Treatment for the soft top???

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May 21, 2008 | 11:40 AM

#21

ZPHILE

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From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchboy350Z

I don't even know why I'm responding to you. You're one of the few dopes left on this site that still thinks our tops are made from cloth.

Read my post(s) AGAIN. It's obviously not just 'Cloth'. It doesn't appear to be just Vinyl. I'm not sure and not so trusting of vendors. That's what was said. I'll like to get the info from the manufacturer to make sure. BTW - in the end they could be right. I would like to confirm with Nissan before I tamper with my investment.

May 21, 2008 | 11:43 AM

#22

dutchboy350Z

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From: Santa Barbara, CA

Here's another site that describes our tops.
http://www.mobileworks.com/convertible-top-care.html

Quote:

The other type of convertible top is made of thick vinyl. Vinyl is a plastic product composed mostly of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and made flexible with the addition of plasticizers. The vinyl top may look like a canvas material, but upon close inspection, you can see that the 'canvas' is simply an impression stamped into the vinyl when it is manufactured. It is normal for the plasticizers to gradually dry out over time, causing the material to crack and eventually split. With proper care, however, this process can be slowed significantly.

Another Site that Specifies 350Z roadster top's as Polyvinyl Chloride.
http://www.detailking.com/content/view/137

Another Site that describes it at "Grain Vinyl" (sounds a lot like synthetic canvas to me)
http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/new.html

May 21, 2008 | 11:46 AM

#23

dutchboy350Z

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From: Santa Barbara, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxpowers

Yes and yes. 303 costs a hell of a lot less than Raggtopp and I find it works better. The water beads longer (I'm not sure if thats a gauge to how well the product works......but it can't be bad).

+1 I've only used 303. I actually haven't re-applied the proctectant for this year and it still beads if I get stuck in the rain. Granted my Z is garaged for the most part and only sees water when I wash it.

May 22, 2008 | 01:00 PM

#24

chicagokid

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From: Glenview, IL & O'Fallon, MO

Review on 303

OK... I just bought the 303 protectant (white bottle with blue label).

I applied after cleaning the top. Very easy to use. Just spray on and wipe till dry (directions says... you have to wipe till dry). If you get any on the paint, just wipe it off and don't let sit there. That's it. The top feels softer and slick, but not wet.

I'll let you how it holds up when it rains. It also mention to use it every 3-5 weeks. I'll probably just use it once a month during spring, summer and fall. Not sure if my ZR will see snow.

Last edited by chicagokid; May 22, 2008 at 01:02 PM. Reason: My review on 303

May 22, 2008 | 02:37 PM

#25

Blu Hvn

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From: Kansas City, MO.

Ragg Topp is another popular product to treat convertible tops. I have used it and was pleased with the result. As far as I know it's only available via internet/mailorder.

I did go to boating department of Cabela's today and bought a small bottle of 303. For $8 or $9 I figured I'd give it a shot.

May 23, 2008 | 05:41 AM

#26

chickenputo

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From: Jacksonville, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZPHILE

What I heard from several upholsters including the dealer is that the OEM top is a hybrid vinyl/cloth making it more vulnerable than vinyl and stronger than cloth. Still rips in the same place every time, by the rear window.

May 28, 2008 | 09:56 AM

#27

hotspur

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From: Cape Cod

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZPHILE

The top is NOT vinyl. It's a treated cloth. Almost a rubberized cloth.

The top is vinyl-coated cloth. Use a protectant for vinyl unless your intent is to protect the underside of the top.

May 29, 2008 | 10:30 PM

#28

chicagokid

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From: Glenview, IL & O'Fallon, MO

One thing I like about 303 is after a week it still keeps it's slick/shinny black look. Before applying 303, the top looked like faded black. You'll notice the big difference.

Jun 4, 2008 | 11:12 PM

#29

neogeonsv

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From: canoga park c.a

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxpowers

I pay less than $10 for 303.....its the best. Remember your top is vinyl so don't use anything for cloth.

Well ??? tell the rest of us tooo. Where can we find it that cheap ??

Thx!

Jun 5, 2008 | 05:35 AM

#30

chickenputo

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From: Jacksonville, FL

for real $10? hook it up! times are tough.

Jun 5, 2008 | 08:53 AM

#31

maxpowers

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From: Toronto, Canada

I'm not sure you want to drive to Canada to get it.

We have a big chain of auto stores called Canadian Tire. I think it sells daily for $13 and generaly goes on sale a few times a year.

How much do you pay in the states?