Good job! Showing the proper maintenance lubrication procedures for all the mechanisms in the top would complete all that is needed to maintain our Porsche tops and might save all of us cabriolet owners future problems. Any chance you could go through the procedure and best products to use? Thank you in advance!
When cleaning my rag top for the first time It was difficult knowing which product to use, so I went with the Porsche product to be safe. I'm glad to see that all three that you demo'd work and perform about the same. Good to know! Thanks!
Thanks so much for this video! I’ve been using the 303 product but still wondering if there were better solutions. Now that I see that you’ve also used it in your demo I can rest easier. Keep up the great work that you do! Cheers!
Nice job Vu! I used the Ragg Top product and had great results on my '09 Carrera S Cab. A few years later I had the car ceramic coated and he did the top too and it still looks amazing. The Ragg Top was well worth the effort.
- Excellent products - sheets work well for quick prep setup -I don’t recommend using the microfiber as the best tool especially if used,and especially for a beginner ☝️😊 Due to lint. Which can then cause frustration in removing and possible over aggressive wipe off. I simply use the appropriate horse hair brush…☝️ -Also No mention of the delicacy of seams -fraying of fibers can easily be caused - especially along seams -use Horse Hair Brush. -Finally slow strokes and movements no fast wipes needed. -be mindful not to abrade sensitive fibers. For deeper penetration and saturation simply massage gently, no fast friction causing wipes, with gloved 🧤 hands and massage into fabric. Very simple, very gentle throughout. -Note 📝 once damage is caused to fibers in fabric of rag top 🔝 It is quite difficult to go back in time to reverse damage.
Get a quality horsehair brush. The one I thought was a quality one started to leave the horsehair material all over the top. Spend more time getting those hairs out of the top than I did cleaning it afterwards.
Very interesting comparison. I have used the Porsche product on my 2005 Boxster S and it definitely makes it more water repellent. Try to do it once/year. My only complaint is that the solvent smell tends to linger for a couple of days. On the 2005 Boxster in the video, I noticed that there was a circular mark in the center of the top. My top has the same mark which the water repellent treatment does not seem to effect. Has anyone found a way to eliminate or at least minimize its appearance?
Yes, the Porsche waterproofer was smelled STRONG! We here at PCA's office do not know of a way to get rid of the circular mark short of buying a new top. There may be a solution out there, but we are not aware of it.
So which product performed best? Looks like raggtop was the worst? Also, what about some of the color restoration products I've seen online? Do you recommend any of those? Any chance we can get a video showing that being applied. Thank you very much for this. This was one of the things on my to do list.
Where can we source the very soft nylon brush? I'd just Google or Amazon it but don't even know what it really is or what to call it. Is it really a car cleaning brush, or is it for something else and just works well for our purpose? Thanks for the video. I was ready to wash my 986 and had no idea I shouldn't use car soap on the top. You save me. Good video.
The brush reads RaggTopp right on the top of it. You can get it from their website or Amazon. www.amazon.com/RaggTopp-Premium-Convertible-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B01LOJK208
Thanks for the easy to follow directions. I have a problem spot on my 2011 cabriolet top. It looks like gummy or chewing gum-like grease spot. It’s about the size of a coin. Is this a common occurrence or is it something that only my car has. It was there when I bought my car about a year ago. Any suggestions how to clean it off? Thanks.
You are welcome! Those spots are actually where the top support structure presses on the top fabric. It isn't really a stain it is more of a wear mark.
a great video and glad I bought a set of 303! By the way, what do you think about using a very small paint roller to apply 303? I saw a youtube (help me DIY) and he had a great idea. No need to tape everything and worry about getting 303 on window trims, car body, etc.
Two questions: One, do you have any opinion on brushing the protectant on to get better saturation, instead of or in addition to spraying? Second, do you have an opinion on Griot's convertible products? I was using 303 but recently switched to Griot's because it has UV protection and, as far as I can tell, 303 does not.
