Just put on a new convertible top - Questions......

[lespaul]

I just put on a new convertible top on my 318ic.. Looks great, what an improvement. Would you recommend keeping the top up to "stretch" the material? If so how long? The installer recommended that, but I reaaaaaaaaally want to put it down.

Also any other suggestions to maintan / preserve the life of the top?

Thanks..

[OrganicMechanic]

be sure when you put the top down that you crease it right so you train the fabric to fold the same way. Also a can of scotch-guard will help to keep the top in like new condition. Never put the top down when wet. lets see, oh clean out the compartment where the top stores. That is all I can think of so, enjoy.

[Julien]

Put a little cloth to protect the plastic window.. and I would say keep it up for a week (guess)


Julien

[Lair]

I always leave tops up for a day or two after I replace them.

Did you do it yourself?

[lespaul]

That's all you do it for? No, I got a guy to do it for me pretty cheap, and did a great job. It was completed on Friday, and I'd love to put it down tomorrow (Labor Day!).

I always leave tops up for a day or two after I replace them.

Did you do it yourself?

[Lair]

You should be good to go.

Just don't leave it down overnight, and place a clean terrycloth towel (or similar cloth) down inside the top well so the window doesn't scratch. Don't use any harsh detergents on the top fabric or the window. Don't rub the window when it's dry or use any kind of window cleaner on it.

If your top has lint or other debris on it, you can use a sticky lint roller to clean it.

[lespaul]

Great advice, thanks! What cleaner do you use for the back window?

You should be good to go.

Just don't leave it down overnight, and place a clean terrycloth towel (or similar cloth) down inside the top well so the window doesn't scratch. Don't use any harsh detergents on the top fabric or the window. Don't rub the window when it's dry or use any kind of window cleaner on it.

If your top has lint or other debris on it, you can use a sticky lint roller to clean it.

[Lair]

I keep a couple of gallons of distilled water in the garage at all times, and I use it with clean car wash towels that were washed & dried with free & clear detergent and no fabric softener.

[CorvallisBMW]

You can also use the Griots Garage plastic cleaner, it's made for convertible windows. Obviously the more expensive route, but it works well. Where did you get your top from? How's the fitment?

[lespaul]

Thanks for the info guys.. Sounds great.


I got it done by a auto trim guy who has a small little bay here in South Florida. Has been doing canvas, and vinyl for like 30 years.. The job looks amazing, factory quality. If anyone is in South Florida and looking for a top, he's the guy to go to.

You can also use the Griots Garage plastic cleaner, it's made for convertible windows. Obviously the more expensive route, but it works well. Where did you get your top from? How's the fitment?