Posted June 27, 2005 Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 Clean Image-Jon, The problem is availability of the products you mention... we have tried Raggtopp and it's fantastic but you have to order it in, last time I tried that meant postage from the US. Your right I didn't take that into consideration. The Autogylm product is also a viable alternative JonM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleanimage Posted June 27, 2005 Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I have now used the Autoglym kit properly - having just used the cleaning bottle initially. Now I've used the cleaner and the waterproofing sealant together. It's bloody fantastic! Weird in fact! The water beads perfectly and hosing the car down at the weekend had my neighbour taking a second glance. The water just beads off it and runs about like it's lost until it finds a channel to roll down! Top marks for this stuff. Very very impressed and worth the hassle. I had to use polish and glass cleaner to get rid of the overspray mind you! They're not joking when they say don't get it on the paintwork - because it bonds very well! [/ QUOTE ] I have photos... Title - Renovo protection for vinyl fabric hoods http://www.clean-image.co.uk/photos/renovo_photos.htm it stops beading after a while, in fact we have found some hoods don't bead for some reason, but this does't mean it doesn't work, it stops the hood getting sopping wet, instead its just sorta damp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveStar Posted June 27, 2005 Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 Also, all of the US web retailers that I know of won't send RaggTopp out to international destinations due to the protectant being in an aerosol container... bummer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleanimage Posted June 28, 2005 Report Share Posted June 28, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Also, all of the US web retailers that I know of won't send RaggTopp out to international destinations due to the protectant being in an aerosol container... bummer! [/ QUOTE ] Last time we bought it, it was in a trigger spray, maybe they still do one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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