convertible top and rear plastic window

[GWPORSCHE]

How do I wash the convertible top? Any special method aside from the car manual? Which products would you guys recommend for cleaning the rear plastic window?

[KevinC]

Plexus is great for routine maintenance of the plastic rear window. Unless it is especially soiled, I just hose down my convertible top (no soap/detergent). I avoid getting a bunch of lint on it by blotting it dry with a dark towel.

[jagxke46]

I sue strip of duct tape to press on the top and remove lint..works great

[helix]

One of those disposable lint rollers for clothing works great. Just tear off a new sheet each time and voila, no more lint. ;)

[Orient Express]

How do I wash the convertible top? Any special method aside from the car manual?  Which products would you guys recommend for cleaning the rear plastic window?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I "wash" my top twice a year. Using the Porsche convertible top soap, and a bug scrubber sponge, rubbing lightly. After I have rinsed off the soapy water, I then use a wet dry vacuum to get off the excess water. Once a year I use the Porsche top water repellant spray. The green can Scotchguard will also work fine. Routine dusting is done with a lint roller.

There are several cleaner/polishes for clear vinyl windows, and most cleaner/waxs will work as well.

The best way to clean the inside of the rear window is to flip up the back part of the top.

To do that:

1. Open the top part way to expose the bottom of the back of the top

2. Next find the 2 wire rope assemblies on the left and right sides of the bottom back corner of the top.

3. Next pop off the ends of the wire ropes:

4. Lift up the top to get at the inside of the rear window.

My car is an 2002 with a glass rear window, but the plastic windows work the same.

[perfectlap]

no soap on the top. When going to a hand car wash don't let them wash you window either, whehter it be glass or plastic. Wash the window with a chennile or microfiber towel yourself with a mild soap like Meguiars, but don't get any soap on the fabric top. make sure to rinse window first without the spray nozzle. Then moving left to right take a damp microfiber towel and remove any excess slowly. Proceed with the soapy chennile or microfiber towel. Finish with Plexus, its the best for the plastic window and headlights, by far.

Also when going to any type car wash, keep a microfiber drying towel in your trunk and tell them to dry your car with your towel. The terry cloth towels, and old bath towels used at most car washes WILL MICRO MARR or SCRATCH YOUR PAINT. One car wash gave me hard time about this because some other customers noticed I was using my own towels and started asking questions. I told them Porsche has delicate paints or some other story. Nowadays I go to one of those coin operated car wash bays and bring my own soap,brushes and towels.

No point in getting the dirt from the last guys SUV on my Porsche.

For the top only spray it with a stiff stream of water. when it becomes soiled use Ragg topp (spray bottle)cleanser and an OXO feathertip brush to work in the cleanser. Rinse THOROUGHLY. Dislodging dust and dirt is important before the next step. Raggtop is the only cleanser endorsed by the manufacturer of the top (Hartz). Dab dry, don't wipe. Remove bird drops ASAP.

I use these Sonus waffle weave towels for all detailing minus wax buffing.

Next step: use a UV protectant. Ragg topp protectant is what I use. It crates a beading effect which repels dust from adhering to the fabric.

You need to do this in garage or when its not windy. Tape off the window and bodywork and spray the protectant on with two coats waiting until completely dry between coats.

In between washing try and find an Sunbrella cover that covers only the softop and windows. It will also protect your interior from fading dash and cracked leather.

the products mentioned can be purchased here:

www.autogeek.net

www.autopia-carcare.com

Edited February 8, 2005 by perfectlap