How to preserve the rag top?

Roger_Rabbit · 01-21-2009, 11:02 PM

Hello all... My name is Randal... I just purchased my first S2000 and take delivery of it 01/23/2009... It is a silver 2004 w/ about 78k... It is like new and I am totally in love with this car...
Anyway... The intro is over...
I searched for this car for a while (2 weeks) and I have noticed every S2000 I have checked out had tears in the rag top... This is the only one that has no damage that I have seen... How do I keep it that way...? Is there anything I can put on it to preserve it... I love fresh air so as long as the weather is right, I will be topless... I don't want this soon to be developed habit to ruin my top...
Thank you all in advance for your help...

Roger_Rabbit · 01-21-2009, 11:24 PM

Okay... Never mind the request for info... I searched and found nothing but someone was nice enough to put a detailing handbook on here and it answered my question...

Thanks for looking and have a great day...

gomarlins3 · 01-22-2009, 12:24 AM

Welcome to the site and congrats on the new car. Glad you could find the info you needed.

Neil · 01-22-2009, 05:33 AM

Hello Roger, welcome to the site.

Roger_Rabbit · 01-22-2009, 07:07 PM

Thanks you all... I am going nuts waiting to get in my car...
I left the RX-7 club and the MR2 club to come over here... I like Hondas better...

Scooter · 01-22-2009, 11:45 PM

Woo hoo, one more day! I think what you want is called something like RaggTop, it is universally recommended here for top care.
As for rips, both my 03 and my 07 got a little tear in the right rear, and while I traded in the 03 without dealing with it, the 07 rip happened within a year. Well out of normal warranty, last week the dealer replaced the top for me no charge, and they were surprised that it happened to an 07 and that it happened so soon. They thought it was possibly not installed correctly, but it didn't matter, they replaced it. Now that it's brand new again I'm going to get som RaggTop, but it's raining right now so I'm waiting until it dries out...

turbosix · 01-23-2009, 09:12 AM

raggtop users... does this stuff leech off the top onto the windows when it rains? i used some other top protectant the first time i detailed my car and when it rained my windows were greasy and disgusting

flyingarmadillo · 01-23-2009, 09:37 AM

It hasn't for me, but you do have to be careful applying it because the overspray makes a mess. Also, make sure you get the right kind - our tops are textured vinyl not cloth so you need to get the type for vinyl.

jimbosr1 · 01-23-2009, 09:41 AM

i havent noticed and ragg getting on my rear window when it rains.. i do have the plastic window....

takeshi · 01-27-2009, 06:12 PM

Raggtop or 303 isn't going to stop holes or tears but you should be using some sort of protectant. The tears and holes are caused by defective soft top frames.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingarmadillo

It hasn't for me, but you do have to be careful applying it because the overspray makes a mess.

I don't recommend spraying any protectant directly on the top.

JakeO5 · 01-31-2009, 03:23 PM

I use 303 and put it on with a wax applicator sponge. I have done it twice over a period of 3 weeks and I put it on fairly liberally each time. The top looks brand new. I don't really know how protected it is or if Rag Top does a better job but I hope it works well. The result looks great and it's very easy and fast to apply.

philiam · 01-31-2009, 08:11 PM

I use RaggTopp and when it rains the water beads, just like on waxed paint. I use 303 on everything else, including tires, dash and headlight covers. If never have a problem wiping of over spray with a damp cloth. Neither one will hurt the paint.

Roger_Rabbit · 01-31-2009, 09:40 PM

Wow... I thought this thread was deleted... I test drove an S2000 (POS) and it had the oily residue all over the windows and paint... That is one of the many reasons I turned around and took it back as quickly as possible...
The on I have now is one out of about 2 S2000's that did not have a torn top... The one mentioned above and the one I have now... The other 7 or 8 that I looked at had torn tops...

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeshi

Raggtop or 303 isn't going to stop holes or tears but you should be using some sort of protectant. The tears and holes are caused by defective soft top frames.

I don't recommend spraying any protectant directly on the top.

The ones that I saw with torn tops looked dry and brittle... If there was a moisturizer out there that kept them from getting dry and brittle (and there is) I would think that it would prevent the tears in the top... That is only my opinion... There is no scientific certainty to my statement... If the tears and holes where only cause by defective frames, I would think there would be a whole lot less of them... Even my step dads 1976 Olds had a slightly torn top... I think it happens with age regardless of the frames integrity...

philiam · 01-31-2009, 09:54 PM

UV rays will kill the fabric over time. My 2002 has the original top with no tears or cracks. I spray directly on the top with no problem. The trick is to keep using it periodically. There have been issues with the frame wearing the top on the inside just behind the drivers head. Do a search in this topic.

takeshi · 02-05-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger_Rabbit

The ones that I saw with torn tops looked dry and brittle...

Just had my top replaced due to a tear. Not due to the vinyl at all. Some S's have soft top frames that will tear through the vinyl over time no matter how well you take care of it. Still, you do want to clean and protect the vinyl top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

There have been issues with the frame wearing the top on the inside just behind the drivers head. Do a search in this topic.

There are a few other common tear locations as well. Mine was on the passenger side.

tsturbo · 04-13-2009, 09:17 AM

Are you sure all of the tops are vinyl? Mine is 2004 and it seeems as though it is a fabric?

Whats the verdict? 303 protectant or 303 fabric protectant?

What about raggstop protectant?

