Author Topic: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?  (Read 2842 times)

Matt_H

  • Guest
I searched and only found older posts but curious what the current recommendations for a decent cleaner for soft tops are these days? I am hoping to find one that is easily available so I can clean it this weekend, but will defer to ordering it and waiting if that is really the only option. Thanks

My top is black if that matters.

I have found good comments on Meguiar's Plastx for cleaning the plastic window.

Mike Hughes

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, VA, Blue Grass
  • Posts: 1720
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2018, 14:13:32 »
Ragg Topp products work well in my experience.  Use the cleaner first, then follow up with the protectant only after when the top material is completely dry from cleaning.  Water will bead up on the surface of the top afterwards.  Re-clean and re-apply protectant when you notice that water is not beading up anymore.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2018, 14:18:13 by Mike Hughes »
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havana Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

Iconic

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, IL, Highland Park
  • Posts: 1198
  • ex-Membership Administrator
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2018, 14:22:46 »
I use the Raggtopp products for cleaning and sealing too.
Additionally, I've had very good results with the Griot's Plastic Cleaner and Polish.
I'm interested to hear if anyone has a better suggestion for the fabric top cleaning and sealing.
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Matt_H

  • Guest
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2018, 16:44:32 »
Yeah Raggtopp seems to be the preferred...but is not available locally. What about an autoglym product? I have used there wax on my daily driver and I am totally happy with that

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/autoglym-convertible-top-maintenance-system-0392578p.html

jaymanek

  • Guest
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2018, 18:03:29 »
I use meguirs cleaner and protector.

66andBlue

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Solana Beach
  • Posts: 4711
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2018, 18:18:08 »
Yeah Raggtopp seems to be the preferred...but is not available locally.
Have you seen this? Should be close to where you are.
http://overseas-auto.com/raggtopp-convertible-soft-top-care-products/
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

49er

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, El Dorado Hills
  • Posts: 1413
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2018, 18:30:43 »
I would be careful with a brush. A while back I used a vacuum with a horse brush attachment clean the top of some dust that accumulated on the while parked adjacent to a dusty field. The brushing left faint "streaks" on the fabric and It took a while to eradicate the steaks using a damp sponge. I have never used a cleaner other then plain water on the top, which is original. Car hasn't been out in the rain for probably over 35+ years so top is only used for shade on a hot day :)

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

Matt_H

  • Guest
Re: w113 280sl Soft top cleaning product....any recommendations?
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2018, 19:40:17 »
I would be careful with a brush. A while back I used a vacuum with a horse brush attachment clean the top of some dust that accumulated on the while parked adjacent to a dusty field. The brushing left faint "streaks" on the fabric and It took a while to eradicate the steaks using a damp sponge. I have never used a cleaner other then plain water on the top, which is original. Car hasn't been out in the rain for probably over 35+ years so top is only used for shade on a hot day :)

John

Oh thanks! I will call them to see if in stock :)