How Convertible Top Works?

Convertible Top

A convertible automobile is a type of car which has a retracting, folding, soft or collapsible top. If the top is made out of metal, its called as a retractable/removable hardtop and not a convertible. A convertible top is made from a flexible material, such as vinyl or canvas, and is designed to fit over an articulated folding frame which is made out of steel, aluminum or rigid plastic. An electrical retraction mechanism can be designed to fold and unfold the frame which is also known as a power top. 

Before a manual top can be lowered it must be un-fastened from the windshield frame before its retracted. A convertible automobile in Europe is known as "cabriolet" and a retractable hardtop is known as a "coupe convertible" or "coupe cabriolet". Convertibles are desired by many because of the look and the adventurous feeling it gives the passengers while driving. Presidents and celebrities are featured riding in convertibles for the added exposure and easy access.

How To Take Care Of Convertible Top?

Convertible Top Care

In our daily work as detailers, we are not exposed to convertible tops far less often than other vehicle surfaces. Even so, maintenance of convertible tops is relatively straightforward. They may seem fragile at first, but with adequate precaution can be kept looking as new as the rest of the vehicle.

There are two primary types of convertible top material--canvas (i.e., "rag top") and vinyl. If there is windowing, it is usually made of plastic and less frequently glass. Maintenance of these surfaces, as with all vehicle surfaces, is part of a systematic approach to detailing the entire vehicle.

It is always a good idea to check the owner's manual on the vehicle for manufacturer's recommendations regarding care of the top. Also ask the customer if he or she recalls any specific instructions from the dealer. (Please note that doing so does not show knowledge weakness but instead, if done with confidence and authority, demonstrates that you are a professional who is not afraid to conduct appropriate research so as to properly maintain this customer's vehicle.) This information, combined with your general knowledge of vehicle surface maintenance, will allow you to do the job correctly.

First, lets talk about the inside of the convertible top. Check for accumulations of dust, especially in the folds and corners near the back of the soft top. This can be removed by a vacuum with a duster brush attachment, compressed air, or a damp towel with just a hint of your favorite all-purpose interior cleaner. Also wipe any rods or rails that might be part of the top's frame. Clean any window according to its composition--if glass, just as you would any other window glass. However, if the window is made of plastic, special care must be taken as this material is easily scratched. I recommend using just a damp, clean chamois (no chemicals!) followed by a smooth (not terry) 100% cotton cloth, ideally flannel. (Note that most window cleaners are not recommended for clear plastic.) If there is heavy grime on the plastic window, use a cleaner specially designated for clear plastic.

Somewhere between cleaning the inside and the outside of the top, open the top and clean the surfaces that are unreachable when the top is up (covering the car). These surfaces include the rear window deck, which sometimes is a painted surface that can be waxed, as well as plastic and vinyl panels that are often ignored in maintaining these kinds of vehicles.

The method to use for cleaning the outside of the convertible top depends on the material with which it is made. During your detail prep wash, vinyl tops can be cleaned with a medium strength dilution of all-purpose cleaner and a scrub brush . Often, vinyl tops have an accumulation of dirt and grime that needs to be scrubbed off using repeated steps. Be sure to spray down the entire vehicle first to reduce the likelihood of the cleaner streaking down the painted panels of the vehicle. (Also, be careful with your brush around plastic windowing--any brush will scratch this surface in an instant!) This kind of strong cleaning of a vinyl top should always be followed by an application of dressing.

Canvas tops are actually easier to maintain than vinyl tops. Usually, it is sufficient to wash a canvas top using a mitt and the car wash formula that you are using on the rest of the vehicle. In the case of stains like bird droppings and others, use a mild dilution of all-purpose cleaner and start with a soft brush. If the soft brush does not adequately remove the stain, go with a medium brush and scrub lightly. It is unlikely that even the strongest all-purpose cleaners will cause immediate damage to a canvas top, but in the case of stubborn stains, it may be wise to explain to the customer that the stain can be removed but not without weakening the fibers of the canvas. Let the customer decide which is more important--no stain or the longevity of the top. Canvas tops require no dressing, although dressing will not harm the top, especially if you consider that most canvas tops are constructed of nylon (plastic) fibres.

Clear plastic windows that are not so clear any-more can often be polished back nearly to their original transparency. Considering the cost of replacing this kind of window, not to mention the safety issue of driver visibility, the retailer can make a hefty profit on this type of service. There are clear plastic cleaners and polishes that, combined with careful use of a small-head random orbital polisher, can produce amazing results.

Finally, if the customer complains of squeaking or rubbing noises emanating from the top, use your favourite dressing to lubricate the seals, grommets, and other places where the top joins the frame of the vehicle.

With a small amount of caution and common sense, maintaining convertible tops is a simple part of the detailing process.

Convertible Top

Initially when convertible cars began to be manufactured they were made with only two doors. The production of convertibles boomed in the 1950s to 1990s. Owning a convertible car was more of a luxury at that time and was only used for special occasions. These tops have been made more durable. A plastic rear window has been replaced by heated glass which improves clarity. Structurally the vehicle top is the most important part of the car, the frame or chassis of a convertible car is built more rigid to keep the vehicle from flexing during normal usage. Convertible cars usually weigh more than fixed roof cars due to the added material.

The automatic convertible top system involves electric motors, switches and sensors, while the latching and unlatching is performed automatically.

Best Practices

• Observe the top while in operation if any irregular motion or snagging occurs its an indication of a malfunction.

Basic Maintenance

Its recommended that a convertible be hand washed, special vinyl cleaners are available for cleaning vinyl tops. Wax should never be applied to a convertible top, soft tops should be protected using scotch guard and can be softened using a liquid fabric softener. Do not use an abrasive cleaner or cloth on plastic windows, they can scratch the plastic surface. Avoid retracting the top when wet to avoid mold which can lead to discoloration. The top should always be free of objects, even a small item such as a beach towel can damage the top structure.