convertible top care
 

Thought you Roadster owners may find this interesting. I will probably clean my top as per the owners manual, which varies from just a damp sponging to using a fabric top cleaner to dishwashing liquid in warm, not hot, water, and go easy on the water pressure as you spray it off. The owners manual does not recommend the applying of a protectant to the top, so I probably won't do that, although I want to keep looking for the ways that are in the top's best interest. At this point, applying a protectant to the canvas is something I am not comfortable with. Maybe the fabric should breath? If it were an older top, then maybe the protectant would be OK, but with a new one, taking good care of it may be all we need to do to get a long life from it. So, as I learn more, I'll post it to the forum.

Cool. Keep us posted.

This is my fourth canvas top -- 2 BMW and one Mazda prior. I can tell you this much: The 370Z has more waterproofing already in the top than I have ever had before.

Back when I had my BMWs, the guys on those forums recommended a marine treatment for ships' sails to help waterproof it and keep its color. I never did it and never had any problems. However, I never saw water bead-up on those tops like it does on the 370.

I kept my MX-5 (a daily driver) for just over 4 years and 70K miles. I never waterproofed or treated that top, either.

All cars mentioned were garaged and tops used in the "down" position with great regularity. All were also exposed to Texas heat, humidity and SUN quite a bit. All had glass backlights. Two were simple-folding manual tops, one was powered and complex, like the 370. All were cleaned regularly with just water and a clean towel -- no soaps or anything on the canvas.

I've never had any issues with a canvas top leaking water or requiring extra waterproofing. Like I said -- I spray the 370's with the hose and it beads up like an oil slick. One pass of a microfiber (USE A LINT-FREE TOWEL ON THE TOP!) towel and the water is gone. Typically, if a convertible top is going to leak, it will happen at the seals along the header or at the windows. Grime clogging drain holes or drying rubber is usually the culprit.

When washing, I usually take a cloth soaked in Armor All (I actually found a use for this stuff) and run it along the seals. This keeps them lubricated and sealing properly and helps dig out any sand or grime that's gotten caught and could eventually clog the channels that take water down the A pillar and away from the interior.

You may notice after a year or so, some wear marks where the top folds. I'm not sure you can avoid this, though perhaps that's something the waterproofing can prevent. I don't know. I think they look like character lines. A canvas top is a textural thing, anyway. It adds to the roadster appeal, to me.

I usually only hold onto cars for about 4 years, so I've never had a problem with a canvas top wearing out. At the end of 4 years on my last one, the top was perfect -- looked like brand new, except for the small aforementioned wear lines at the fold points.

I'd expect at least as good from the 370. Hell, with the slick design and waterproofing already in it, I'd expect this one to be good for 10+ years without any issues.

RE: convertible top care
 

OK ........... it would have been nice if I included the web addresses that I INTENDED to include on the original post! THEESE are what I thought you Roadster owners might find interesting.

YouTube - Convertible Top Cleaning

YouTube - Convertible Top Maintenance - Goss's Garage

370Z Roadster Convertible top care
 

My dealer encouraged me to apply a protectant to the top-it is 2010-yah. I looked around and found this product called "Raggtopp" which is not silicone based.

here is the description for Raggtopp
 

Tested and Endorsed by Haartz, The World's Leading Manufacturer of Convertible Topping Fabric
U.V. Protection With U.V. Stabilizers
Renews and Extends the Life of Older Tops
Contains No Silicone, Freon, or CFCs
Helps New Convertible Tops Maintain Their Appearance Longer

Raggtopp comes pretty highly recommended over at autopia.com, though I really don't think you'd need to apply it yet unless you notice water is no longer strongly beading on the canvas top.

THANKS! :tiphat: This is my first convertible so most helpful to hear tips!