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Convertible top waterproofing?

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kennypinkerton

kennypinkerton

Yoda
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My Alfa has a fairly decent canvas top on it (even though I have a new one to install one day), it seems to leak where the top bows touch it (there is stitching on the outside of the canvas here too). And a few places leak like an old canvas tent that hasn't been treated in years (fine spray from each raindrop that hits it). Is there a water repellent product that I can spray onto this top?

Basically I have cats that like to lay on these tops, and scratch the rear windows walking around on the cars. I don't want to install the new top until the rest of the car is done (or I kill the cats - whichever comes first).
 
There is a spray available from a company called 'ragtops', plus numerous other competitor....there is also a brush on type as well, which I tend to favor. When I first got the Jag I did a little research(and posted here, try searching) In the end I ended up buying the kit from the dealer because it was a brush on type....but I didn't pay the $300 they wanted! I bought one they had opened in display case for $35!....followed instructions and it worked great, water even beads up nicly on it now. I am just hoping I get lucky again next year and the dealer has another one on display!
 
Kenny:

Raggtop is one product that works well. Another is 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. Raggtop is an aerosol, 303 is a pump-sprayer. Both bead water like newly waxed paint. With both products be sure to clean the top well with a good top-cleaner (both Raggtop and 303 make their own) and a brush. A kit of cleaner/protectant runs $20-35 depending on brand and vendor.

When I do my Miata's top I open the top a little, then hang a large sheet across the windshield (tucking it inside the car), over the side windows, and as much of the front of the car as possible. I mask the rear window with blue painters tape and paper, and use other sheets to cover the rest of the car. In warm/dry weather you should be able to treat the top with a couple of light coats in an afternoon.

Once the top is completely dry (give it a day) any water spritzed on it should bead and roll around like mercury.

The treatment(s) may not solve your problem if the fabric is really worn that much though, but it's worth a shot. You might give the areas over the bows a couple of extra light coats just for the heck of it.
 
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