Well folks--- I am about get me a Crossfire Roadster. It has a new top. What is a good cleaner & conditioner for the top? I want the top to last as long as is possible. Once again I need the forum for advice.

 

Lots of posts on this - Ragg Top or 303 Fabric Protectant

 

best conditioner is a garage!

 

Poolboy ---- you are partially correct. The sun will bleach & cause the tops to rot.

However, You do have to clean the top because they will get dirty. It is important to use the correct or best product for this when cleaning.

That is why I asked the question. It will be garaged when not in use.

 

A California Poptop will prevent sun bleaching and rot if your car is parked outside for any considerable period of time:
Car Covers, Car Sun Shades - California PopTop

Here's a pic of one on my DD:

 

I agree with Harbor on this. I've used Raggtop products on my 98 Saab top, and it still looks good.

 

You will get varying opinions on this.
I'm a 303 guy .....

 

PLUS ONE,put 303 on a few yrs ago and it still look great

 

RaggTopp all the way.

 

I've used both products. The RAGG TOPP (cleaner and sealer) and the 303 products. I was pleased with the RAGG TOPP worked very well, but when I used the 303 cleaner and sealer I was blown away ! Clean up was great even with bird droppings. The sealer (canvas) out lasted the Ragg Topp by months. My car is daily driver, and my top has never been replaced, it's the original (2005 NA) and looks just as good as the day it came off the show room floor. It's a personal choice and preference I suppose. Both products are the VERY BEST you can use. I just happen to prefer the 303 products more then the Ragg Topp.

 

303 works for me! I take it through a rag style car wash about once a month and it holds on perfectly. I re-apply it about every six months.

 

I was told years ago that the "rag style" car washes scratched up the car's finish. Do you have any problems with them?

 

What's the best way to apply 303?

 

to prevent over spray, get you some news paper and masking tape. Mask off any painted surfaces close to the top. Cover windows. Apply in "mist" fashion. Don't OVER SPRAY. It's 1000 times better to mist it, let it dry and re-apply again using misting process. Can't over stress DON'T OVER APPLY (meaning don't "soak" the top). Mist it two or three times should do it !!!! If you get over spray, not to worry. It will clean off the paint and windows. The news paper just makes the clean up much easier....

Like seeing a fellow Roadster with over 100,000.............I got 120,000 on mine.

 

Thanks for the tip! Should I apply the three mistings in one day?

We have more than 121,000 now...took a trip to Dallas, about 800 miles round-trip.

 

we thought we had a lot of miles with 96000, way to go

 

just one emote.....

 

I had the same concern, but my son who manages such devices said that a Crossfire and many high end cars come through. Since he knows the drivers he asked and to a person they had no complaints. ..and no they were not rental cars (my orig. thought). So far I've had no visible probs all though I have a very light colored finish. Will let the XF Forum know if I detect any scratches or roof damage (convert). I hold my breath when the dryer bears down on that notorious back window (!)

 

My way of treating the top with 303:


I use garbage bags to protect the car's finish - close the top and windows on them all the way around.

THEN, tape plastic to the rear window.

Then, I spray a fine coating of 303 on the top and kinda buff/spread it with a terry cloth. Let it dry in the sun up to four hours.
Repeat (maybe the next day if you could not let it set in the sun).
Repeat again.

This three - coatings treatment should take almost 1/2 bottle. Do this every six months and I am telling you:
1) You will be as protected as possible from UV.
2) The top will never get dirty, other than what you can clean off with water and a towel - not only willl water not cling to the top, nothing else will, either!
3) You can get the top SOAKED wet, wipe it off with towels, and in 5 or 10 minutes, it's so dry you can put it down without worry of shrinkage!

See picture - I call it "The Aunt Jemima Treatment"!

 

I've got a large plastic tarp that I can cover the windows with, and I will just tape the back window to cover it. Thanks for the tip!