Convertable Upkeep
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
From: new York
Convertable Upkeep
Hey guys ............ Now that I have this 2010 Mustang convertable, How should I maintain the roof? It is garage kept and will not spend large periods of time in the elements, but being new to the "rag top", I am wondering how to keep it in perfect condition. 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
From: So Cal
Grats on your pony.
I had a 93 convertible, replaced it with a 00 convertible and never had to replace anything related to the top on either one.
Random thoughts:
Garage kept is most important, with the top up.
Put the windows down when raising/lowering the top. Some other convertibles do this now automatically, I'm not sure if mustangs do or not.
I put some kind of lube or WD40 on the top's hinges maybe once a year.
You don't have to scrub it too much to keep it clean, especially now since I think they only come in black. Avoid automatic car washes. Never buy a car with a white convertible top.
I think Armor all is a waste of time because if it is sunny out you want the top down anyway and it will get all over your rear window.
I had a 93 convertible, replaced it with a 00 convertible and never had to replace anything related to the top on either one.
Random thoughts:
Garage kept is most important, with the top up.
Put the windows down when raising/lowering the top. Some other convertibles do this now automatically, I'm not sure if mustangs do or not.
I put some kind of lube or WD40 on the top's hinges maybe once a year.
You don't have to scrub it too much to keep it clean, especially now since I think they only come in black. Avoid automatic car washes. Never buy a car with a white convertible top.
I think Armor all is a waste of time because if it is sunny out you want the top down anyway and it will get all over your rear window.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 61
From: Texas
The 2010 Mustang Convertible does automatically roll the windows down when the top is retracted and again when you raise the top. The Material on todays Ragtops are much better than used in the past and do not flap in the wind and can withstand a lot more abuse that earlier cars.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
From: new York
Thanks ............ It looks like it is well made and that being garage kept that it will do alot in keeping it's appearance. I wanted a light top, but you as well as my friends agree ..... keep it dark .... glad I did!
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,390
From: West Los Angeles
I have the cloth top on my 2008 and I just wash and dry it like a normal roof. But when it is dry I use one of those lint rollers to get any cat hair (stupid alley cats!) off. I try to keep my vert covered, but if it gets dirty and I don't have time to wash it I leave the cover off and the cats walk all over it! Going to lay out more cayenne pepper today!
Also if you have the top down watch out when doing any fast acceleration. The top (when it is down) fills with air and starts to rise at about 90 mph! I am guessing the cover would prevent this. It's a little scary punching it on a deserted stretch of highway and then seeing a rear view mirror full of your roof coming up!
Also if you have the top down watch out when doing any fast acceleration. The top (when it is down) fills with air and starts to rise at about 90 mph! I am guessing the cover would prevent this. It's a little scary punching it on a deserted stretch of highway and then seeing a rear view mirror full of your roof coming up!
1st Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 58
From: California
I've had both cloth and vinyl tops on my Mustang(s). Each type has its own perils.
The vinyl seems more prone to getting fine little cuts in it when folded. But the cloth has a tendency to get somewhat burnished (rubbing against itself) when folded, creating an inconsistent appearance.
While I prefer the look of a lighter-colored top (it's also a bit cooler), they are a nightmare to keep clean. Had a white vinyl top on my '01 that always looked dirty. Every time I put it down, dirt got ground into the folds & was next to impossible to get out. The parchment-colored tops are similar, but also don't seem to age well if outside a lot... their color changes over time & they just end up looking dirty all the time. Because of that, when I bought my '05 last fall, I said "NO MORE LIGHT-COLORED TOPS!" & got another black one. They're insulated pretty well, so heat intrusion isn't too bad... and any defects stay pretty well hidden.
As for maintenance, there are any number of specialty products... namely Ragg Toppe... they have cleaners/conditioners for both vinyl and cloth. Or, you can stop by your local RV store & see what cleaners they have for vinyl or cloth awnings & such. Vinyl's a bit easier to care for, & you don't have to worry about lint. I give it a good scrubbing when I wash the car, then hit it with some 303 Aerospace protectant when it's dry. The 303 has some UV blockers in it, and it gives a little bit of sheen, without being greasy. It's water-based tho, so it doesn't hold up to rain very well.
Good luck-
The vinyl seems more prone to getting fine little cuts in it when folded. But the cloth has a tendency to get somewhat burnished (rubbing against itself) when folded, creating an inconsistent appearance.
While I prefer the look of a lighter-colored top (it's also a bit cooler), they are a nightmare to keep clean. Had a white vinyl top on my '01 that always looked dirty. Every time I put it down, dirt got ground into the folds & was next to impossible to get out. The parchment-colored tops are similar, but also don't seem to age well if outside a lot... their color changes over time & they just end up looking dirty all the time. Because of that, when I bought my '05 last fall, I said "NO MORE LIGHT-COLORED TOPS!" & got another black one. They're insulated pretty well, so heat intrusion isn't too bad... and any defects stay pretty well hidden.
As for maintenance, there are any number of specialty products... namely Ragg Toppe... they have cleaners/conditioners for both vinyl and cloth. Or, you can stop by your local RV store & see what cleaners they have for vinyl or cloth awnings & such. Vinyl's a bit easier to care for, & you don't have to worry about lint. I give it a good scrubbing when I wash the car, then hit it with some 303 Aerospace protectant when it's dry. The 303 has some UV blockers in it, and it gives a little bit of sheen, without being greasy. It's water-based tho, so it doesn't hold up to rain very well.
Good luck-
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