Convertible advice.

[MoJam]

I plan to detail my first vert this weekend. It is a '96 Mustang. Any tips and advice would be very helpful. I recently picked up some RagTop cleaner and protectant. Should I get a vert-safe brush (where to get it) or can I use terry cloth to clean the vinyl? Can I use PlastX on the back window? I assume I can. Again, any tips on vert detailing will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Eric

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Convertible advice.

Wash the car including the top, use either normal car wash or the Ragtop cleaner as instructed. Try to find a soft bristle brush to agitate the weave of the convertible top and loosen and then rinse the dirt out of the weave and off the top.

Not sure about the Ragtop Protectant but our protectant cannot be applied until the convertible top is BONE DRY, that usually means the next day or longer depending upon your climate.

When you go to detail the paint, if you're using a machine, then either put the top down and cover it up or leave it up and place a cheapie 2 Mil plastic painters drop cloth over it and tape it down around the edges.

This will protect the top from getting any splatter on it.

If you're doing all your paint polishing work by hand just be careful not to bump into the top or you'll get product stuck onto it and it can be difficult to remove.

That should get you started....

[Chex]

Re: Convertible advice.

Taking a little advantage of this post...

What can it be done to remove any residue of glue (looks like krazy glue stuff :P) or silicone from a fabric convertible top without harming the color of it?

[MoJam]

Re: Convertible advice.

Wash the car including the top, use either normal car wash or the Ragtop cleaner as instructed. Try to find a soft bristle brush to agitate the weave of the convertible top and loosen and then rinse the dirt out of the weave and off the top.

Not sure about the Ragtop Protectant but our protectant cannot be applied until the convertible top is BONE DRY, that usually means the next day or longer depending upon your climate.

When you go to detail the paint, if you're using a machine, then either put the top down and cover it up or leave it up and place a cheapie 2 Mil plastic painters drop cloth over it and tape it down around the edges.

This will protect the top from getting any splatter on it.

If you're doing all your paint polishing work by hand just be careful not to bump into the top or you'll get product stuck onto it and it can be difficult to remove.

That should get you started....

Thanks alot Mike. RagTop instructs to apply protectant when the top is dry. Thanks for the "next day" tip. I'm reserving Sat. and Sun. for this car so applying vert protectant might be one of the last things I do.
Is there a brush made just for vert tops, or can I use a frayed tip brush like from Walmart? Do I need a shorter bristle brush? The one I have has bristles 2" long. What about something like the Porter Cable shampoo brushes?
Yes, I will be using a machine and thanks for the "top down and cover it up" tip. I might cover the top and glass with one drop cloth.
So PlastX is a good choice for the back window?
Sorry about all the ?'s
Once again, Thanks Mike!

[MoJam]

Re: Convertible advice.

Just prodding for any more tips.