Getting ready to pull the trigger on a turbo. Since I live in So Cal I have always have had a convertible. For the rag top owners who lower their tops on a regular basis how long do you think the top will last before replacing.

Let me state I'm a lazy bastard so treating the top will be rare. As a example I have a truck that I have washed twice in the 2 years since I bought it ( it's my surfing / karting / hunting) ride.

My current convertible is 8 years old and is now sporting a small tear in the top that is being replaced.

The life of the top will not be the ultimate factor in securing the car but food for thought.

Thanks in advance.

 

my guess is no less than 10yrs. It will also depend on how much you drive the car and whether it's in a garage all the time. If you have it parked outside a lot(at home/work), the sun will take its toll on the top.

 

Thanks, will be stored in a garage. When driven the top will be down, but have no problem driving it in the rain. Hoping the top dries quickly after a rain.

 

Is it possible to replace the fabric top? If so how much does it cost to put a new fabric on?

 

Yes, the fabric on my '99 C2Cab was replaced. I think the fabric job is about 3k but maybe less by an indy.

I'd suggest that you simply keep it clean, don't store it top down, and treat it only once/year with Porsche top protectant or similar. That is all that is required.

If you leave bird poop all over it for a long time it may impact it, as would sap from trees. These things need light cleaning from time to time, but nothing major.

99 C2 Cab was five years when canvas replaced (due to pucker in old plastic window against canvas)
04 C4S Cab - never a problem (glass window), treated once/year
09 Turbo Cab - still new, nothing to note

 

i think 5 yrs given if u wash it only when the car is extremely dirty. why not have the car washed or detailed by someone regularly if u dont want to do it yourself?