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A ritual for me every Spring and it pays off. I'm one of the few that bought their rides new way back in the day but it's never too late to start this annual Spring detail. Yes, it's boring and time consuming but the convertible area stays as nice as possible. I'm no expert but with all the fine products out there you can probably pick any name brand company and be good to go. When I started driving 50 years ago, the choices were quite limited. Turtle Wax and Simoniz were the big names of the day. I enclosed a photo of my current choices. The Armorall is the non-greasy formula for all the rubber weather stripping. It's just something I prefer and as the Trans Am approaches it's 20th year (built in Oct 2000) I have no complaints. I normally use Mother's carnauba wax for the exterior but a neighbor bought me a $25 can of the Griot's wax for Xmas. I still need to wax the car as I always start with the top first. Photo #1 just shows a tip for applying the RAGGTOPP protectant. Put the top up slightly and slide an old towel under the top and then lower it back down loosely. It doesn't have to be tight and closed to apply the RAGGTOPP. The product is a bear to get off glass, if it dries, so that's why I do it. Don't miss or neglect any of the following spots. Photo #3 is right behind the door (top is down). Photo #4 shows the rubber strip right by the trunk. it's easy to overlook. Photo #5 is the header on top of the windshield. Lots of crevices and tight areas. Photo #6 just shows it's much easier to clean the interior when the top is down, especially doing the leather seats as it saves lots of twisting and weird positions which is tougher for us older guys. Photo #7 just shows more rubber in the trunk area and it's something I do at the same time as the convertible stuff. I realize most everyone knows what they are doing but if I can help some newer 'vert folks with a few tips, hope this helps. My first convertible was a 1969 Fiat Spyder with the plastic rear window. The advances in the fit and materials has been amazing over all the years. I've always enjoyed convertibles and currently own 2 others besides the T/A. Keep safe!
Great tips and photos. I definitely need to give mine a good detailing like that, its been awhile.
One thing I've never seen talked about on the 'verts is that little strip of elastic that holds the inside liner taut to one of the metal bars of the mechanism and slides up and down that bar as the top is lowered / raised. On one side of my top, that elastic broke where it rubs on the metal bar. I've not really looked into fixing it, contemplated getting a new strip of elastic from the fabric / hobby store and sewing / stapling it to the existing elastic as a "patch". Have you had any problems with this piece, and if so how have you repaired it?
Oh, and something I noticed in one of your photos, it appears you have a GDO clipped to your drivers side sun visor. I used to do that until I noticed that the clip wore a hole in the cloth covering of the visor and now I need a replacement. Word of advice: Find another place to keep your GDO.
^^^ Thank you for the kind words. That is my garage opener on the visor. If I remove it after all these years I know I will start pressing the visor instead . I have had no problems with any part of the convertible. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Just applied the Griot's carnauba wax today. The Spring detail is now done. A photo inside the garage, and outside in the sun. I like to compare photos from the past so I pulled one from the Tail of the Dragon taken 11 years ago in 2009. I had less than 20,000 miles on the T/A back then and now I have 68,000 miles after quite a few vacations that pile on the miles. Looks about the same which is very rewarding.
No need to repeat the entire post and photographs again. Everything is the same. I just finished my yearly routine today.
I know it's a pain guys but the rewards are obvious. 20 years old now. Unreal.
I just put mine away for the summer, way too hot down here in Florida for top down driving…she is gonna be out one more time on Fathers Day for a rescheduled car show in Cocoa (Village), Florida.
I actually changed up my schedule this year. Why not do it in the dead of winter? (as long as you have a garage or live in a warm weather state). I was a little early but I was oiling the necessary points for another similar thread and just finished it all up just for grins. Now I have the Spring/Summer for my other rides instead of everything at once.
@NC01TA Have you done a paint correction? If so, do you do the corrections yourself?
It has had one previous correction, sadly not done well enough, after a previous owner had a small no other car accident with it.
I do my own waxing, top protectant and polishing. I will more than likely pay big $$$ one day to actually correct the paint. It hides the blemishes so well im not in any hurry to pay up. The whole hood needs taken to bare metal to fix and driver door has a tiny bit of orange peel.😪 they almost did it right.
best shop in town estimated $3500 for a proper correction
Most importantly, it doesn't stop it from being enjoyed at all! And it is still very shiny!
@NC01TA Have you done a paint correction? If so, do you do the corrections yourself?
I have done nothing with the paint except put tons and tons of wax on it over the many years. I am the original owner and the car has always been in a garage except when on road trips. I always used carnauba wax but recently switched to the ceramic wax. Not much difference with shine but I find it lasts a bit longer.
04-07-2020, 03:32 PM
That time of year again 
. I have had no problems with any part of the convertible. Keeping my fingers crossed. 
