Soft Top Questions

I'm the proud new owner of a '99 TJ. Unfortunately I haven't done much actual off-road/'real' Jeeping yet, but I do have some questions about just taking care of my Jeep in general.

First, is it safe to take a Jeep through a car wash with the soft top on? Or should I just expect to always do a hose job?

Second, when putting the top down will I do more damage to it by folding it neatly (since, like tents, I would assume repeated folding of the same area might weaken the material) or would it be worse to just push it down and let it rest 'as it falls'?;

Third, should I use any kind of waterproofing on my soft top to keep it waterproof (which it is remarkably 100% right now--the dealer told me that's a problem lots of Jeeps have), or might the chemicals in the waterproofing actually make the waterproofing already on the top worse?

Thank you guys for your help. Much appreciated.

Reply to
Steve
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I wouldn't take mine through a car wash with the soft top. I dont think the folding matters, but do take out the back window.

Reply to
Dave Milne

I take mine through the soft-cloth car wash all the time and it is fine. I will say that my windows were slightly scratched when I got the top (it was free) so I can't comment on whether or not they would get that way by the wash.

Reply to
Dave Sturgeon

I have taken my Jeep with soft top through a brushless car wash a few times. Seems harmless though the wash only does a marginal job. Generally I wash the top and windows as I do the rest of the car with soap and water.

There is, in general, a proper way to fold the top down. The vehicle usually comes with a VCR tape that explains the proper way. You might be able to land one at a Jeep dealership. For the most part it is common sense though there are a few areas where things are supposed to be folded one way or another to avoid tearing.

I have not put any waterproofing agents on my top and off hand I probably would not recommend it.

Reply to
Blueshirts

yeah.. I take mine through a touchless wash during the winter(no brushes or rags, just water spray ).. I wash it by hand in the summer.. I thoroughly soak the windows, then use a baby diaper soft cloth to wash only the soft windows. No scratches done by me yet.

I would watch the folding, dont let it just drop.. make sure to follow the steps outlined in your users manual.

I wouldnt think you would need to use any protectants, I wouldnt..

I saw something in the QUADRATEC cat that showed a nice storage pack with soft sleeves in it to store your windows in when not in use. Good idea I think..

dave

Reply to
dave

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