Interior Soft top maintenance

[EatenByLimestone]

I was looking at my 7 this weekend and the soft top (Bestop) was starting to show some wear and tear/sun damage. I got to wondering if there’s any preventative maintenance we could do to keep them around a few years longer. I’ve got some waterproofing spray (Starbrite waterproofing) that seems to be working well on a boat cover. I’ve been thinking about trying it on the top. It’s only been on since this spring, so I don’t have any long term data, but it’s still beading the water. Do any of you do any sort of maintenance on your tops?

 

[TSB8C]

Mine stays inside the workshop most of time when not being driven, and I have covered parking at work. But mine is a daily driver, so it sees a good bit of Houston sun 5 or 6 days a week commuting to/from the office and during other trips. Now whenever it's going to be outside the shop in the driveway or out camping for a few days at a time, I have a cover over it. It's a "Big Ant" cover from Amazon. My Bestop (black) gets ArmorAll (original formula) about every 3 months or so. My top is now over 5 years old and still looks brand new.

 

[Belizean]

Mine is probably 25 years old but not used much. Mine is mainly rolled up neatly on the garage floor. ArmorAll maybe every year or 2. I wash when needed.

 

[jzak]

I tried to put my old Bestop on in the cold day, and it ripped right through. Total loss. If you're planning on putting the top on this winter, definitely keep it warm inside for a couple days before. Also AmorAlling it like crazy could help. Especially if it that black crush material.

 

[Belizean]

It’s hard to put a top on below 50. If it’s cold out I can get mine part way on, then go drive around and let the engine get hot and run the heat for a little while then drive into my small garage and that area will heat up enough after about 15 minutes and the top heats up enough to stretch to snap it up.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Hmm, I never thought about Armorall. I saw it as more of a canvass type material than vinyl. Maybe mine is really old and can use lots of it, lol!

 

[TSB8C]

Bestop actually makes a cleaning kit for their tops. It's on Amazon and other places. This does tops, clear windows, seats, etc. They also sell individual bottles of cleaner as well. I've never used it, so can't speak to quality or effectiveness. Must be stout stuff as it says to avoid direct contact with your skin.