Application of 303 Protection to Convertible Top

Ret

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I learned about the Sun Protection303 from an entry on one of the Post. I had great success with the dash, interior, diffuser, etc. Now, I want to tackle the convertible top, mine is cloth. Somewhere I read don't use a stiff bristle brush to sweep off the top prior to 303 application.

That got me to thinking about how best to apply the 303 to the top and I came up with a paint brush. Thinking of using a 2-to-3-inch brush where I could work the liquid into the cloth top. I think I could get a pretty even application this way. Thoughts?
 

Ret

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I did it, I guess you could say I painted the top on my car. My guess is it took me about three hours overall. I used a 2-inch paint brush and worked it into the cloth. Even though I put it on sparingly a couple of times it ran due to hitting a rib or seam. But I had a cloth handy to deal with the runs.

I then followed the instruction on the bottle and took a wet cloths and rubbed in the liquid again. I did the whole top in sections to make it easier to do the rubbing in process.

On the driver side of the picture it looks as if the material wasn't applied evenly but it's actually where to folds are in the top.

Was my method any better, I really don't know. I've never done a convertible top in my life (age 84). I think I was able to work the material into the top better with the brush, only time will tell as to how it holds up.

Convertible top-303.jpg
 

Midlife Crises

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I think that looks pretty good. I have a Thunderbird that needs the same treatment.
 

Iceman62

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Great ingenuity there, with the paint brush, and it looks awesome. I use 303 protectant on all my vehicles (motorcycle included). Good stuff! :D
 

Laga

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You might want to try a small paint roller with short nap, followed by a microfiber towel.

I’m lucky. My daughter’s friend works for 303. He was at my house for my grandson’s birthday. I showed him my 05, and the 303 products I used on it. He sent me free boxes of all their products. I have enough product to last a couple of years.
 

Ret

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Doing anything to clean up the engine compartment kinds of scares me. But, thinking of bringing it up to par with the rest of the car. Have to do it at a car wash (where I live is on a community water system and not allowed to wash cars at home.) Anyway, I'm sure I'm doing this backwards, should have started with the engine,

The roller idea sounds like a good plan.

I had the top down today and the 303 application looks great. It does accent the wrinkles as you're bringing the top back up. It all smoothed out when it was fully in the up position.
 

07 Boss

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Doing anything to clean up the engine compartment kinds of scares me. But, thinking of bringing it up to par with the rest of the car. Have to do it at a car wash (where I live is on a community water system and not allowed to wash cars at home.) Anyway, I'm sure I'm doing this backwards, should have started with the engine,

The roller idea sounds like a good plan.

I had the top down today and the 303 application looks great. It does accent the wrinkles as you're bringing the top back up. It all smoothed out when it was fully in the up position.


Why are you scared to clean the engine compartment? I do it at least twice a year without any issues. I cover or remove the air cleaner and wrap my breathers. I do throw a piece of foil over the alternator but I'm not sure that is even necessary. Spray down the whole compartment with simple green. Scrub a couple of spots if needed with a long bristle brush and rinse everything away with a hose. I use some air to remove standing water from any crevices. Then I go over any plastic or rubber hoses with the old f22 tire foam wiping off any excess.


Before







After




 

Ret

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What "scares" me is if I get the engine wet at the car wash and it won't start, I'll be holding up a bay that someone else can't use. We don't have a lot of car washes up here. There's always a line waiting to get in.

But I would like my engine to look like yours.
 

Laga

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Your engine gets soaked every time you drive in the rain. Don’t get the pressure spray close to anything stay at least 2-3 feet away. The alternator can get wet. Be sure to wet down the entire engine bay before spraying any degreaser on the engine. Hot aluminum does not like degreasers. They will discolor aluminum if it is hot and they sit on it. Put it on, rinse it off. 9D5821D2-6534-4941-86A9-09D17497B6E8.jpeg
 

Ret

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OK, I'm going to give this a try. Will have to wait a few days as a pretty good rainstorm coming through. Since I have to use a car wash is I'll have to take a spray bottle of Simple Green to spray on. The hot water at the car wash should help.

I'll definitely take before and after photos.

Thanks for the tips.
 

Huberoy123

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Doing anything to clean up the engine compartment kinds of scares me. But, thinking of bringing it up to par with the rest of the car. Have to do it at a car wash (where I live is on a community water system and not allowed to wash cars at home.) Anyway, I'm sure I'm doing this backwards, should have started with the engine,

The roller idea sounds like a good plan.

I had the top down today and the 303 application looks great. It does accent the wrinkles as you're bringing the top back up. It all smoothed out when it was fully in the up position.
I just cleaned mines. I use a damp cloth with laundry detergent to wipe it down, and spray the hoses and plastic with Armor All. I am also reluctant to spray my engine. I had a friend who was an engineer who sprayed his regularly. Said it wouldn't harm anything.
 

Laga

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Ideally, you should not use anything more powerful than a garden hose when cleaning an engine. On a modern car, just avoid the air filter, if exposed. Everything else is safe.
If you want the engine to have a finished, detailed look, try a product called “Pig Spit”. It is in a spray can. Easy to apply and does a great job. 7C30ECEF-7035-426E-B8FF-B01261DF7EB0.jpeg
 

Ret

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OK, the best I've been able to do is take these pictures this morning. I think rather than use the car wash sprayer I'll try the garden hose and simple green. May get yelled at for using community water put I never wash my car here, always take it to the car wash. A little concerned about the power of the car wanes tearing something loose anyway.

Thanks, Huberroy123 & Laga for your input.

Feel a little silly showing you guys a dirty engine, but this is what I'm starting with.

Dirty Engine.jpg
 

Ret

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Here it is. Simple Green and garden hose. I am going to find some of that Pig Spit that Laga recommended. Better, but a long way to go.

Then, took car to car wash and washed the whole thing and cleaned all the windows with alcohol. Now, I need some alcohol
Clean engine.jpg
 

07 Boss

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Looks good. Just a little tire shine or that pig spit to brighten up the plastic and rubber and that shit will look brand new.
 

Laga

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Unless you really like the glossy tire shine, that eventually turns brown with brake dust. Try “Rubber Care” on the tires. Leaves a true black natural finish that doesn’t attract brake dust.

DDEDA765-C0DD-4388-8F8F-4290933A5F24.jpeg
 

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