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imjwag
User
Apr 20, 2016, 7:34 AM
Post #1 of 6
(2781 views)
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rag top care
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just purchased my first rag top and want the top to last as long as possible. Since I've never had a rag top vehicle before I am wanting to know any do's and don'ts of taking care and protecting the top. Also, tips, how to's and any recommendations in products that work vs the ones that don't.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 20, 2016, 9:20 AM
Post #2 of 6
(2769 views)
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Re: rag top care
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Year, make, model? The owner's manual should have the information on caring for the convertible top and what to use.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 20, 2016, 9:36 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2765 views)
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Re: rag top care
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Watching this thread. Need to know if new or original to vehicle then I'd totally go with owner's manual or supplemental suggestions.
Oh my. If redone already and not much known what material was used you may need to find out from a place that would redo convertible tops and choices you would have.
I can't speak for specifics for this but Brand names of products I've found excellent I'll list a couple.........
Maguire's brand hasn't disappointed me with much of anything.
If cloth/fabric/canvas like still suggestions by the maker if you can find that out.
For fabric and water/stain proofing when 100% ready and clean found AquaTite a superior product. Watch out as some may prohibit cleaning it, harm plastic glass.
Lots to know about exactly what you have to know what to use for what reason,
T
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imjwag
User
Apr 25, 2016, 10:39 AM
Post #4 of 6
(2721 views)
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Re: rag top care
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Please allow me to appologize for not stating car info...it is a 2005 bmw 325ci convertible. The owners manual suggests that i buy stuff from them...(bmw)...$$...and is limited on how to and tips
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imjwag
User
Apr 25, 2016, 10:47 AM
Post #5 of 6
(2719 views)
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Re: rag top care
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It is a fabric/canvas top w/glass window...not sure if it is original or not. Overall, the top looks good and is in good shape, i am hoping for it to stay that way and want to put forth my best effort for maintaining that.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 25, 2016, 11:30 AM
Post #6 of 6
(2719 views)
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Re: rag top care
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Thanks for info. BMW suggest a high quality and expensive (all are) top to replace and quite possibly original now, glass back window with even a defroster in it so wiring too inside well hidden.
By nature owner's manual is going to suggest their own products, made by another without doubt and limit suggestions as they would have trouble knowing how it's used, how often and exposed to what.
Perhaps I'll default to getting either dealer or suggestions for care in total from those that would also make up a new one on what to do in YOUR specific case to make it last as long as possible and stay good looking both.
I consider this a whimsical choice and a lot of fun too that does add some attention on your part to maintain more than a plain roof of course and you should expect that. How long you can keep it right is an unknown to me. I've owned tops for boats, all manually folded up but the same idea still. The last original was vinyl with cloth inside did fail with all the care I could give it anyway as it was folded up in a cover so many times in either heat or colder, wet or dry plus cleaning it constantly too took its toll. Changed that for brand named fabric "Sunbrella" which you could see dots of daylight thru but with that Aquatite stayed water proof and repelled bird droppings as well and lasted till I sold it perfectly but was very costly as it was made to order custom vs original so it would fold up better was a want/need in that case. Changed in that case as the clear glass was plastic too much of it and never folds up well without leaving more and more fold marks over time - not your issue.
Again, a whimsical choice and will take care and can't imagine if you use it a lot that you still don't end up replacing it in time no matter what you do but certainly should be able to extend its life and looks with care.
I'd like this top vs some I've seen. All were black cloth looking and I know the fit is excellent as well as the mechanicals for them.
Bet BMW sells the new top ready cut, stitched for an exact fit to replace it either degraded with time and use or damage for another reason which is great but no doubt shockingly expensive.
Ask for your specific use and the condition it's in now is the best I can do and really knew that from the get go,
Tom
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