Table of contents
- CLEAN YOUR CONVERTIBLE SOFT TOP
- WATERPROOF AND RENOVATE YOUR SOFT TOP
- REPLACING THE COVER IN CASE OF EXCESSIVE WEAR
Convertible car owners know how crucial the convertible top is to their vehicle. It not only ensures comfort and safety, but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the car. The presence of a hood allowing you to drive with your hair in the wind is the main characteristic that differentiates a convertible car from a hardtop car. A convertible top in poor condition will therefore also have a significant impact on the value of the vehicle. In addition, even if very good quality replacement vinyl and alpaca hoods can be purchased at reasonable prices, when the hood is ruined it requires installation in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Depending on the models, this installation often requires the use of a professional upholsterer for professional installation. This installation represents a significant cost to add to the cost of purchasing the hood.
To extend the life of your soft top and maintain the impeccable appearance of your convertible, proper soft top maintenance is essential. In this article, we will guide you through several important steps for taking care of your convertible top and convertible in general: cleaning, waterproofing, tinting and replacement when necessary.
1. CLEAN YOUR CONVERTIBLE SOFT TOP
A. JUDICIOUS CHOICE OF PARKING PLACE
It seems obvious, but where you park your convertible car can have a significant impact on the condition of the convertible top. If possible, avoid parking under trees when they lose their resin, near construction sites or factories producing large quantities of dust particles. These elements can become embedded in the material of the hood and deteriorate it over time. Protective covers that can be used outdoors can also help you protect your convertible over the long term. Of course, when we are traveling or if we live in the city for example, we can rarely afford to refuse a parking space for fear that an ill-intentioned bird will fly over our car… This is why we will now focus on the different alternatives that exist to allow you to give your soft top a makeover using different specific products and tools.
B. SUITABLE TOOLS FOR CLEANING
For gentle but effective cleaning of your soft top, use a soft bristle brush and a wide paintbrush. These tools must be used with care to avoid damaging the convertible top. The procedure to follow is not the same for a vinyl hood and an alpaca hood, but in both cases it is essential to clean, waterproof or tint your hood gently, and respecting the manufacturer’s instructions. Kits containing all the different products and tools you will need are available to help you in your preparation.
C. CLEAN YOUR HOOD
Soft tops are usually made of vinyl or alpaca. It is essential to select products intended for the material your hood is made of to avoid any bad reactions. Convertible top cleaners are effective in removing dirt, stains and residue. Avoid using harsh products such as bleach or engine cleaners, as they can irreparably damage the soft top.
Find in this video an example of cleaning and waterproofing on a BMW E30 alpaca soft top.
VINYL SOFT TOP
Firstly, do not hesitate to protect your hands and eyes to avoid any risk of contact with the product. Then stir your vinyl convertible top cleaner before pouring it into a suitable container and applying it with a brush to your convertible top. It is essential to let the solution act on the convertible top (at least 30 minutes for a very dirty convertible top). Then, rinse the hood with a jet of water while brushing to remove impurities. This application must be renewed every 3 months.
CANVAS HOOD (ALPACA, COTTON)
Start by dampening your condom. Shake the bottle of canvas convertible top cleaner and apply it with a brush to the entire convertible top, starting from the center. Leave the solution to act for up to 15 minutes for a very dirty convertible top, then use a brush to scrub the convertible top and remove the dirt. Rinse with a jet of water while brushing to remove all impurities and repeat this application every 6 months.
2. WATERPROOF AND RENOVATE YOUR SOFT TOP
A. USE OF HOOD RENOVATORS
If your convertible top has been excessively exposed to the sun and is starting to show signs of aging, convertible top refinishers can be an effective solution. These products help restore and nourish the soft top material, extending its durability and flexibility. Apply the renovator according to the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Waterproofing or tinting your hood in all cases requires careful cleaning using specific products to achieve optimal results and avoid any bad reactions.
B. WATERPROOFING PRODUCTS FOR INCREASED PROTECTION
To maintain the waterproofness of your convertible top and protect it against bad weather, use waterproofing products specially designed for car hoods. Over time and exposure to natural elements, a soft top can lose its ability to protect your cabin from water. This will initially damage the soft top, which will deteriorate more quickly, but it can also irreparably damage your vehicle. There are also different waterproofing agents for the different materials that make up the hoods.
WATERPROOFING A VINYL SOFT TOP
This application takes place after cleaning your convertible top with a specialized product; it is necessary to wait until the convertible top is completely dry before applying the waterproofing agent. In the meantime, you can start by masking all the parts of your vehicle to which the product could be applied by mistake (bodywork, windows, seals, etc.). Once the hood is dry, you can start applying the product using a wide brush evenly over the entire hood. Wipe away any drips that may have formed with a damp cloth and leave to dry for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Drying should not be carried out in direct sunlight so that it is regular and uniform.
WATERPROOFING AN ALPACA SOFT TOP
As with the vinyl top, the application must be carried out on a dry top. Then simply apply the product in a single application and in a single layer over the entire hood. Clean the drops and let the product dry for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Do not handle the hood until the product is dry.
Waterproofing alpaga soft top
C. DYEING PRODUCTS FOR ALPACA SOFT TOPS
Alpaca hoods give character to your convertible and are often used on prestigious vehicles straight from the factory for their very particular appearance which differs from vinyl. However, alpaca can, over the years, tarnish and lose color, which can affect the general aesthetics of your convertible. Dye products specific to the color of your convertible top are available to renovate your convertible top whose color is fading.
The application must be carried out on a completely dry hood and out of the sun to guarantee uniform drying. Before starting application with a brush, shake the bottle for a long time and pour its contents into a suitable container. Then simply apply the product in a single application and in a single layer over the entire hood. Clean the drops, let the product dry for approximately 2 to 3 hours and do not handle the hood until the product is dry. If it seems necessary to apply a second coat, wait for the first coat to dry completely and make sure you have enough product to cover the entire hood a second time. If you also want to waterproof your hood, you will have to wait 48 hours before starting this new operation.
D. PATCHES
If there are small tears or discolored areas on your soft top, you may want to consider using special repair patches to get closer to its original appearance. These patches can help you limit the damage that could be caused by a hole in your hood. However, these repairs are not permanent and will sooner or later involve replacing your convertible top. To carry out this operation, you will need several products including a scrap of canvas, neoprene glue, adhesive putty, masking tape and an applicator brush. When you want to carry out this type of work, it may be interesting to turn to a ready-to-use kit which will include everything you need.
3. REPLACING THE COVER IN CASE OF EXCESSIVE WEAR
Unfortunately, despite all maintenance efforts, there may come a time when the top of your convertible car is too worn to be satisfactorily repaired. In this case, it is essential to replace the convertible top. Hire an experienced professional for this task to ensure the new covering is installed correctly, ensuring the protection and aesthetics of your convertible. A wide choice of replacement hoods is available online. Do not hesitate to contact the customer service of the different brands to be guided in the choice of your replacement hood.
In conclusion, taking care of the convertible top of your convertible car is crucial to maintaining its new appearance and extending its lifespan. By following these regular maintenance steps and acting quickly when problems arise, you can long enjoy the beauty and comfort that your convertible car has to offer.
