Regular maintenance of the top mechanism?

[Highlander]

Is there any regular maintenance that can be done to keep the top mechanism in, um, er, "tip-top" condition?  :jump:

I'm doing a regular service on my '07 this weekend.  I have the service checklist, but the only thing top related is:

"Maintain and care for convertible top at 20,000 miles (30,000 km) or every 2 years"

 

Since this is my first service since buying the car, I'm going to do everything I can to get a good baseline.   

[JFP in PA]

Is there any regular maintenance that can be done to keep the top mechanism in, um, er, "tip-top" condition?  :jump:

I'm doing a regular service on my '07 this weekend.  I have the service checklist, but the only thing top related is:

"Maintain and care for convertible top at 20,000 miles (30,000 km) or every 2 years"

 

Since this is my first service since buying the car, I'm going to do everything I can to get a good baseline.   

 

They are referring to retreating the fabric with a water repellant material.

[tanny02996]

On my 996 I clean all of the areas that meet the glass and windshield frame with simple green and then lubricate with a silicone lubricant.

[Highlander]

 

 

 

 

They are referring to retreating the fabric with a water repellant material.

 

 

That's what I thought.  My fabric still beads quite well, so nothing needed there yet

 

 

On my 996 I clean all of the areas that meet the glass and windshield frame with simple green and then lubricate with a silicone lubricant.

I use Gummi Pflege to condition the rubber surfaces after cleaning with a mild detergent.

 

Are there regular lubrication spots?  A little lithium grease everywhere there is a pivot point or an obvious metal to metal contact point?  Sparingly of course to avoid getting any on the canvas top.

[JFP in PA]

 

 

 

 

 

They are referring to retreating the fabric with a water repellant material.

 

 

That's what I thought.  My fabric still beads quite well, so nothing needed there yet

 

 

On my 996 I clean all of the areas that meet the glass and windshield frame with simple green and then lubricate with a silicone lubricant.

I use Gummi Pflege to condition the rubber surfaces after cleaning with a mild detergent.

 

Are there regular lubrication spots?  A little lithium grease everywhere there is a pivot point or an obvious metal to metal contact point?  Sparingly of course to avoid getting any on the canvas top.

 

 

Long before I would risk using lithium grease, I would use du Pont's spray on dry Teflon.

[Highlander]

Thanks Jeff.  I'll use dry Teflon spray. 

[JFP in PA]

Thanks Jeff.  I'll use dry Teflon spray. 

 

It is the perfect product for this, leaves a dry lubricating film that will not attract moisture or dirt, and once dry does not transfer to other surfaces.

[mcmike27]

+1 on JFP's reccomendation. I use the spray dry teflon with the little yellow hose that comes with the can for pin point accuracy and I clean my Boxsters top with 303 fabric top cleaner then I use the 303 High tech fabric guard protectant on the top. When applying the protectant use losts of old towels and 'mask' off any thing that could contact the product. Spray lightly and evenly then wipe with a damp 'new' sponge. Let it dry and it works better than any other product I have tried and it has UV protection in it. Water beads up and runs off it lasts for 2 years.  I use the 303 Aerospace Protectant for all of my hoses, weather stripping, dash.... it dries then buff it with a microfiber towel then dash it will have a light shine but it wont attact dust quickly and it has the same UV protectant in it. All of their products are amazing.