We would follow the product directions for applying protectant. Since all of these products called for spraying on protectant, that's what we did. If saturation was an issue, then we applied more coats. We have not used Griot's convertible top wash or protectant, but our experience with other Griot's products indicates that they would be as high of quality as any of the three featured in this video. A quick search online indicates 303 does not have UV protection.
Spraying on seemed to work quite well. We just stuck to the instructions. We didn't get a chance to try the Griot's product. UV protection is a plus. Be sure to subscribe.
just rinse it off with a hose. Just water, no soap necessary. You don't need to touch it with a wash mitt unless there's dirt or a stain that won't come off with the rinsing.
You keep mentioning three coats?? Three coats of what products. I have three convertibles all Porsches that need to be done. Please advice. Sami. British Columbia. Thank you
All three products were equally easy to use. The cure time for one of them was much shorter, so we will add to this reply tomorrow after double-checking the directions.
I don't know if it will get rid of tree sap, but you could try Amazing Roll-Off. It will remove the protectant, so you will need to retreat afterwards.
@@markhanson9658 thanks Mark I’ll try to find that product locally also do you have any experience with Bug and Tar remover I was worried it might damage the fabric?
Raggtop Fabric Protectant and Porsche Convertible Top Waterproofer are both aerosols and should take just 10-15 minutes to dry - maybe 30 if you're not drying in the sun. Ideally you'd apply inside, dry in the sun. The 303 Fabric Guard is not an aerosol and takes 6-12 hours to dry. Dry time of the protectant/waterproofer is the biggest differentiator between the products. Drying after using the cleaning products (applied before the protectant/waterproofer) will take longer after washing them off with water.
😆😂🤣 Fun day prepping and water proofing three tops! That’s a lot work. I recondition my top every other year, and it still looks good for a 04 C4s. Do be careful to wash off the cleaner solution off the body of your car ASAP otherwise it can damage your paint.
@@PorscheClubofAmerica I decided to go with the Porsche branded cleaner and found (1) it's very mild and great for a not too dirty roof. (2) if you have a tough spot, you can use apply directly neat with old toothbrush. (3) it also worked really well for the plastic window of the 986. Made it squeaky clean, literally. Thanks for the super thoroughness coverage of this often overlooked subject. Speaking of which, I have yet to find a subject that is overlooked by PCA.
Good job! Showing the proper maintenance lubrication procedures for all the mechanisms in the top would complete all that is needed to maintain our Porsche tops and might save all of us cabriolet owners future problems. Any chance you could go through the procedure and best products to use? Thank you in advance!
When cleaning my rag top for the first time It was difficult knowing which product to use, so I went with the Porsche product to be safe. I'm glad to see that all three that you demo'd work and perform about the same. Good to know! Thanks!
I have always used a shop vac with a soft bristle duster attachment to remove dust before wetting down the cloth top for cleaning.
Great tip!
Great Video. I don’t think I ever used enough of the final step. Video worth 10000 words
Thanks so much for this video! I’ve been using the 303 product but still wondering if there were better solutions. Now that I see that you’ve also used it in your demo I can rest easier. Keep up the great work that you do! Cheers!
Thanks for watching!
Great presentation... as usual.
I used the 303 Last Year and have been very happy with its durability and consistent protection.
Thanks for watching!
I am first time to use 303 products protection so how long to use protection again
Very well done and thanks for sharing VN! Surprised that the PCS video channel is not more popular, I love it! Thx again!
Thanks for the kind words.
Very thorough step by step. Liked the comparisons to the different products.
Nice job Vu! I used the Ragg Top product and had great results on my '09 Carrera S Cab. A few years later I had the car ceramic coated and he did the top too and it still looks amazing. The Ragg Top was well worth the effort.
So relevant to my car. Love these videos. Keep it up.
Loved this video. Really helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Be sure to subscribe.
Waau watched about 5 videos, yours stood out h&s. Love your prep work. About to do my original (but untreated immaculate) 986. Love from Africa.
