How long do convertible tops last?

TX-Sky · 10-31-2006, 10:46 AM

I've never had a convertible before.
My Sky will be garage kept but will spend some time in Texas heat and sunlight. Top will probably be put up and down 5-6 times per week.
I plan on using Raggtop system for cleaning and waterproofing.
Any idea how long the top will look good and how long before replacement top needed.

ggccg · 10-31-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX-Sky

I've never had a convertible before.
My Sky will be garage kept but will spend some time in Texas heat and sunlight. Top will probably be put up and down 5-6 times per week.
I plan on using Raggtop system for cleaning and waterproofing.
Any idea how long the top will look good and how long before replacement top needed.

With reasonable care, you shouldn't have any trouble getting at least 5 years out of it. Probably more.

wt2ga · 10-31-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggccg

With reasonable care, you shouldn't have any trouble getting at least 5 years out of it. Probably more.

With a roll of Duct Tape .....10 years.....

YedraSky · 10-31-2006, 02:31 PM

The 303 products will extend that life.

gffct2 · 10-31-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX-Sky

I've never had a convertible before.
My Sky will be garage kept but will spend some time in Texas heat and sunlight. Top will probably be put up and down 5-6 times per week.
I plan on using Raggtop system for cleaning and waterproofing.
Any idea how long the top will look good and how long before replacement top needed.

I've got a '94 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible with 50k miles and it still has the original white top. It doesn't leak and still looks good. It has a power top, but it is more work to put up and down than the Sky.

StarlightSky · 10-31-2006, 10:48 PM

8 years and 120K miles on my mustang gt, it was a daily driver from the day I bought her. Replaced it recently for $500.00. Can't beat that

BlueSkyRL · 10-31-2006, 11:22 PM

What are the "303" products that were stated for extending the life of the top??

YedraSky · 10-31-2006, 11:31 PM

Not a supporting vendor(303 is the brand name), do a search on google for 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. Most the 303 products are amazingly good.

They have a convertable kit as well which includes a cleaner and the guard. Used for airplanes and marine mostly, the aerospace protectant is great for interiors etc.

Dj Mikey Swift · 11-01-2006, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YedraSky

Not a supporting vendor(303 is the brand name), do a search on google for 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. Most the 303 products are amazingly good.

They have a convertable kit as well which includes a cleaner and the guard. Used for airplanes and marine mostly, the aerospace protectant is great for interiors etc.

Good to know, thanks for info Yed

skyfan · 11-01-2006, 09:27 AM

My Z3 was eight years old when I sold her and the top (similar canvas like the Sky) looked as good as the day I got her. I did keep it garaged and clean. Weather is the biggest villian to the top. Black will definitely look better after years that tan which tend to show dirt and wrinkle marks, although I prefer the look of a tan top.

vstar · 11-01-2006, 09:35 AM

espresso_jim · 11-01-2006, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YedraSky

Not a supporting vendor(303 is the brand name), do a search on google for 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. Most the 303 products are amazingly good.

They have a convertable kit as well which includes a cleaner and the guard. Used for airplanes and marine mostly, the aerospace protectant is great for interiors etc.

I have tried the 303 top cleaner and protectorant. I am pleased with the results. Do keep the protectorant off the non-cloth areas. It does come off but I applied on a day with variable winds and ended up cleaning a lot of the painted surfaces when the wind didn't cooperate. <grin>

Jim

MBVette · 11-01-2006, 12:10 PM

the 95 BMW Im selling right now w/ 115k+ still has the origional top on it and it still looks fantastic. Nobody believes me when I tell them the only thing that I changed out was the window (plastic window)

Just keep it clean (if a bird ****s on it clean it) and dont throw things onto the top when your getting into the car and it wil last.

ggccg · 11-01-2006, 04:34 PM

I used the 303 Water Repellant on my top and I must admit it looks cool when rain beads up on the top. What I don't like is that whenever you open the door with that cool looking water beaded up on top, it comes pouring down into the car and onto your lap.

I'm beginning to like the look of a wet top that absorbs water and wicks it away instead.

MRSSKY · 11-02-2006, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstar

This stuff is good, I found a wholesaler that deals this stuff locally in Detroit, bought the cleaner and protector, it beads up well. I covered the entire car with old bed sheets and newspapered the windows. I didn't want to deal with the over spray, although it can be removed fairly easy!

qwack · 11-02-2006, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRSSKY

I didn't want to deal with the over spray, although it can be removed fairly easy!