Neil · 04-13-2009, 11:06 AM

Use raggtop for vinyl roofs

takeshi · 04-13-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsturbo

Are you sure all of the tops are vinyl?

Yes. Unless you have an aftermarket canvas top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsturbo

Whats the verdict? 303 protectant or 303 fabric protectant?

Vinyl (see above).

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsturbo

What about raggstop protectant?

Up to you. They're both good products.

sedk20 · 05-19-2009, 08:54 AM

FYI, I just got a tear in my 06 top in the same place on the passenger rear. If you're in the car (driver side) and you're looking at the folding arm (backwards r shape) feel the top of that arm, mine has a burr on it that's causing the tear. I'm going to be going to the dealers today to get the top replaced. Might want to get up there and file it down or stick something over it so that it won't cut into the top again.

01-21-2009, 11:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Roger_Rabbit Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 131	How to preserve the rag top? Hello all... My name is Randal... I just purchased my first S2000 and take delivery of it 01/23/2009... It is a silver 2004 w/ about 78k... It is like new and I am totally in love with this car... Anyway... The intro is over... I searched for this car for a while (2 weeks) and I have noticed every S2000 I have checked out had tears in the rag top... This is the only one that has no damage that I have seen... How do I keep it that way...? Is there anything I can put on it to preserve it... I love fresh air so as long as the weather is right, I will be topless... I don't want this soon to be developed habit to ruin my top... Thank you all in advance for your help...

01-22-2009, 12:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 4,289	Welcome to the site and congrats on the new car. Glad you could find the info you needed. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

01-23-2009, 09:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
turbosix S2000.com Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: dallas Posts: 2,083	raggtop users... does this stuff leech off the top onto the windows when it rains? i used some other top protectant the first time i detailed my car and when it rained my windows were greasy and disgusting __________________ turbosix.net 1984 buick regal t-type . 2003 gpw s2000 Are you lacking coverage for your prescriptions? Click HERE to print a free discount pharmacy card! Save 10-60% on most medications at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide at no cost to you.

01-31-2009, 08:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,535	I use RaggTopp and when it rains the water beads, just like on waxed paint. I use 303 on everything else, including tires, dash and headlight covers. If never have a problem wiping of over spray with a damp cloth. Neither one will hurt the paint. __________________ .

01-31-2009, 09:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,535	UV rays will kill the fabric over time. My 2002 has the original top with no tears or cracks. I spray directly on the top with no problem. The trick is to keep using it periodically. There have been issues with the frame wearing the top on the inside just behind the drivers head. Do a search in this topic. __________________ .

01-21-2009, 11:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
Roger_Rabbit Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 131	Okay... Never mind the request for info... I searched and found nothing but someone was nice enough to put a detailing handbook on here and it answered my question... Thanks for looking and have a great day...

01-22-2009, 05:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
Neil Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,514	Hello Roger, welcome to the site.

01-22-2009, 07:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Roger_Rabbit Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 131	Thanks you all... I am going nuts waiting to get in my car... I left the RX-7 club and the MR2 club to come over here... I like Hondas better...

01-22-2009, 11:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,587	Woo hoo, one more day! I think what you want is called something like RaggTop, it is universally recommended here for top care. As for rips, both my 03 and my 07 got a little tear in the right rear, and while I traded in the 03 without dealing with it, the 07 rip happened within a year. Well out of normal warranty, last week the dealer replaced the top for me no charge, and they were surprised that it happened to an 07 and that it happened so soon. They thought it was possibly not installed correctly, but it didn't matter, they replaced it. Now that it's brand new again I'm going to get som RaggTop, but it's raining right now so I'm waiting until it dries out...

01-23-2009, 09:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
flyingarmadillo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Texas (DFW) Posts: 247	It hasn't for me, but you do have to be careful applying it because the overspray makes a mess. Also, make sure you get the right kind - our tops are textured vinyl not cloth so you need to get the type for vinyl.

01-23-2009, 09:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
jimbosr1 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 80	i havent noticed and ragg getting on my rear window when it rains.. i do have the plastic window....

01-31-2009, 03:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
JakeO5 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 94	I use 303 and put it on with a wax applicator sponge. I have done it twice over a period of 3 weeks and I put it on fairly liberally each time. The top looks brand new. I don't really know how protected it is or if Rag Top does a better job but I hope it works well. The result looks great and it's very easy and fast to apply.

04-13-2009, 09:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
tsturbo Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 68	vinyl or fabric? Are you sure all of the tops are vinyl? Mine is 2004 and it seeems as though it is a fabric? Whats the verdict? 303 protectant or 303 fabric protectant? What about raggstop protectant? __________________ '04 S2000 AP2 Silverstone Metallic/Black Leather Espelir Active Super Downs Viper 5901 '06 Acura TSX Premium White Pearl/Black Leather iVTEC 5 Spd Automatic '10 Ford Escape Limited FWD (On Order) - Company Vehicle Black/Black Leather 4 Cylinder/6 Spd Automatic Moon & Tune/Sync

04-13-2009, 11:06 AM	#17 (permalink)
Neil Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,514	Use raggtop for vinyl roofs

05-19-2009, 08:54 AM	#19 (permalink)
sedk20 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 2	FYI, I just got a tear in my 06 top in the same place on the passenger rear. If you're in the car (driver side) and you're looking at the folding arm (backwards r shape) feel the top of that arm, mine has a burr on it that's causing the tear. I'm going to be going to the dealers today to get the top replaced. Might want to get up there and file it down or stick something over it so that it won't cut into the top again.

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