Good luck!
Well done 👏🏼 👍🏼 ✌🏼
And you for the demo and info 🏴🇬🇧
Thanks for watching!
@@PorscheClubofAmerica You’re welcome 🏴🇬🇧
TY for this! I'm about to clean my Boxster.
Very nice, I did my Boxster top years ago. Thank you!
Right on!
Excellent video - all three products do the job IMHO. 303 is a little more 'industrial grade.'
- Excellent products
- sheets work well for quick prep setup
-I don’t recommend using the microfiber as the best tool especially if used,and especially for a beginner ☝️😊
Due to lint. Which can then cause frustration in removing and possible over aggressive wipe off.
I simply use the appropriate horse hair brush…☝️
-Also
No mention of the delicacy of seams
-fraying of fibers can easily be caused
- especially along seams
-use Horse Hair Brush.
-Finally slow strokes and movements no fast wipes needed.
-be mindful not to abrade sensitive fibers.
For deeper penetration and saturation simply massage gently, no fast friction causing wipes, with gloved 🧤 hands and massage into fabric. Very simple, very gentle throughout.
-Note 📝
once damage is caused to fibers in fabric of rag top 🔝
It is quite difficult to go back in time to reverse damage.
Thanks for sharing. Be sure to subscribe.
Get a quality horsehair brush. The one I thought was a quality one started to leave the horsehair material all over the top. Spend more time getting those hairs out of the top than I did cleaning it afterwards.
What is the best way to weekly wash a top that has light pollen and dust once it's been treated?
Very interesting comparison. I have used the Porsche product on my 2005 Boxster S and it definitely makes it more water repellent. Try to do it once/year. My only complaint is that the solvent smell tends to linger for a couple of days. On the 2005 Boxster in the video, I noticed that there was a circular mark in the center of the top. My top has the same mark which the water repellent treatment does not seem to effect. Has anyone found a way to eliminate or at least minimize its appearance?
Yes, the Porsche waterproofer was smelled STRONG! We here at PCA's office do not know of a way to get rid of the circular mark short of buying a new top. There may be a solution out there, but we are not aware of it.
@@PorscheClubofAmerica Thanks for the reply.
How often would you recomend? And is ot recomended for town cars as well?
Oh and thanks for your presentation! : )
Can you advise how to prep and waterproof a wool Tan top. .....Jim.
I have a two thousand sixteen targa. Should I treat this the same as a convertible top. Is the material the same as on a convertible.
Thanks, plan on doing my Boxster in the AM.
Good luck!
So which product performed best? Looks like raggtop was the worst? Also, what about some of the color restoration products I've seen online? Do you recommend any of those? Any chance we can get a video showing that being applied. Thank you very much for this. This was one of the things on my to do list.
I have a brand new Boxster 2022, when should I apply the 303 fabric guard for the first time, after 1 year and should it be applied every year?
Do the water test like we did and if it doesn't repel the water, then it's time condition.
I do it every year late OCTOBER in NC
Are we have to used protection every time we wash a top
Where can we source the very soft nylon brush? I'd just Google or Amazon it but don't even know what it really is or what to call it. Is it really a car cleaning brush, or is it for something else and just works well for our purpose? Thanks for the video. I was ready to wash my 986 and had no idea I shouldn't use car soap on the top. You save me. Good video.
Search for "soft bristle brush". Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe.
The brush reads RaggTopp right on the top of it. You can get it from their website or Amazon. www.amazon.com/RaggTopp-Premium-Convertible-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B01LOJK208
@@robertm1692 Thank you very much. Didn't see that.
Thanks for the easy to follow directions. I have a problem spot on my 2011 cabriolet top. It looks like gummy or chewing gum-like grease spot. It’s about the size of a coin. Is this a common occurrence or is it something that only my car has. It was there when I bought my car about a year ago. Any suggestions how to clean it off? Thanks.