I was in a real hurry the other day and applied the Raggtopp without covering anything. I was in the garage and didn't think I'd get too much overspray...but I did. I came off really easily with Zaino finishing spray. The Raggtopp is great and so is the Zaino...

MRSSKY · 11-02-2006, 06:10 PM

I LOVE IT ALL!!

10-31-2006, 10:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
TX-Sky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Argyle, TX. Posts: 197 My Photos: (16)	How long do convertible tops last? I've never had a convertible before. My Sky will be garage kept but will spend some time in Texas heat and sunlight. Top will probably be put up and down 5-6 times per week. I plan on using Raggtop system for cleaning and waterproofing. Any idea how long the top will look good and how long before replacement top needed. __________________ TX-Sky Forest Green/Tan top/Tan & Black leather interior 5sp, spoiler, CAI, splash guards Cast Chrome wheels, VIN - 2781 License Plate: TX-SKY

10-31-2006, 02:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
YedraSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 108 My Photos: (0)	The 303 products will extend that life. __________________ YedraSky *Matilda* Vin #6839 Sunburst Yellow Arrived 8/21/2006 Delivered 9/1/2006 Performance Suppension Package XM-AM-FM-Mp3 CD Chrome Wheels Decklid Spoiler

10-31-2006, 10:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
StarlightSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tracy, Ca Posts: 691 My Photos: (0)	8 years and 120K miles on my mustang gt, it was a daily driver from the day I bought her. Replaced it recently for $500.00. Can't beat that __________________ In My garage!! 8/31/06 VIN#8059/Midnight Blue/Tan Leather/Tan Top/Manual/LSD/6 Disc/Chromed Wheels/Windscreen/Wheel Locks/Cold Air Intake/Splash Guards/Stubbie "B" "Here's wishing you all, Open Sky's" Member: WCKCC

10-31-2006, 11:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
YedraSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 108 My Photos: (0)	Not a supporting vendor(303 is the brand name), do a search on google for 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. Most the 303 products are amazingly good. They have a convertable kit as well which includes a cleaner and the guard. Used for airplanes and marine mostly, the aerospace protectant is great for interiors etc. __________________ YedraSky *Matilda* Vin #6839 Sunburst Yellow Arrived 8/21/2006 Delivered 9/1/2006 Performance Suppension Package XM-AM-FM-Mp3 CD Chrome Wheels Decklid Spoiler

11-01-2006, 09:27 AM	#10 (permalink)
skyfan First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 380 My Photos: (0)	My Z3 was eight years old when I sold her and the top (similar canvas like the Sky) looked as good as the day I got her. I did keep it garaged and clean. Weather is the biggest villian to the top. Black will definitely look better after years that tan which tend to show dirt and wrinkle marks, although I prefer the look of a tan top. __________________ "1 HOT SKY" Cincinnati, OH Ohio Valley Kappa Club www.ohiovalleykappas.com (2) Redline order placed 5/15/06 & delivered 01/30/07Red w/ Tan Manual Cd Monsoon w/ Chrome Wheels Other car 2003 3.0 ltr Z4

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Saturn Sky Forum Advertisement

10-31-2006, 11:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
BlueSkyRL First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Up North! Posts: 974 My Photos: (0)	What are the "303" products that were stated for extending the life of the top??

11-01-2006, 09:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
vstar First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 862 My Photos: (2)	This stuff is great __________________ Vstar White, LSD Spoiler, leather Magnaflow Dual exhaust Dual CAI. NASSOA

11-01-2006, 12:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
MBVette Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 426 My Photos: (0)	the 95 BMW Im selling right now w/ 115k+ still has the origional top on it and it still looks fantastic. Nobody believes me when I tell them the only thing that I changed out was the window (plastic window) Just keep it clean (if a bird ****s on it clean it) and dont throw things onto the top when your getting into the car and it wil last.

11-01-2006, 04:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
ggccg First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Under Skip's Skin Posts: 1,496 My Photos: (0)	I used the 303 Water Repellant on my top and I must admit it looks cool when rain beads up on the top. What I don't like is that whenever you open the door with that cool looking water beaded up on top, it comes pouring down into the car and onto your lap. I'm beginning to like the look of a wet top that absorbs water and wicks it away instead.

11-02-2006, 06:10 PM	#17 (permalink)
MRSSKY First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,207 My Photos: (0)	I LOVE IT ALL!! __________________ MICHIGAN Black Onyx, auto BLK/RED Trim am/fm cd/mp3 premium 18"Chrome aka...(mrsviper) ordered...may 2006 delivered..sept 2006

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode