Solara Convertable and Car Wash

Diane64 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 06:26 PM

I got a 2006 Solara Convertable about 2 months ago. I live in the North East. I don't have a garage and I don't have access to outside water. Has anyone taken their convertable through a car wash. What do you use to clean the top?
Thanks!!

bear1jake2 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 02:51 PM

I have a 2004 Solara convertible....I always take my car to be hand washed & they never put soap or anything on the rag top...it still looks brand new. Bear1jake2

Tundraspv · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 09:32 PM

Our 04 has been through a car wash several times, and has been fine. And the roof has never been treated with anything after the car wash. It is my other half's car. What can I say?

PXLpainter · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 03:19 PM

Hand car washes should be fine - just don't drive through the gas station car wash or you will get leaks.

raydeni · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 07:15 PM

Why leaks? Just because of the water pressure? Anyone have issues with leaks during winter? Also, noticed that only the drivers door has a key entry. Any issues with frozen doors? I live in the northeast and winters can be rough.

PXLpainter · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 07:29 PM

It has to do with high-pressure water aimed upwards at weird angles. Check out the owners manual as I think is says in there. Regular hand-washes usually only apply downward pressure.

I have had tiny leaks using the coin-op pressure hose, but very minimal and I wipe it all down afterwards anyways.

Jeff

coal miner · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 07:30 PM

Its really not a good idea to run your rag top through an automatic car wash. It cost 2400 bucks to replace that top plus labor. And you are not suppose to use any strong or commercial soap on the top as used in a car wash as it dilutes & washes away the scotch guard that is impregnated into the top. Read your owners manual.

PXLpainter · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 02:34 AM

This seems to be one of the biggest topics in all the forums about the Solara convertible...

Here's the link to a place that sells the product "Ragg Topp":

http://yourautotrim-store.stores.yah...cleanprot.html

I just ordered some and should get it in the next week or so... it's a little hard to find and I don't know anyone who carries in in retail stores. I'll take pics before and after and report how it works.

Jeff

Black&Tan · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2007, 08:57 AM

So, Jeff, how did the Ragg Topp work?

PXLpainter · #10 (**permalink**) 09-14-2007, 03:33 PM

Good! Top still looks like new!

coal miner · #11 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 08:46 AM

I wouldn't rish taking it thru an automatic car wash. If something goes wrong goodby rag top. The owners manual recomend no high pressure washing & strong soal on the top as it will wash away the protective coating on the top. If it gets a spot use plain soap & spunge & let the suds do the work. Read your manual. Manzi in New Jersey

janh · #12 (**permalink**) 11-24-2008, 11:01 PM

OK, I'm looking at a 2007 solara convert. To quiet my hisband's fears: is it warm enough in the winter? And does it leak in the rain?

se2006 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-25-2008, 06:56 AM

Only if you put the top down in the winter and the same for leaks. NO, NO and again NO to your questions.

labountyphoto · #14 (**permalink**) 11-25-2008, 10:54 AM

ragg top works great. get it at We Are Car Care -- Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers & Car Accessories Store.

PXLpainter · #15 (**permalink**) 11-25-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janh

OK, I'm looking at a 2007 solara convert. To quiet my hisband's fears: is it warm enough in the winter? And does it leak in the rain?

Cold? Depends on where you live and whether the top is up or down!

It has seat heaters and of course a regular heater. I know people that live in Chicago with a rag top and no probs.

No leaks for me and mine is almost 3 years old now.

Jeff