1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Convertible Top

I rinse my top with water only every time I wash the car (every couple of weeks typically).

I clean the top with 303 Convertible Top Cleaner and treat it with 303 Fabric Protector twice a year.

That's it. Works great, looks great, no worries.

 

that would require putting the top up, right?

 

Mine squeals when it's been down for a while (overnight or longer) but otherwise is pretty quiet.

 

It won't hurt to clean the top once or twice a year(or more if it gets really dirty). I use a convertible top cleaner a couple of times a year then apply the top protectant.

 

I've got the Navy Blue top - leave the car parked outside 24/7, and use car wash soap and a soft bristle brush every time I wash the car. It still looks brand new, doesn't leak, squeak, or ANYthing!! It is, however, an '07 so...

 

What Blimey gets (squeaks and care routine) Matilda get similar.
One thing about the waterproofing stuff, you want to do it in direct sun when the top gets hot. The heat helps the product cure and will result in longer lasting protection. Also After a suggestion from Paul I've started painting the 303 Fabric Guard on the top. Easier to control (no overspray) and better saturation.

 

What he said.

I have been known to stand out front with the hose running on the fabric just so I can see the "glass beads" of water roll off the top right after a fresh 303 treatment.

Here's a little video of the "dancing beads."

 

OK - Where the heck do you find the "303" stuff? I use the RaggTopp protectant, but it is a spray-on product, is fairly expensive, and (perhaps because I'm parked outside 24/7) not especially long lasting. Do you have to special order it from the dealer? Thanks in advance.

 

You could try here...

303 Products - Aerospace Protectant, High Tech Fabric Guard -  World's Leading Automotive Care Products

 

I get it at Detailer's Paradise and sometimes on [ame="http://www.amazon.com/303-Fabric-Convertible-Cleaner-Protector/dp/B000A8JNF0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1242493295&sr=8-4"]Amazon.com: 303 Fabric Convertible Top Cleaner & Protector Kit (030520): Automotive[/ame].

 

And... as MiniMaybee said... the instructions for 303 protector say to spray it on. I figured out a while back that it works much better to pour it in a bowl and brush it on with a soft paintbrush - gets better penetration into the fibers and no issues with overspray on the paint. I suspect you could do the same thing with RaggTopp (if it's a trigger spray - non aerosol) but I haven't tried it that way.

 

Thanks, everybody. I went to their site, found a nearby dealer, and will check it out more thoroughly.

 

I use the same stuff...it is great!! Otherwise I just spray the top whenever I give Stella a bath.

 

I know I can get 303 Aerospace Protectant at my preferred local auto parts store... Now that I've got the cabrio, I'll have to see if I can get their line of convertible top treatments. I just washed mine this morning, and precisely *zero* beads of water formed on the top! It might as well have been a t-shirt in terms of appearance, only no water seeped through (as it would've on a t-shirt). If I can find the 303 cabrio top stuff locally, I'll be happy to send you some.

 

Whoops! Just noticed this post... If you can find it locally, that's probably the best way. I'll see what I can find around these parts...

 

I found a site online where I could buy 303 in bulk! So I got on the way a couple of gallons!!

My problem is that the original bottle I bought didn't do the entire top.. I can't wait till it rains to see how much actually is done :mad2: :lol:

 

The protectant works better the cleaner the fabric. One trick that Heather showed me is that you can get a lot of the loose dirt off prior to using the cleaner by first using your hand and moderately wrapping the top to loosen the dirt and then use a lint roller (or other tape like product) to lift it off the top. One time I used duct tape, but a lint roller seems to be the easiest.

I have battled with the paint vs. spray methods. At the moment I do both. I spray anywhere there's no overspray issue and paint anywhere there is.

Haven't found a local place which carries Fabric yet, except DP which only sells the 16oz bottles. I'd like to find either the 32oz or even the gallon refills. The problem is, there doesn't seem to much if any price break for quantity. Where do you'all get yours?