Protecting the Lid

EricW · Post by **EricW** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 10:24 am

Does anyone have a particular product they like for cleaning and protecting
the soft top. I have always used "Armourall" but I find that the shine does
not last long, except over the hoops where it produces a shiny line.

I read in "Top Down" that a good "Vinyl Top Dressing" is recommended, (yes
Nigel, some of us really do read it! ), so do we have any consensus as to
which one is best?

Regards

Eric

Phil McArthur · Post by **Phil McArthur** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 12:51 pm

I'm sure I have read advice previously saying specifically not to use armorall
on the soft top as it causes the vinyl to dry out and crack. Not sure of an
alternative personally I'm afraid, mine is never up long enough to clean it!

Ian Chapman · Post by **Ian Chapman** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 1:17 pm

Eric

We use a 'Mothers' product specifically for soft tops - can't remember
the name. Meguiars also do a good one I understand.

My advice is don't use Amourall on anything you love - it's full of
silicon so makes everything look lovely and shiny when you put it on
then it goes white as the other ingredients evaporate. Soft tops need
specialist products to protect and keep them lasting for years - general
purpose 'clean-alls' won't do this very effectively.

Ian

michele · Post by **michele** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 1:22 pm

Skite.
The guy in Repco told me the same and sold me something with silicone in it,
although I didn't put much on it ran down my windows with the first hint of
rain. Been too scared to use anything incase of causing damage.
Keep Smiling
Michele

michele · Post by **michele** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 1:28 pm

Please try really really hard to remember, I have been everywhere in Taupo and
cant find anybody who knows anything. I think I will have to try a city.
Keep Smiling
Michele

Wayne · Post by **Wayne** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 2:03 pm

Suggestion - go to www.mothers.com/products/ then click on 'Special Care'.
Have a look and a read. When I purchased my car from Wellington the hood
looked grey and faded/weathered. A clean with Mothers Convertible Top
Cleaner and a monthly coating of Mothers Preserves Protectant and the hood
looks as new. Remember to get that protection and waterproofing the product
must have some content of silicon emulsions. If the area between the hood
and the screen frame are leaking, adjust the hood clamping brackets. Also I
coat all the door, boot and hood rubbers with Preserves Protectant, it keeps
the rubbers soft, waterproof and stops that 'creaking' sounds caused by body
movement, (well not so noticeable in an MX5 but very noticeable in a
4x4/RV - large body and large rear doors in particular). Check the front
pillar rubbers as they have drains down the centre of them, also I learnt to
have both doors open (or windows down) when putting the hood up as the
friction between the rubbers and the glass can cause the rubber to fold back
a little and then the split/hinge position holds that fold up.

Leaking problems are few and far between down here in Southland - must be
all the fine weather.

Cheers for New Year

Ross Bryon · Post by **Ross Bryon** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 2:13 pm

Do NOT use Armourall (penetrating vinyl preservative) or similar - or
waxes - on vinyl convertible tops! (that's the strongest advice from
both the manufacturers and installers of our lids).

See the Care & Cleaning page from the Robbins Auto Top Company website
for more info...

http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/

I use a product that I got from Al's Upholstery (Auckland) -- a club
sponsor and advertiser -- when he installed my new top. It is "303
Fabric/Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner". Comes in a 32 fl oz spray bottle
and is made by 303 Products, Inc, Palo Cedro, CA, USA (
www.303-products.com ).

hope this helps,

Ross Bryon
Ampersand Design
ross@ampersand.co.nz
Tel 64 9 376 1670
Fax 64 9 376 4009
Mob 64 21 376 167
BRG V-Spec 1991 Roadster

On 31/12/2003, at 1:28 PM, Michele Tunnicliff wrote:

[...]

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 2:19 pm

Try this...

http://www.ehl.co.nz/Merchant2/merchant ... de=Special

Grant.

michele · Post by **michele** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:05 pm

Yeah right, perhaps you haven't lived there long. Thanks for the info, have a
good new year.
Keep Smiling
Michele

michele · Post by **michele** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:09 pm

Just want say thanks to everybody for all their help, it has given me
something to work with now that the rain has stopped. Have a happy and safe
new year.
Keep Smiling
Michele

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:16 pm

Ice doesn't drip, only water. If the temperature is too low, you risk
damaging the vinyl roof when you raise or lower it.

Grant.

EricW · Post by **EricW** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:26 pm

Thanks Fellows (and fellowesses)

The Armorall has gone West! We use Mother's products for everything else,
don't know why I did not think of it myself.

Have a really great, and especially a SAFE, New Year.

Looking forward to catching up again in 2004

Eric & Ann

Ian Chapman · Post by **Ian Chapman** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 1:40 pm

Michele

The product we use is Mothers Preserves Protectant - it was recommended
to us as good for interior and exterior surfaces - it gives the top a
nice 'clean' look. We also use Mothers Plastic Polish to get rid of
plastic window scratches - got rid of all but the deepest scratches and
even made them less visible. Only thing to remember is get someone to
support the other side of the window as you polish as a bit of elbow
grease is needed.

Sorry for the delay - I couldn't face work emails in the early part of
my holiday!!

Let me know if you need any more info

Ian

michele · Post by **michele** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 3:28 pm

Thanks Ian, there has been a lot of great feedback in regards to Mothers, and
am getting right onto it.
Keep Smiling
Michele