[Chickenshift]

My 2016 2SS A8 MPR NFG convertible with a black top will be here hopefully in three weeks. I have a few questions for those of you who have convertibles:

1. What do you like/dislike about them?
2. How do you take care of them? Anything specifically to avoid?
3. I found nothing in the owners manual about convertibles. Do they have their own supplement?
4. If anyone has the convertible windscreen how well does it function. Is it easy to stow and install?

[Glen e]

Google RAGGTOPP....the detailing standard for tops......

[Chickenshift]

Thanks for the info Glen. One thing I forgot was a catch can. That sounds like a great idea to keep the intake clean. However, I wonder if the Mishimoto will work because of the strut brace on the Vert.

[Jerry's 2LT]

Chickenshift

I have a vert that I just got a week ago.

First of all, the online owners manual has two versions. The original did not cover the verts. The second edition does. So look for the manual with the update.

+1 on Glen's recommendation of Raggtop. The first thing I did when I got my car (besides drop the top and drive it home, the long way) was to vacuum the top. The car was clean including the top so it didn't need cleaning. I have the Raggtop cleaner as well.

Gently vacuum the top with a soft (note the soft) bristle vac brush if you suspect there is any sand or other fine particles that could have gotten into the fabric.

I then put on 3 coats of Raggtop protectant, making sure that each coat was completely dry. Raggtop recommends 2-3 coats for the first application.

Just make sure you never put the top down if it is the least bit wet. Always allow the top to dry before putting it down otherwise mold can develop. The other thing to watch for is bird droppings. They need to be washed off as soon as possible to avoid damage.

Follow the Raggtop directions and recommendations and you can't go wrong.

Anything else you need to know about the operation of the top is in the manual.

Also, there is a windscreen available should you be interested. I got one from Shopchevy.com. They are much cheaper than the dealer for the same factory screen. In all honesty, you don't need it until you go over about 60mph.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your ride.

Jerry

[Chickenshift]

Thanks for the post Jerry. I can't wait to get mine and enjoy it.

[G6CamJK]

One thing not mentioned yet is don't use drive through car washes. The water pressure is much greater than and angle of water jets is not the same as natural rain.

When hand washing don't have the hose on full blast when you rinse around the top to car body seals

I'm assuming this is your 1st convertible

[Lancez]

Would plasti dip work?

[Glen e]

No.....

[Jerry's 2LT]

Chickenshift

It dawned on me that I failed to answer your question about the screen storage, etc.

It is possible for one person to put it in and take out but you have to be careful because it is an awkward process due to the fact that the screen has hinges in the middle.

As for storage, once it is folded in half and placed in its storage cover, it will fit in the small trunk (that portion that is available with the top down). You have to angle it to get it to allow the trunk lid to close, so that takes up a lot of space, leaving room for only small objects. Of course, if the top is up you can fold down the partition and have a fairly decent amount of trunk space.

The prior post about car washes is correct. My experience with convertibles goes back to 1967 and nothing has changed that would make me consider ever taking my car to a commercial car wash.

Do every wash by hand. I feel that it is best to use Glen's rinseless wash process. I use Adams rinseless. If you wash your car often, heavy dirt shouldn't be an issue most of the time. It is a compromise but you will be protecting your cars top from the wrong kind of soaps and mechanical damage. The high pressure forcing water thru any small gaps is another issue.

As for likes and dislikes, noise was always the issue with convertible tops due to them being fairly thin cloth or vinyl. Then the wind noise from less than ideal window sealing was an issue. I am glad to say that my car is surprisingly quiet. I don't have any more wind noise than the typical mid-size sedan. I think part of the reason is that the windows come down about ¾ inch when you open and close the doors. Then they go up and snug themselves. Also, I understand that there is a multi-ply construction to the Camaro top which makes it much quieter as well.

There, hope I covered everything.

Jerry

[Chickenshift]

Sounds good. It should be for such an expensive 7000 option. The last vert I had was a 2004 Viper. Fun car but I am more excited about this one.

[TiffBiff]

Here's a quick clean tip for the tops when a vacuum is not avail (like at car shows)... I got a pet hair roller that's works wonders. It is just like the small ones for clothing, except it is about 10" wide & has a handle that can extend up to 3' in length. I got it at a pet store for about $20 & I keep it in the trunk. It's called Evercare Mega Cleaning Roller With 3-Foot Extendable Handle.

[Algeron]

I just picked up a 2016 convertible, will this suffice for top treatment?

http://amzn.to/22KV3bP

[Jerry's 2LT]

That's the ticket, Raggtopp cleaner and protectant is the best.

[Algeron]

Originally Posted by Jerry's 2LT

That's the ticket, Raggtopp cleaner and protectant is the best.

Thanks. I will have to order some in case my car is out the shop by this weekend. 130 miles and has been in for 5 days already.