First off, thats for reading this thread. Hopefully i can get some much need help from you all. I drive a clk convertible. I'm want to clean the top but not sure what type of products to use. Do i need to use some sort of protectant after i finish cleaning the top? Thanks for all you help.

 

Not sure what type of material it is, but this site will help out a great deal.

http://www.autogeek.net/contopcleanp.html

 

Use this --> http://www.autogeek.net/303fabcontop.html.

Clean with a boar's hair brush. I usually do mine every other time I wash during the summer, and every time during the winter. My car is always garaged, ymmv.

I use the protector once a year in the fall. I mask off the paint to keep the spray off the paint. Spray lightly then use a clean kitchen sponge and light pressure to get even coverage and soak up the excess protectant.

 

Wash the top with soap that has conditioners (automotive shampoo has conditioners, while soaps like Dawn don't). After a nice wash I blot dry the surface with the waffle weave microfiber drying towels. These towels are great because they are designed to leave no lint behind. Blot drying is just pressing down with the towel and then lifting it up and moving it to another area to repeat, instead of dragging it across the top and possibly leaving lint behind (far less likely with a microfiber waffle weave drying towel). After the top is cleaned spot treat any areas with the 303 Cleaner and Spot Remover or 303 Convertible Top Cleaner (same exact product, just marketed differently). Spray the area and let it sit for 1 –2 minutes and then scrub lightly with a clean scrub brush to break up any stains. I spray stains heavily and other areas I just lightly mist, then work the brush from the middle towards the outside. After you have thoroughly cleaned the top and its completely dry tape off the edges of the convertible top. Now your ready to use the 303 Fabric Guard or 303 Aerospace Protectant to protect the top from sand, moisture, mildew, bird droppings, pollution, contaminates, etc. If the top is fabric use the 303 Fabric Guard or if it's vinyl use the 303 Aerospace Protectant. Hold a rag near the area you’re spraying to ensure there is no over spray onto any other part of the vehicle. Spray carefully across the convertible top in a logical pattern to evenly coat the surface with the spray. If you spray it on the paint, wipe it up right away. To help prevent over spray I will sometimes cut the bottom out of a shoe box and spray in the middle of the box. After I spray an area I'll wipe it into the top with a clean rag. These two steps should clean the top and keep it well protected. Let me know if you have any questions about this process or anything else related to detailing.

Greg @ Detailed Image