convertible top

[toe]

Hi guys I'm fixing to detail a solstice,very small two seater.I noticed the convertible top just isn't as black as it should be.Is there anyway to get that jet black color back outside of just washing.

[Carfire]

Re: convertible top

Maybe use APC to clean and prep the surface.
Then use GC Trim Detailer/Hyper Dressing, or maybe ASD.

[akimel]

Re: convertible top

Is it a fabric or vinyl convertible top?

[yalerd]

Re: convertible top

Is it a fabric or vinyl convertible top?

Identifying the material will change your method of cleaning and protecting

[Michael Stoops]

Re: convertible top

If top top is vinyl we would recommend our M39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner for deep cleaning as needed, and our M40 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner for routine maintenance. Both of these products are from our Mirror Glaze Professional Line and therefore are not usually available at WalMart or even your average auto parts stores, but NAPA Auto Parts usually stocks these. Just be sure to apply the M40 in a thin coat and after about 10 minutes or so give it a good wipe down with a clean, dry towel to remove any excess product from the surface.

If the top is canvas then we would recommend M71 Canvas Cleaner for deep cleaning the top and M72 Canvas Protectant as a follow up. M71 doesn't even need to be rinsed off - you can spray it on and then agitate it with a folded microfiber towel or even a soft brush (lightly, of course), wipe it off and let air dry. Both of these products are from our Marine/RV Line and should be available at larger boating supply stores such as West Marine or Boater’s World. These products were designed for use on canvas bimini covers on boats that are subjected to extremely harsh conditions and constant exposure. Because of this they work wonderfully on cloth automotive convertible tops.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: convertible top

Like Mike said, you need to find out if your top is vinyl or what's generically referred to as a canvas top. From memory, I'm pretty sure the top on a Solstice falls into the canvas top category.

Check out this thread,

Canvas Top - Convertible Top - Which products to use?


And this thread,

1966 Rambler Extreme Makeover - April 24th Open Garage Pictures & Comments


Products used...
Canvas Cleaner - To clean the vinyl material
M4016 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner - To protect the vinyl instead of the M7221 Canvas Protectant.

[toe]

Re: convertible top

thanks for the info guys and yes it is a canvas top srry for not including that.The canvas top was what had me stumped.

[DAC17]

Re: convertible top

I just got a Mazda Miata with vinyl top. I assume #40 works best for cleaning/protectant? Any other thoughts?

Thanks.

[Murr1525]

Re: convertible top

#40 is a mild cleaner, so it is good for mild jobs.

If you needed more, you would use APC or #39 first, then #40 to dress it.

[CieraSL]

Re: convertible top

Is the convertible top on an '02 Ford Mustang convertible made of canvas or fabric?

[94BMW325CIS]

Re: convertible top

Mustang tops are vinyl so like Mike said use M39 and M40

[CieraSL]

Re: convertible top

Which would work better on a vinyl convertible top: M40 or 303 Aerospace Protectant? I have both.

[Tuck91]

Re: convertible top

Which would work better on a vinyl convertible top: M40 or 303 Aerospace Protectant? I have both.

I would use M40 Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner. I came across the same thing on this Ford Lightening, I was going to use All Season Dressing but I figured M40 would be more appropriate. It was actually pretty dull and dusty before but liberal amounts of M40 with a terry cloth followed by a foam applicator pad worked very well.

[akimel]

Re: convertible top

Which would work better on a vinyl convertible top: M40 or 303 Aerospace Protectant? I have both.

303 is reputed to possess exceptionally strong UV protection and good water repellency. For these reasons, it is used by many whose convertible tops are made of vinyl. I use the Raggtopp cleaner and protectant myself.