Hi everyone!

So I'm super excited to be a first time convertible owner. Bought an SRT6 with a brand new convertible roof.
I have never owned a convertible so I am new to all this. Living in Florida I guess I found out the other day that a daily moisturizer with SPF would not be a terrible idea LOL.

So any helpful general tips are appreciated.

Also, any car specific tips as far as convertible upkeep is also appreciated. I had written to the company in the UK that made these tops and asked what I need to treat them with and they said nothing for the first year.
Do you guys just use car wash soap on the top when you clean your car? Are there any products your recommend?
What is the maintenance on the top mechanism? Is there anything that needs close attention or regular services?

As you can tell I am a beginner with this lol.

Thanks for any helpful advise and tips.

Nick

 

Look for 303 fabric protectant
Available on Amazon and many other places
I avoid any soap or cleaners of any kind on my canvas top
Simply rinse with water from a hose at home
I always avoid high pressure spray on the top if I am washing the car at a hand pressure wash
Never go to any automatic car wash
The force of the sprays and the force of the wind from the dryers can potentially tear the window from the canvas even on a new top.
I got my first convertible 4 years ago
Sometimes I will use a lint roller to lift off airborne debris occasionally and I keep the top closed overnight all the time to help keep the canvas from developing wrinkles
Never park under a tree with falling tree sap
That is difficult to clean from canvas

I have learned a lot since getting it
Hope some of what I shared is helpful

Gary

 

Check hydraulic fluid level for the top, I lube all of the joints on the moving mechanism of the convertible top frame with the top halfway down

 

All of that makes perfect sense and helps out a lot. I used to take my coupe to the car wash but I'll steer clear with the roadster.
I am gonna buy 303 cleaner and protectant but since top is brand new from March the company said it was treated by the factory to last for a year without needing to be treated again with any products.
I think for now water might be the best solution. Can car wash soap be applied at all or would that be bad for the fabric?

Thanks for all the tips. It's much appreciated.

 

I don't use car washes because of scratch risk and the chance of water intrusion, especially the trunk area.

 

Thanks for the tips. Ordered 303 products. Won’t try to head to the car wash and rather hand wash. More fun on a new car anyways

 

I'm a little **** about keeping the cars clean. Once a year I stop the top halfway (either on its way up or down) which allows me 10-15 minutes to clean under the tonneau. You can also lubricate moving and friction parts at that time. Of course, the most important thing I do is not cycle the top too often. Usually I put it down in April when it comes out of storage; then up in November when it goes back. Otherwise it is kept garaged and generally only driven on sunny days. When the MI weather screws with me and it rains, up it goes, usually not more than 4-5 times per summer.

 

‘Unfortunately my car sits outside most of the time so I lower and raise the top quote often which I’m sure will lead to the cylinders and parts wearing faster. On the downside, wouldn’t a folded down top lead to wrinkles in the fabric if kept down for extended period of time over weeks or months?

 

Your right on Goldwing , I try to keep all of the hinged joints doors , hood ,trunk, top mechanism, spoiler wing lubricated with a white lithium spray on grease and it's like you said putting the top halfway gives you access to most points, even spraying down the flap cover cables to keep them lubed

 

You helped me out with that. Great tip in regards to the white lithium spray. I gave my car a once over according to your instructions. Appreciate it very much!!

 

Nick, yes I have a few wrinkles on each side of the top. I choose to accept that as the price for not using it much and feeling secure that it will remain operational for a long time. I count on the five short months of winter (here in MI) when it is in storage with the top up to minimize the wrinkles.