RAGGTOPP Canvas Protectant
#000-9100 $21.95 14oz Ozone friendly aerosol. Tested and endorsed by HAARTZ/Happich the designated
supplier of convertible topping fabric for Mercedes Benz.
A. Some manufacturers offer several material choices. All
convertible tops are made from some form of either vinyl or canvas. In
general most post 1950 American cars and several European cars with removable
convertible tops were originally supplied in vinyl. Canvas sometimes referred
to mohair is used exclusively by Mercedes, BMW, Saab, and Porsche. Roll
Royce and some Jaguar models use Everflex topping which is a variation
of a vinyl topping.
Can I
replace my top with a different material?
A. Yes, No and Maybe. Older cars generally have a larger
top wells and larger tolerances between the top frame parts allowing for
the use of any top material. Newer cars are best kept to the original type
and weight of fabric as close tolerances may result in premature wear or
pinching of thicker fabrics. Substitution of vinyl for canvas is a popular
choice when cost concerns are raised.
How long should a
new top last?
A. It is impossible to answer the question exactly. Variables
such as number of times up and down, cleanliness and dryness when folding
and sun exposure all effect top life. However some generalizations may
be made. Vinyl tops, in first grade materials, given normal care should
last between 3 and 5 years. First quality canvas tops given the same care
should last between 7 and 10 years.
What
is the difference between Crush Grain vinyl topping (CG) and Pinpoint vinyl
topping (MSF)?
A. Both Crush Grain & Pinpoint vinyl topping materials
are identical in internal construction. Outer coating is embossed with
a fabric looking pattern in pinpoint while crush grain has a rough leather
look.
What
is the difference between German Happich and Stayfast Canvas(STF)?
A. Both canvases are constructed by bonding 3 layers of material
together. The outer layer (face) is a fade resistant acrylic fabric in
both canvases. The German material has a higher thread count giving it
a richer look. The middle layer of both canvases is a rubber membrane.
Both canvases use an inner layer of cotton bowdrill. The American lining
material is plain, the German canvas has a distinct herringbone pattern.
Overall life of both materials is dependent on care given as well as sun
exposure. The German canvas , may, given the same care, give several more
years of service.
To Order Call our Toll Free #800-222-9577
Monday-Friday 8-5 Pacific Time
What is Stafast `G' Canvas?
A. Sometimes referred to as Sonnendeck, Stayfast `G' is American
Stayfast Canvas with the inner layer being German bowdrill instead of plain
tan cotton bowdrill. Durability is equal to American Stayfast.
Can I install a top
on my car?
A. Yes and maybe. Top installation methods and times vary
from model to model. Complex top mechanisms, especially tops with headliners
are usually best left to professionals. Removable convertible tops are
fairly simple to replace. All others should be inspected for complexity
before a decision is made. Usually anyone mechanically inclined with a
free day can install a top. We recommend however that all our tops be professionally
installed. If you decide to install your top yourself, please request installation
instructions.
A. Most top installations only require tools commonly found
in the toolbox. (metric/American wrenches/sockets, pliers, screw drivers)
Seal replacement may require modification (round corners) of a putty knife.
Contact adhesive, weatherstrip adhesive and cleaners may be necessary. Be
prepared with a suitable work area and protective coverings.
Can
I replace just the plastic window on my top?
A. Yes, No and Maybe. Normally, plastic window replacement
involves top removal and sewing in of the new plastic window. Condition
of top as well as its age pre-determines the possibility of window replacement.
Consider labor cost of top removal when considering replacing rear window.
It is usually more cost effective to replace a complete top if the fabric
is reaching the end of its life. If in doubt, consult a professional installer.
What
other parts are required to install my new top?
A. Generally replacement tops include only the top fabric.
Sealing rubbers, headliners, pads, cables and wood bows are usually purchased
separately. It is best to inspect the complete top assembly and order all
parts necessary before starting installation.
Why are
advertised prices for tops so different?
A. There are several grades and weights of top material available
to top manufacturers. Some materials are lighter, less durable or possibly
not fade resistant. The use of less than Original Quality Materials allows
some vendors to offer tops at substantially lower prices. Always ask what
weight and grade of materials are being used also which manufacturer made
the fabric. It is also a good idea to ask what additional parts are included
and if any other parts may be required.
Where do I find
a good Top Installer?
A. Better installers are usually used by the dealer who sells
your make of car. It is often productive to talk to the service manager
or parts manager about the abilities of installers in your area. Word of
mouth is usually the best. Call 818-921-0100 and we will try to match your
needs with a local installer. or
A. The Haartz Corporation recommends
using RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner and RAGGTOPP™ Protectant (available from World
Upholstery at tel: 800-222-9577, fax: 805-921-0101.)
