Vinyl top love?

[knucklehead0202]

So my vinyl top has seen better days, but I think it's still got some time left. There is a small amount of cracking, but most of it is still fairly supple, just wondering what I can do to extend the life a bit more.

Also, one of the crappy drive-through car washes douched it with some crap that kinda stained it a really shitty color in spots. Basically, I need to clean it up really well and then condition, or protect it somehow. I'm new to the world of vinyl tops so any help would be greatly appreciated. I figure in a year or two i'll get the old gal repainted, as well as a new vinyl top and such, but for now it's just not in the offing. I leave it to the experts, and thank you in advance for any and all responses.
adam

[87Topaz]

Bobby has used 303 Aerospace on his vinyl top and we know how particular he is! You have probably seen photos of his '87 GM and how nice it is.

[SeanP]

I used Meguiars #40. Worked great on mine. It was 10 years a barn queen, and the blue vinyl had a nice yellow/green haze to it + bird/vermin stains. A wash and a liberal application of this brought it back to true blue supple and soft. A few applications may be necessary to work it in. Take your time and you'll get good results. I just sprayed it on and worked it in with a rag.

[knucklehead0202]

Thanks guys, once I figure out how to get that shitty orange tinge out from the stupid spray 'n' wash i'll hit it with the good stuff. Simple green may be the answer to getting that crud out. Hopefully it's not too harsh and won't damage the vinyl.

[sly]

+1 on the 303 aerospace.

[mercurygm88]

I always used a 2 part cleaner/protectant that I got at the local O'reilly auto parts on my '88. I believe it was a Meguiars product but I can't remember for sure. The top was mint when I got the car and still looked as good when it got totaled back in April, during the nearly 4 years I had the car it was never garaged. I don't know what the original owner used on the top but they also never garaged the car, I've been told not to use Armor All as it will crack the vinyl, though the experience of people I've know personally has been that that is not true.

[DerekTheGreat]

I think the big myth with Armor All stems from it having alcohol in it, it would dry out the very surface it was supposed to protect. I put their tire shine stuff on the LTD's top and it looked great, until it rained. Then it ran down and slobbered up the paint, didn't hurt it none but it was messy. Look at the ingredients, if it contains any sort of solvent it's no bueno. Should have polymers and silicones in it to protect rubber/plastics. I don't think anything armor all makes has alcohol in it any more although I haven't bought anything other than tire shine from them lately. Ash ordered a can of the 303 stuff and I'll be putting that to the test with my '88 TC.

[mercurygm88]

I think the big myth with Armor All stems from it having alcohol in it, it would dry out the very surface it was supposed to protect. I put their tire shine stuff on the LTD's top and it looked great, until it rained. Then it ran down and slobbered up the paint, didn't hurt it none but it was messy. Ash ordered a can of the 303 stuff and I'll be putting that to the test with my '88 TC.

Yes Armor All is mighty oily stuff, I've seen it run even without rain.

[DerekTheGreat]

Yes Armor All is mighty oily stuff, I've seen it run even without rain.

I really like their white gel tireshine stuff that you have to wipe on with the supplied sponge thing but damn, it does go everywhere. If you have to drive the car right after applying it take a damp towel with you because the excess will end up all over your fenders & quarter panels. Ultra nice shine but if your tires have those tiny nooks and crannies you have to really work to get it in there. I started buying the mequiar's aersol spray stuff but it gets everywhere too, especially if there's even a HINT of a breeze. Shine doesn't last either. However, the car wash I go to uses this purple watery looking stuff but damn does it ever provide a good long lasting shine. Dude wouldn't tell me what it was exactly otherwise I'd have some by now lol.

[tjc78]

You can't buy it, well at least not easily. It's called "Speedy" by Ardex, hands down the best product out there.

[DerekTheGreat]

Thanks dude! Going to try to look that up later...

[87gtVIC]

I too use 303 aerospace protectant for my new vinyl top

[DerekTheGreat]

How long have you been using it and how often do you apply it? Do you think it actually helps?

[87gtVIC]

I used it immediately after it was installed back 5 years ago now. About once a month I use the product. It helps keep it clean and provides a nice scheen to the top. Feels like new still to me.

[DerekTheGreat]

Word.