Hi, just got an iroc 89 with a somewhat newer top. I live in az and want to know how to keep my top looking new for longest period of time. Mainly i am concercned that if i leave the top down for long periods of time days/weeks will that ruin the plastic window? There are times where we have good "top down" weather that can last for weeks, but i dont want to risk ruining the top if i keep it down.

lastly is there a video somewhere showing me how to properly put it up / down? the owner did not show me and i just don't want t o break anything.

This is a great question. I am anxious to see the replys. I have a 20 year old aftermarket top that still looks great on the outside, but the inside (no headliner) is badly faded and flakey. Plus, it leaks badly from many areas of the top....even in the center where there are no tears and it looks flawless from the outside. I assume I need to re-waterproof it, but I have not researched how to do that yet.

I aslo have an 89 vert and i have had the top down for extended periods with no ill effects on the window. only thing i have found useful is when putting the top down make sure all the folds in the top are straight with no wrinkles and press it all the way down so the cover can latch without hitting it. other than that just keep an eye out for areas with visible wear and try and prevent it.

ok good tips. thanks.

I have sprayed top protectant on mine and I think it did a great job.

I use and recommend these products.

http://www.wolfsteins.com/index2.php

Properly storing the top is probably the most important things you can do.

Leaving it down and covered, esp in desert areas, will probably prolong its life vs setting out in the sun. Garaging the car is best also.

I think the top and plastic window on my 89 is factory original which is interesting since the car lived in Sun City, Ca for most of its life. But probably garaged. The top has lasted better than the paint. LOL

I would uses a product that they make for jeep soft tops buy best top, they work extremely well.
http://www.bestop.com/index.php?a=28

enjoy

thanks, ill look at the protectants. Is there something i have to do to get the little pointy stick to go in that hole (my that sounds sexual..). i put my top up, but I am able to pull the back of it up where that little stick is, and lift it off the car where it attaches. Is there something i missed to lock it down in the back?

How to put the top up/down has been posted many times here. A "search" will find you tons of info. Like this for example . . . https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...-top-down.html

I think a good protectant from water, dust, etc... is a must! However I personally feel that a vert should never be your primary car. Even if you have some occasional rain in your area. Any type of exposure to bad weather over time its going to damage your top, slowly but surely.

I'm lucky for now that I have a garage for my toy. That was a big reason why I was ready to buy a vert. I doubt I will ever drive it in stormy weather especially in sunny CALI!