Care of Your Convertible Top

Installation: TopsOnline recommends that convertible tops and convertible top products be installed by a professional Automotive Upholstery and Trim Shop. These professionals have years of experience along with the proper tools and know-how to properly install your new convertible top and related products.

Care Immediately Following Installation: Once you have had your new convertible top product installed, be sure to leave your convertible top in the UP position. We recommend leaving it in the UP position for a minimum of one week in warmer climates, and a minimum of two weeks in colder climates; regardless of the material with which your convertible top is made.

This is very important, because, as a convertible car ages, the convertible top frame also ages. This can lead to changes in the linkages and joints, which means that the convertible top frame will not have the exact same alignment as when your convertible car was new. Leaving the convertible top and glass or plastic window in the UP position, after installation, will allow the convertible top time to adjust, relax, and become "seasoned" on the convertible top frame.

How to Prolong the Life of Your New Convertible Top: The following tips will help your new convertible top last longer. Some of these may seem like common sense, but we highlight these tips and tricks in order to help you maximize the value of your investment.

• Follow the instructions in your convertible car's Owner's Manual, for raising and lowering your convertible top. Failure to do so may result in damage to your convertible top.
• Keep the convertible top well area (the area which the convertible top recedes into when it is lowered) free of objects of any kind. This is especially important if your convertible top has a glass window, but it is also important if your convertible top has a plastic window. Even something which might seem harmless (like a t-shirt, gloves, or beach towel) can cause glass windows to break, and can cause plastic windows to warp. Furthermore, objects in your convertible top well area can cause your convertible top frame to stretch or strain. Not only will this cause the convertible top to wear out faster than normal, it can also lead to a convertible top malfunction.
• Be sure to follow the precise unlatching and latching instructions in your convertible's Owner's Manual. Failure to properly unlatch and latch your convertible top can lead to damage and ultimate failure of the convertible top. Never drive with your convertible top in the UP position if it is improperly latched; this can lead to severe damage to the convertible top and to your car as well.
• Follow the proper zipping/unzipping instructions for your convertible top window, if your convertible top has a zipper. Failure to properly zip/unzip your convertible top window can lead to warping, stretching, torn seams, and other failure.
• Do not lower or raise your convertible top in cold weather; raising or lowering your convertible top when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Centigrade) can damage the convertible top materials, seams, plastic or glass windows, and frame components.
• Do not lower your convertible top when it is wet. This can lead to water damage in the convertible top well area. Tops which are left in the down position after having been wet can also developed mildew, and can discolor and shrink as a result of the dampness as well.
• For the same reasons, do not store wet or damp convertible top boot covers or convertible top tonneau covers; be sure they are fully dry before storing them. Always store boot covers and tonneau covers indoors in a dry environment.
• Be sure to carefully watch your convertible top when you raise and lower it. Keep an eye out for snagging, binding, irregular motion of the convertible top frame, or other problems. Also listen: if the top is binding or stretching, you may hear unusual or irregular noises which will alert you to the problem.
• If you notice any problems when lowering or raising your convertible top, immediately contact your dealer (if your car is under warranty), or your local professional Automotive Upholstery and Trim Shop. Remember, problems do not just go away on their own; it's better to address a small problem before it develops into a big one.
• Routinely inspect your convertible top and all of its components. These can include: the convertible top plastic or glass window; the convertible top headliner (if your car has one); convertible top pads, convertible top cables, bow straps, and similar related products. Watch for signs of unusual wear, stretched seams, snags, or warping of the convertible top frame. These can be signs that your convertible top frame is aging, and may need professional attention from an Automotive Upholstery and Trim shop.
• Check your convertible top frame for rust from time to time. Rust on a top frame will ultimately damage the convertible top, causing discoloration, snags, or tears. If you find any rust, have a professional Automotive Upholstery and Trim shop remove your convertible top, sand and paint the top frame, and replace the convertible top.
• Inspect the weather seals around your convertible top regularly. Damaged or aging weather seals can allow water to leak into the car, the rear well area, and can lead to damage of the convertible top as well. TopsOnline offers weather seals for most vehicles, so if you notice damage, call us and we will help get you the right replacement weather seals.
• When not in use, leave your convertible top in the UP position, fully latched and secure. This helps to maintain the shape of your convertible top. Furthermore, this will help your convertible to resist shrinkage, and will help to avoid crease marks which can form when a convertible top is left in the DOWN position over long periods of time. This is also beneficial for your convertible top glass or plastic windows as well.

Cleaning Your Convertible Top

Cleaning Convertible Top Plastic Windows: Convertible top plastic windows should be cleaned regularly. Hose or blow off loose dirt and dust; do not leave loose dirt or dust on the plastic window, otherwise you risk scratching your plastic window during the cleaning process. Use plain water, or a mild soap in water. Apply the water or soapy water with a soft cloth, and gently clean the window. Be sure to wipe up/down or side to side. NEVER wipe in a circular motion, as this can damage the convertible top plastic window. Never use abrasive brushes when cleaning a plastic window, as this can scratch the window.

Additionally, we recommend that you consider using a convertible top plastic window glaze. This will clean and polish the window, will remove very fine scratches, and also adds a level of UV protection. (Please note: this will only remove very fine scratches, not minor, moderate, or worse scratches.)

Cleaning Convertible Top Glass Windows: Convertible top glass windows should be cleaned regularly. Use a water based glass cleaner only. Take care when cleaning a Defroster/Heated Glass Window, so that you do not scratch the defroster lines or wires. Also be sure not to break or damage the defroster power source connecting wire. Finally, take steps to be sure that cleaner does not drip into heat seals or seams.

Cleaning the Convertible Top Material: We recommend hand washing convertible tops and convertible top products. Convertible tops made in Vinyl can be cleaned using Vinyl cleaners. Cloth convertible tops can be cleaned using mild soap and water. If you live in a hard water area, using a water softener so that the water feels slippery, as this will better clean your convertible top. Raggtopp makes a high quality vinyl convertible top cleaner, and also a high quality cloth convertible top cleaner; Raggtopp is also recommended by Haartz, the manufacturer of convertible topping materials.

Car Washes: Car washes will not generally harm your convertible top, however, we recommend hand washing instead. Most importantly, NEVER allow a car wash to apply spray wax to your convertible top. This can damage the convertible topping material, and can ruin your convertible top plastic or glass window.

Other cleaning tips include:

• Do not use penetrating vinyl preservatives, dressings, or conditioners on convertible tops, tonneau covers, boot covers, or other convertible top products.
• Always wash the entire convertible top, boot cover, tonneau cover, etc. Do not spot clean, as this can end up creating rings or bright/dull spots on the convertible top product.
• Do not dry your convertible top with a chamois; this can leave lint on the top.
• Always be sure to completely rinse off the convertible top in order to eliminate all traces of soap. Soap which is allowed to dry on your convertible top can damage the top.
• Wipe off all excess water with a soft sponge. Do not allow water to sit on the convertible top.
• Never wash your convertible top in direct sunlight; instead, wash the convertible top in the shade. Move the convertible top into direct sunlight to complete the drying process after having removed all excess water from the convertible top.
• Do not use harsh cleaning agents, abrasives, solvents, detergents, or bleaches; these WILL damage your convertible top, so avoid them!
• Wash using luke warm water; never use hot water.
• Remember: do not lower your convertible top when it is damp, as this can lead to mildew and can damage the convertible top.
• If you clean your convertible top tonneau cover and/or boot cover, be sure to install it on the car while it is still slightly damp. This will allow the tonneau cover and boot cover to preserve the fit and shape of the product.