Soft top waterproofing

[n/a]

Hi everyone

I was caught in a heavy downpour last weekend and noticed that after about half an hour the inner lining of my soft top was wet along the join lines near the rear window. The top wasn't actually leaking but it had soaked through. I've read in the techical articles that you can seal and protect a soft top from the weather. Has anyone done this?  

Thanks as usual!

Mark

1965 230 SL light blue, auto, RHD

[Cees Klumper]

I've used Wolfsteins "RaggTopp" (www.Wolfsteins.com) product and it's great. Water beads right off. First I applied the cleaner, then the protectant. The cleaner did a terrific job - light scrubbing and lots of very dirty water came off when when I rinsed.
Before I found the RaggTopp (thanks to Bob Geco), I used a generic tent sealant spray that was recommended by my local MB dealer. I was not happy with the results.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Auto-Glym also do a two-pack (cleaner/sealer) application for soft tops. I've used it on the 280 but not been out in the rain since!
naj

'Kloines Scheisserle'
65 230SL
68 280SL

[Albert-230SL]

MB sells a product to clean the softop, and another product to seal the softop, both in spray. I will check the part numbers at home, and will post here. With that part numbers you could order it in your local MB dealer.

Regards,

Albert de la Torre Chavalera
Barcelona (Catalunya/Spain)
Feb.'64 230 SL Euro 113042-10-002432

[n/a]

There is a product called 303, which is recommended for marine canvas waterproofing. I have used this on convertible tops before- it is a flourocarbon product, NOT silicone, so it can be sprayed around shops that do bodywork etc, and it works very well. You can get it at marine supply stores such as BoatUS and West Marine. It is also recommended for acrylic fabrics such as Sunbrella. I used it on my Ferrari convertible to re-waterproof the top and it did a good job. total cost about fifteen or twenty dollars, plus a few moments with tape and paper so it didn't get all over.

[Richard Madison]

Just a comment to expand our knowledge...(won't help much if a top already leaks)...

Electron (New York) makes many of the tops sold by suppliers in the US. Electron Pagoda tops have a plastic(?) waterproof layer "welded" between the outer top layer and the inside bottom liner...

My Electron top is about a year old and has stayed dry even after some heavy rain storms...

Once in a while or after spot cleaning bird droppings or other, a spray with Scotchguard (3M Company, USA) might give some extra protection...

Richard M

[n/a]

There is a product on the market by the name of RAGG TOPP. I recommend you use this product instead of the scotch guard. This product is backed by Haartz which is the company that makes all of the convertible top materials. I have used the cleaner and protectant on many convertible tops that I have worked on and find it to be the best cleaner and protectant you can use on a convertible top. You can find RAGG TOPP at any Pep Boys or Auto Zone. If you cannot find it email me and I will locate some for you.

Thanks,
Convertguy
http://www.convertibletopsonline.com