2nd Gen R57 Convertible Convertible top treatment?

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by Laserboy, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. Laserboy

    Laserboy New Member

    May 25, 2013
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    Sorry if this has been discussed before--I wasn't able to find it via a search on this site.

    I'm noticing that the top on my new convertible isn't shedding water like it did a couple of weeks ago, when it was right off the boat. No problem, at all, but this does make me start wondering if I ought to think about applying some sort of treatment to the fabric. I notice that there are several products on the market, including one sold by Mini directly, for cleaning and/or treating convertible tops. Does anyone have a recommendation regarding any of these products?

    Many thanks!
     
  2. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    :cornut: No help here as My R56(moon roof actually) has a hard top but we do have plenty of R52 and R57 people here abouts so I'll bump you back to the top.:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  3. cooperjet

    cooperjet Well-Known Member

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    I use 303 on mine. I see a lot of people use Ragg Topp also. Either one is good is what I have gathered.
     
  4. JECO

    JECO Active Member

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    I have used RaggTopp for my TT, Audi Convertible and now my Mini Roadster. My experience is that my garaged Roadster needs treatment only about twice a year. Follow directions and your top will bubble beautifully. RaggTopp also makes a cleaner that I have only used when the top is noticeably dirty after washing.
     
  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #5 Dave.0, Jul 13, 2013
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2013
    When I detail a friend of mines vert I use 303 Aerospace Fabric Guard Water Repellant endorsed by sunbrella.

    One of my neighbors works for Winnebago and this is what they use at the factory and when the service every RV awning.

    You can get it on Amazon. Look and read the reviews.

    http://www.amazon.com/Products-30650-Fabric-Guard-Repellant/dp/B000221H08/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373753056&sr=8-1&keywords=sunbrella+fabric+protector

    Powerful enough to protect fabrics in the harshest environment ...outdoors. Yet 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is safe for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers - including suede. On outdoor fabrics, 303 High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellency and stain repellency to factory new levels. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays. Proper maintenance with 303 Products will add to the life of your fabrics, save you money, and it's easy!
     
  6. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
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    The two protectants that are best known and most recommended by convertible owners are 303 Fabric Guard and RaggTopp. I've used both and they are both very good products.

    RaggTopp is actually recommended by some of the convertible top manufacturers. It comes in an aerosol can that is only enough for maybe 1.5 applications. 303 is a better value because it comes in a spray bottle that goes a lot further. I can't say that one works better than the other (they are both good), but something that sold me about 303 is that it is popular in the boating and sailing community, which I think says something about its effectiveness.
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Yup boating and RV users swear by 303 fabric guard. You can buy it at every Marina in NJ and most upholstery places that make and repair those expensive boat panels and seats give you a free bottle when you have fabric work done. If that stuff can stand up to salt water and East Coast heat and Summer storms it must be good stuff.

    I use it on my patio umbrella and BBQ cover.
     
  8. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    I'm a big fan of the 303 Fabric Guard. I actually apply it with a soft bristle paintbrush. No issues with overspray, less messy, and you can work it into the fabric and apply it quite "wet" with this method. I probably use approximately 16 oz per application this way, maybe a bit more, about twice a year. Almost 7 years now and my top looks almost new.

    I also spray it on my cocomats. They like to, too. :)
     
  9. Laserboy

    Laserboy New Member

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    Thanks for all the suggestions! It seems that the two options are both good ones. I'm sure I have at least another month before I need to make a decision, so I have plenty of time to comparison shop.

    I appreciate the input.
     
  10. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Ragtop is the best stuff out there.
     
  11. Gil-galad

    Gil-galad Club Coordinator

    May 19, 2009
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    +1 to 303 and the paintbrush application. :Thumbsup:
     
  12. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Shedding water you say???

    This superhydrophobic spray sold by Rustoleum may just be the perfect coating for your top....

    [ame=http://youtu.be/DZrjXSsfxMQ]NeverWet Arrives - Hands-On Product Demonstration - YouTube[/ame]
     
  13. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    NeverWet seems like a great product, but how durable for long term outdoor applications?

    That video makes me feel really old. I'm probably older than the dads of those chemists and engineers.
     
  14. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Ummmmm....
    Well then... Why worry about it's long term-i-ness....:D
     
  15. e46tor56

    e46tor56 New Member

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    Raggtopp +100
     
  16. Commander Dan

    Commander Dan New Member

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    I've been using the Rag Top for 5 years (twice a year) and it does become a bit of a hassle to use. (I mask off the antenna area, the back window, etc.) I may give this 303 a whirl now!!
     
  17. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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