You are welcome! Those spots are actually where the top support structure presses on the top fabric. It isn't really a stain it is more of a wear mark.
a great video and glad I bought a set of 303! By the way, what do you think about using a very small paint roller to apply 303? I saw a youtube (help me DIY) and he had a great idea. No need to tape everything and worry about getting 303 on window trims, car body, etc.
Great tip, let us know how it works for you.
Two questions: One, do you have any opinion on brushing the protectant on to get better saturation, instead of or in addition to spraying? Second, do you have an opinion on Griot's convertible products? I was using 303 but recently switched to Griot's because it has UV protection and, as far as I can tell, 303 does not.
We would follow the product directions for applying protectant. Since all of these products called for spraying on protectant, that's what we did. If saturation was an issue, then we applied more coats. We have not used Griot's convertible top wash or protectant, but our experience with other Griot's products indicates that they would be as high of quality as any of the three featured in this video. A quick search online indicates 303 does not have UV protection.
Spraying on seemed to work quite well. We just stuck to the instructions. We didn't get a chance to try the Griot's product. UV protection is a plus. Be sure to subscribe.
I have noticed some fading (black top) over the years.
?Q?…. Are there any tinted products available?
THX’s.
Normally these products should do a good job of reducing top fade, but don't expect miracles on an extremely faded top. They're not fabric dye.
What is the best way to weekly wash a top that has light pollen and dust once it's been treated?
just rinse it off with a hose. Just water, no soap necessary. You don't need to touch it with a wash mitt unless there's dirt or a stain that won't come off with the rinsing.
I think it’s over the top! But it works for some people! Yay!
Luckily you don't have to do it too often.
Do I understand correctly that I should NOT wash the top on my Boxster using the same carwash solution I use on the painted areas of the car?
Yes, use a fabric top specific cleaner and you really don't need to wash it unless it's dirty. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe.
Great video, thank you!!
Glad you liked it!
You keep mentioning three coats?? Three coats of what products. I have three convertibles all Porsches that need to be done. Please advice. Sami. British Columbia. Thank you
We did followed the instructions for each product. Most needed at least two coats to be applied.
Which product was the easiest, which was the most effective and how do you remove tree sap safely when embedded in your fabric?
All three products were equally easy to use. The cure time for one of them was much shorter, so we will add to this reply tomorrow after double-checking the directions.
I don't know if it will get rid of tree sap, but you could try Amazing Roll-Off. It will remove the protectant, so you will need to retreat afterwards.
@@markhanson9658 thanks Mark I’ll try to find that product locally also do you have any experience with Bug and Tar remover I was worried it might damage the fabric?
Raggtop Fabric Protectant and Porsche Convertible Top Waterproofer are both aerosols and should take just 10-15 minutes to dry - maybe 30 if you're not drying in the sun. Ideally you'd apply inside, dry in the sun. The 303 Fabric Guard is not an aerosol and takes 6-12 hours to dry. Dry time of the protectant/waterproofer is the biggest differentiator between the products. Drying after using the cleaning products (applied before the protectant/waterproofer) will take longer after washing them off with water.
Sad that there is no product comparison
They all worked just fine.
Imply video thanks
I use a Horse Hair brush to scrub My Top.
Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.
😆😂🤣 Fun day prepping and water proofing three tops! That’s a lot work. I recondition my top every other year, and it still looks good for a 04 C4s.
Do be careful to wash off the cleaner solution off the body of your car ASAP otherwise it can damage your paint.
Typical PCA cleaning video. Not 1 brand of cleaner, on not 1 roof. 3 brands 3 roofs!
This way viewers have options :)
@@PorscheClubofAmerica I decided to go with the Porsche branded cleaner and found (1) it's very mild and great for a not too dirty roof. (2) if you have a tough spot, you can use apply directly neat with old toothbrush. (3) it also worked really well for the plastic window of the 986. Made it squeaky clean, literally. Thanks for the super thoroughness coverage of this often overlooked subject. Speaking of which, I have yet to find a subject that is overlooked by PCA.