Re: How Do You Stretch A Convertible Top? Tops do have a tendency to shrink when left folded . The idea of putting it up as close as you can to the windshield header and letting it sit in the sun to stretch is just about the best way to go.
Do vinyl tops shrink?
Vinyl’s get stiff and shrink in cold weather . If your top is old you could rip it putting it up and down it cold weather.
How do you keep a convertible top in a good shape?
Spray the top with water and then spray with a cleaner. Use a brush to gently scrub the vinyl. Rinse thoroughly. After you’ve cleaned the vinyl, use a vinyl protectant to preserve the color and texture of your convertible top.
Is it better to store a convertible top up or down?
The main thing to consider when storing a convertible (as compared to other cars) is of course the soft top. The most important part of storing a convertible is to put the top up . ... Although a garage is ideal, convertibles can also be stored outside.
Can convertible tops be repaired?
Repairing a convertible top is not as easy as stitches and patches. ... So that’s one of the reasons you see convertible tops with duct tape instead of patches — there just isn’t an adhesive that does the job well. So you’ll need to use something to seal your tear and hold the patch and that’s why people use stitching.
How long does a convertible top last?
1. A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years . 2. Never put a convertible top down when the temperature is below 60 degrees.
Can I use Armor All on convertible top?
Armor All® Car Wash is ideal for vinyl. For tough stains on convertible tops, try Armor All® Multi-Purpose Auto Cleaner or Armor All® Cleaning Wipes for a quick and easy way to clean your car’s fabric surfaces. You can also use Armor All® Original Protectant to clean, protect and shine your vinyl top.
Can I leave my convertible top down overnight?
The reason they say not to leave it overnight is because when folded the fabric may not stretch sufficiently . Worse, if wet, the fabric may get damaged when you try to put the top back up. If you take good care of the fabric, leaving the top down several overnights will not hurt anything.
Is it bad to leave your convertible top down?
The reason for this is because they have longer doors than a 4 door convertible, and as a result make them even more difficult to get out of in tight spaces. ... DON’T leave the top down when you vacate your convertible – This is a common mistake made by convertible owners.
Can you drive a soft top convertible in the rain?
Roof materials have improved, but not enough to guarantee that water will stay outside. Whether you drive a hard-top or soft-top convertible, heavy rain and snow can still make you susceptible to leaks .
Why won’t my convertible top go down?
If a convertible top simply doesn’t go up or down when you engage the switch, the cause may be a bad fuse, lift cylinder , or relay. When a convertible top gets stuck in the process, it is most likely caused by a lift cylinder or a broken cable. ... Ironically, sometimes the issue simply lies in a broken switch.
How much does it cost to fix a convertible top?
The Estimated Price For Replacing A Convertible Top Runs From $900 To $1500 . The price of replacing a convertible top is largely dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. But in most cases, the costs include the following: One replacement top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)
How do you fix a convertible top cut?
- Step 1: Sew the Wound. Start sewing the tear. ...
- Step 2: Glue the Seam. Using your fabric adhesive or Gorilla Glue, glue the seam. ...
- Step 3: Apply the Canvas. Cut the marine canvas to the cover the tear. ...
- Step 4: Sew the Inside. Remove the tape and sew the inside of the canvas, if needed.
Why are convertibles bad?
Convertibles lose key structural elements , so they add more weight to make up for it. You see how crooked this Cadillac’s door is because the chassis moves? They don’t succeed in terms of rigidity, and the negative effect on performance is essentially doubled.
Can a convertible go through a carwash?
Thanks to modern, soft brushes as for example SofTecs and the correct washing chemicals, convertible drivers can also wash their car safely in a gantry car wash or conveyor tunnel system .
Is it safe to run a convertible through a carwash?
Every car is quality-checked to ensure water-tightness ... the top frame is very rigid to be able to handle going up and down at up to 31 mph, so a car wash brush is no issue.” Mercedes-Benz also confirmed that all of its convertibles are safe to drive through a car wash.
