Best Convertible top cleaner

cholos2 · Post by **cholos2** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:56 pm

As some of you may have seen from the pics, when we picked up our 99 Cab, there seemed to be some mildew spots on the top. Whats the best way tp get rid of these aside from getting a new convertible top?

Post by **Calimus** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 5:37 pm

warm soapy water and elbow grease. I think that what they guy that installed out top told us. I'm sure my wife will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong. Hell what am I saying, she'll chime in anyway, she'll just add a lot more of I'm wrong

Post by **kuklaki** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 6:09 pm

While I may not have much knowledge with the mechanics of the cars, I really know about cleaning them

Since you are trying to get rid of ick from the previous owners, the best thing to clean the mildew off the top is a diluted mix of Simple Green/water and a soft cloth. As tempting as it is, do not use a bleach or bleach type cleaner as this will lead to drying and eventual cracking.
Once the top is clean, wash it weekly using a mild detergent (liquid car wash is fine) and a soft brush. Be sure you keep the seams free of dust and dirt-that is a big killer of these tops. Do not take your car through an automatic car wash if you can help it, but if you absolutely must, just make sure it does not run through the wax cycle. This is bad, bad, bad for the top.

Post by **SoCal_Cabby** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 6:54 pm

are there different cleaners for the different material tops?

Post by **kuklaki** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:49 am

I am working on putting together some links for top cleaners, but many of these are really not much better at deep cleaning than Simple Green, they just cost more.
As far as maintaining the tops, I'll trust my upholstry guy when he told me to save my money by not buying "special" products. He takes great pride in his work and I completely trust him on his recommendations.

Post by **SoCal_Cabby** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 10:42 am

i was just wondering if there was a difference in the care of the different top materials

Post by **Calimus** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 5:37 pm

Canvas has some specialty cleaners avail for it, but I haven't tried them so I can't say anything for or against the products.

Post by **SoCal_Cabby** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 7:39 pm

so is the canvas top the best replacement for stock?

Post by **kuklaki** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 11:20 pm

There really is not a benefit of one over the other. If properly taken care of, a vinyl top will last as long as canvas. That means keeping it clean and doing so without harsh chemicals. The top should ideally be cleaned at least once per week, and pay special attention to the seams.
Many people prefer canvas over vinyl because it is easier to care for (just spray it off) and many people prefer the look of the ragtop over vinyl.
I previously chose vinyl over canvas because I wanted a white top, which of course is not available in canvas. I got the pebble grain white, and it looked remarkable!

SammySJ99 · Post by **SammySJ99** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:44 pm

Smeone tole me to use the Mr. Clean magic erasers to clean the inside if the top... Is this the best thing or is there something better?

Post by **Calimus** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 3:10 pm

So far it's the best thing the wife and I have found. Anyone else find something better?

lowredcabrio · Post by **lowredcabrio** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:42 pm

i heard simple green works great to revive this thread. but inside of the top, i use Mr Clean.

CalAltaDubber · Post by **CalAltaDubber** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:32 am

The best upolstry shop here recommends the following:

Hot soapy water (use dish soap because it is mild); and
a good scrub brush.

Do not use any special cleaners, or protectant (like Armoral).

The silicone in the cleaners shrinks the vinal in the tops and shortens theit life. it also eats the thread in the stiching.

The answer is to scrub hard. NO WAY AROUND IT.

I would have had another five years out of the old top had we done that.