Thoroughly tested and endorsed by HAARTZ, the world’s
leading manufacturer of convertible topping fabric since 1920s. HAARTZ
is the designated supplier of convertible topping fabric for virtually
every U.S. automaker and most European manufacturers, and is the world’s
only manufacturer of both PVC and cloth combined automobile and sport utility
topping.
Products include, CAMBRIA®, STAYFAST, SONNENLAND,
SONNENDECK, TWILLFAST® and SEAMARK™,
all Solution Dyed Acrylic Topping Fabrics.
Although the fabrics do not promote mildew growth by themselves,
mildew may develop on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed.
This is especially true in warm, humid, dark environments. A program
of keeping the fabric clean through regular washings, BEFORE it gets dirty,
will enhance the life and beauty of the acrylic and make successive cleaning
easier.
Hand washing in shade or partial shade, not direct sunlight,
is best. DO NOT USE DETERGENT. Bird and tree droppings, as
well as other loose particle soils, should be removed immediately.
Vacuum with a brush attachment and rinse thoroughly with water to remove
loose particle soils. This will also prevent the soils from being
redeposited during the cleaning process. Once the fabric has been
rinsed thoroughly, spray RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner evenly over the entire surface
while still wet. Allow the cleaner to soak for 10 to 20 minutes and
then scrub lightly with a soft nylon brush or terry cloth rag. Rinse
thoroughly, preferably until no remaining soap foam is observed.
Additional cleanings may be required. It is best to determine the
need for additional cleanings after the fabric has dried completely.
Once dry, cleaning must be followed by re-water
repelling with RAGGTOPP™ Protectant. (This product does not contain CFC's
and therefore, is not harmful to the environment.) Failure to apply
will result in rapid resoiling of the unprotected fabric.
Washing with soap (i.e.. Ivory or Lux) and warm water is
a safe alternative to RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner, but not as effective.
For more stubborn cases, mix a solution of no more than
1/2 cup (4oz.) bleach and 1/4 cup (2oz.) RAGGTOPP™ Cleaner per gallon of
water, soak for approximately 20 minutes and scrub lightly as indicated
above. (Excessive soaking with the bleach solution can deteriorate
seam threads.) Rinse thoroughly to prevent streaking on painted and
chrome surfaces. Several cleanings may be necessary. Once again,
RAGGTOPP™ Protectant water repellent must be applied to the fully dried
fabric.
Seamark™, Stayfast®, Sonnenland®, Twillfast®,
and Cambria® are registered trademarks of the Haartz Corporation
RAGGTOPP™ is a trademark of Wolfsteins Pro-Series
To Order Call our Toll Free
#800-222-9577 or 805-921-0100 Monday-Friday 8-5 Pacific Time
How do I Clean
and Protect My Vinyl Top?
A. Wash the top thoroughly as outlined above. If it is
still dirty, use a Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner to deep clean the top. Do
not use scouring powders such asComet on a vinyl top. These type of
products will get the top very clean for about two weeks and then it will
start to crack and fail. The chlorine bleaches leech out the essential
oil in the vinyls and deplete the UV protectants. Once the top is clean,
apply a coat of Vinyl Cleaner/Conditioner to protect the vinyl surface.
Apply the conditioner with a soft cloth, work into the surface, allow to
penetrate and buff off the excess.
How
do I Clean and Protect My Plastic Window?
A. Do not use glass cleaners on a plastic window
as they are too harsh and may actually damage plastic. There are several
cleaners and polishes on the market that are specifically designed for
plastic windows. Make sure that the window is clean and free of dust,
spray a thin coating on one third of the window and immediately spread
out with a 100% cotton terry towel. Turn the cloth to a dry section and
buff out using linear strokes, left to right, right to left. Don't go around
in circles, as the resulting swirls are very visible. Repeat the process
for the entire window. Once the window is done, rebuff with another soft
cotton towel. If there are scratches or discoloration, try a Clear Plastic
Polish. This two stage cleaning/polishing will usually remove most light
scratches. If not, you may have to resort to a more aggressive cleaning
product. We have found that 3M Imperial Hand Glaze will remove almost all
deeper scratches. If none of the above work, it may be time to call
1-800-222-9577
or 805-921-0100
How
do I stop the Plastic Window from Creasing? A. One of the problems many convertible owners encounter
is a crease in the plastic window from repeated folding. The easiest way
to prevent this problem is to use a super soft 100% cotton blanket or towel
that is a little larger than the rear window. Place the blanket/towel over
the window as your fold the top down, so that the blanket/towel is folded
within the rear window. The thickness of the blanket prevents the plastic
window from creasing and also keeps the two halves from rubbing against
each other.
WORLD
UPHOLSTERY & TRIM
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