From the manuf. of our tops... (archive)

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ASC Incorporate is, indeed, the manufacturer of the BMW Z3 topstack.
However, we do not manufacture the topcover material itself. This we
purchase from The Haartz Corporation, the supplier of all BMW topcovers.
It is Haartz that performs the treatments of the fabric. This treatment is
not only proprietary, but also impossible to reproduce once the material
has been processed.

The topcover material is a composite of an acrylic twill weave outer and
a finished inner lining. Although the "beading" effect that you mention
may be reduced over time, the nature of the fabric layers will prevent any
water from seeping through. There are some things you can do, however, to
lengthen the beading effect as well as enhancing the life and overall
beauty of the material itself. Below, I have extracted the recommended
care and cleaning instructions published by The Haartz Corporation on their
website (www.haartz.com/Consumer Info/Acrylic_Cleaning_Instructions.htm).

Important: A program of keeping the top clean through regular washings BEFORE it gets dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of an
acrylic top and make successive cleaning easier.

Most automatic car washes will not harm sport topping fabrics. Washes with water jets and hanging cloths are preferred. Those using
heavy barrel brushes should be avoided. Haartz recommends hand washing in the shade or partial shade, not direct sunlight.

Bird and tree droppings as well as other loose particle soils should be removed immediately. Vacuum the top with a brush attachment
and rinse the roof fabric thoroughly with water to remove these loose particle soils. This will also prevent the soils from being redeposited
during the cleaning process. Once the top has been rinsed thoroughly, spray apply Haartz� Roof Cleaner evenly over the entire top while
the top is still wet. Washing with soap (i.e. Ivory or Lux) and warm water is a safe alternative to Haartz� Roof Cleaner, but not as effective.
DO NOT USE DETERGENTS. Allow the roof cleaner to soak into the top for 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub the top lightly with a soft nylon
brush or terry cloth rag. Rinse thoroughly, preferably until no remaining soap foam is observed. Allow to dry. Additional cleaning may be
required. It is best to determine this after the top has dried completely. After drying, cleaning must be followed by re-water repelling the fabric
with a fluorocarbon system such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard . Failure to do so will result in rapid resoiling of the unprotected fabric.

The fabric itself does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from
the fabric. For these more stubborn cases, soak the fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of no more than � cup (4 oz.) bleach
and � cup (2 oz.) Haartz Roof Cleaner per gallon of water and scrub lightly as indicated above. Excessive soaking with the bleach solution
can deteriorate seam threads, so be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Rinse entire vehicle to remove all of the bleach solution from fabric and to prevent streaking on painted and chrome surfaces. Acrylic fabric
readily absorbs water but dries quickly. Several cleanings may be necessary.

Do NOT use top dressing cleaners or conditioners containing silicones, organic solvents, petroleum distillates or plasticizers that may permanently
stain the fabric. This product is made from 100% solution dyed acrylic fiber which is thermoplastic. Do NOT subject to excessive heat.

The use of stronger cleansers should be left to professionals experienced in handling this type of fabric to avoid discoloration and degradation of
the
special protective inner layer.

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