Convertible folding top question...

[Patrick T.]

I have a new Al Knoch black folding convertible top installed on my car that's never been down. Right now the top is perfect... no wrinkles in the canvas or scratches on the dated rear window. After this next judging meet, I want to fold the top down for a while, so I can put on the black vinyl hardtop.

I would like to minimize the effects of leaving the top down, so as not to kink the fabric or scratch and haze up the plastic window. I was thinking of placing terrycloth bath towels in between the folds but is there a better solution than this? I just paid big bucks for this ragtop and don't want to mess it up. Thanks for any tips. PT

[Bill I.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

Pat, that's a very good idea, and it works. Plus, now you've already got the towels for when the hardtop leaks Bill.

[Michael D.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

Patrick
Don't leave the top in the down position for any length of time. Any top will develop some wrinkles if it is in the down position to long. Also when you try to latch the top after being unlatched it may be difficult to latch when you decide to put it back up. Let the car sit in the sun that will soften the material and make it easier to latch when you do latch it down.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

Thanks for your comments, I'm not sure how long the ragtop will be down. I was also thinking about covering both sides of the clear plastic window with something like Saran wrap. It will adhere tightly and protect it from the elements, road dirt, etc.

Also it had occurred to me to periodically spray some Lysol disinfectant back in there to keep mold from forming. I remember long time ago, I had a '63 convertible with a hardtop and let the ragtop stay down for a couple years. Man, later on, when I removed the hardtop and pulled the soft top up, it was full of mold from the humidity...disgusting. PT

[Bill I.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

Pat, I don't know about the Saran Wrap thing, it may soften or melt, think I would be happy with the towels. If you had mold, sounds like it may have been put away damp, or you had water getting in there. Bill.

[Gary B.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

If it down long enough for mold to even start it has been down way too long.

[Guenter J.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

I know some of the after market companies sell convertible rear window pillows. I have one for my 74 soft top.

[Paul S.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

As far as the rear window is concerned, I'm on my first midyear but I've owned two Boxsters each with plastic rear windows. The two biggest things that cause scratches and haziness are what you use to clean them with and folding a dirty window down on itself. The dust/dirt scratches.

For cleaner, never ever use any form of windex, window cleaner or amonia products on plastic rear windows. Use Plexus (available at most motorcycle shops or marine stores) and buy thick pile microfiber cloths to minimize scratches from wiping off. The ones I use literally have 1/4" thick pile. Yes, that thick.

Spray the Plexus on one microfiber and wipe on the window, and wipe off with a clean microfiber towel. Avoid circular motions. A circular scratch is visible from all angles. That's the rule with all products and surfaces. Wipe in straight lines so any "fine" scratches will be the least visible.

Do both sides and then, if you like, close it up with a 100% cotton towel (buy a fieldcrest made in USA towel, as foreign towels may not be 100% cotton despite the labels) folded to help the window roll. Your window should stay scratch free and clear for years (may last as long as the top does--depends on how well you take care of the top--but should look brand new until it finally wears out and tears/cracks), with regular use of Plexus. It cleans and conditions the plastic. For a window that's already hazy or scratched, you may need to hit it with Meguires two plastic polish products (I cannot remember the names off hand, but one's in a white bottle and the other in a blue bottle in most automotive stores).

Personally, I think you're nuts for putting the hardtop on the car--mine doesn't have one and I'm glad because all it would do is take up space in the garage.

Presuming you will only be driving in good weather, if it's too cold for top down, I'd just use the softop. Keeping the softop up except when you're driving is the best way I know to keep the rear window and the top from developing creases and scratches.

On mildew, never fold a wet top down. I would not want Lysol within a mile of any car I own.

[Paul J.]

Re: Convertible folding top question...

Pat, one other thing since you're being so meticulus with this. I used to keep my top down all of the time, but when I raised it for rain or to clean the baggage area I noticed that the carpet not only had depression marks in it, it had slightly frayed from vibration.

Paul