Cloth Tops- Some Proven Cleaning Practices, Products, & Tech Info. (Pics)
01-22-2005, 10:01 AM
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Cloth Tops- Some Proven Cleaning Practices, Products, & Tech Info. (Pics) FBody are 3-ply Tops and are Manufactured by the Haartz Corporation with the material they call Stayfast®.
Corvette Tops are also made by Haartz but with the material called Twillfast®. In 2001, Haartz created TwillfastMC® specifically for GM for the Corvette. It is a 5-ply composite material. This was to help reduce road noise.
Stayfast® is Original Equipment On the Following Vehicles:
EUROPE
-Alpha Romeo Spider
-Lotus Elise
-Rover MGF
-Peugeot 306
-RR Bentley Azure
USA
-Chevrolet Camaro
-Dodge Viper
-Plymouth Prowler
-Pontiac Firebird
-Toyota Celica
JAPAN
-Mazda Miata
I wanted to share some techniques and products that we've narrowed down over the years that create the best results for all Haartz cloth tops, at least here in AZ. The sun and dust/dirt eats tops fast here so we are always in search of the best tools/processes.
When not washing the car:
Vacuum the top using a brush attachment. Use a lint or pet roller (see below) after that. The Evercare rolls are huge and last a very long time. They also peel off in a diagonal pattern very easily. Nice!
When washing the car:
When you wash the car soak the top with water and then use a soft bristle brush to lightly scrub it in all areas using a car soap or RaggTopp Cleaner (the best). A detergent from under your sink will ruin the fibers. Use a brush that will not leave hairs. Rinse it thoroughly.
Process to bring top to like New Appearance, seal, and bead water:
Get 2 cans of RaggTopp Protectant (see above). It is one of very few products that can be cleaned off paint and glass but it is quite a bit of work. It is also the only prduct tested and endorsed by Haartz. Keep in mind that RaggTopp Protectant is like a mixture of paraffin and mineral spirits. It is the best available. We have tried them all over the years. Here is the easy way to prep the car for almost zero clean up afterwards. The results are stunning.
Wash the top with RaggTopp Cleaner using a soft bristle brush.
Pop the trunk and srcub the fabric under that area also.
Let the soap soak for 10-20 minutes occasionally misting it if it starts to dry.
Lightly scrub it again with more soap and then rinse it thoroughly and to the max.
LET THE TOP DRY COMPLETELY. Make sure it is dry in the seam areas and leave the trunk open to allow that area to dry also.
Unclasp the front of the top. Slide a clean sheet (plastic is better as it does not absorb) from the front of the car up the windshield and under the top. Pull the sheet all the way back over the door glass and as far back as possible. Mask off and cover the areas where the top meets the quarter panels and around the open trunk area to catch overspray. Cover and mask the back glass.
Use the lint roller and do the entire top to making sure that there are no specs of dirt/fuzz/ etc. This will also lift the fibers. This is really important step and after you start spraying the prtectant on you will see why.
Spray on while it is warm out. Apply a light coat several times allowing a half hour or more between coats. Dry to the touch. The directions on the can are perfect. You will use a minimum of one can and as much as 1 ¾s depending on the condition of the top. Unmask and remove the sheet.
Corvette Tops are also made by Haartz but with the material called Twillfast®. In 2001, Haartz created TwillfastMC® specifically for GM for the Corvette. It is a 5-ply composite material. This was to help reduce road noise.
Stayfast® is Original Equipment On the Following Vehicles:
EUROPE
-Alpha Romeo Spider
-Lotus Elise
-Rover MGF
-Peugeot 306
-RR Bentley Azure
USA
-Chevrolet Camaro
-Dodge Viper
-Plymouth Prowler
-Pontiac Firebird
-Toyota Celica
JAPAN
-Mazda Miata
I wanted to share some techniques and products that we've narrowed down over the years that create the best results for all Haartz cloth tops, at least here in AZ. The sun and dust/dirt eats tops fast here so we are always in search of the best tools/processes.
When not washing the car:
Vacuum the top using a brush attachment. Use a lint or pet roller (see below) after that. The Evercare rolls are huge and last a very long time. They also peel off in a diagonal pattern very easily. Nice!
Evercare Large Surface Lint Pic-Up Roller - $12.99 to $13.99
Refills for Roller - $4.99 to $6.49
Refills for Roller - $4.99 to $6.49
When washing the car:
When you wash the car soak the top with water and then use a soft bristle brush to lightly scrub it in all areas using a car soap or RaggTopp Cleaner (the best). A detergent from under your sink will ruin the fibers. Use a brush that will not leave hairs. Rinse it thoroughly.
RaggTopp Cleaner & RaggTopp Protectant
Some of the Wolfsteins Pro Series of Products
RaggTopp Fabric Top Cleaner - $8.95
RaggTopp Protectant for Fabric Tops - $17.95
Some of the Wolfsteins Pro Series of Products
RaggTopp Fabric Top Cleaner - $8.95
RaggTopp Protectant for Fabric Tops - $17.95
Process to bring top to like New Appearance, seal, and bead water:
Get 2 cans of RaggTopp Protectant (see above). It is one of very few products that can be cleaned off paint and glass but it is quite a bit of work. It is also the only prduct tested and endorsed by Haartz. Keep in mind that RaggTopp Protectant is like a mixture of paraffin and mineral spirits. It is the best available. We have tried them all over the years. Here is the easy way to prep the car for almost zero clean up afterwards. The results are stunning.
Wash the top with RaggTopp Cleaner using a soft bristle brush.
Pop the trunk and srcub the fabric under that area also.
Let the soap soak for 10-20 minutes occasionally misting it if it starts to dry.
Lightly scrub it again with more soap and then rinse it thoroughly and to the max.
LET THE TOP DRY COMPLETELY. Make sure it is dry in the seam areas and leave the trunk open to allow that area to dry also.
Unclasp the front of the top. Slide a clean sheet (plastic is better as it does not absorb) from the front of the car up the windshield and under the top. Pull the sheet all the way back over the door glass and as far back as possible. Mask off and cover the areas where the top meets the quarter panels and around the open trunk area to catch overspray. Cover and mask the back glass.
Spray on while it is warm out. Apply a light coat several times allowing a half hour or more between coats. Dry to the touch. The directions on the can are perfect. You will use a minimum of one can and as much as 1 ¾s depending on the condition of the top. Unmask and remove the sheet.
01-22-2005, 08:05 PM
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You will probably not see it in a store so go online. Just search for RAGGTOPP. Here are a couple good sources:
http://www.topoftheline.com/ragcleanprot.html
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/exter...-top-care.html
Make sure you get the "FABRIC" products.
Several sell the "Kit" which includes (1)Cleaner and (1)Protectant can. If you do your top you better have 2 cans of Protectant. Nothing worse then running out partially done and not having a store around.
http://www.topoftheline.com/ragcleanprot.html
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/exter...-top-care.html
Make sure you get the "FABRIC" products.
Several sell the "Kit" which includes (1)Cleaner and (1)Protectant can. If you do your top you better have 2 cans of Protectant. Nothing worse then running out partially done and not having a store around.
