Dressing For Convertible Top........Or Not

[Joe C.]

What products do you all recommend for cleaning a black top from a 1965. Do you use top dressing, or not. If so what do you recommend.

The top is as original, with the fine porous texture. I used Dawn dish soap with a nylon bristle brush, which did a good job. It still has a slightly dull look, probably because it's tough to completely clean out all of the pores. I have not applied any top dressing, yet, because I feel that some types will attract dust and dirt.

Thanks in advance,
Joe

[Grant M.]

Re: Dressing For Convertible Top........Or Not

Joe,

Whereas I have a white top on my '65, this may or may not be useful to you. Also to be considered is whether you're trying to maintain the top to NCRS judging standards. I found a convertible top dressing some years back called Mirror Gloss, which comes in a small (probably 8 oz) plastic bottle. The product is simply wiped on with a cloth as evenly as possible and allowed to dry. It imparts a gloss to the top vinyl, perhaps more than is acceptable under NCRS judging standards--I don't know/don't care for myself; but the stuff seems to repel dirt and stains for a while before requiring re-application (after top cleaning). From the consistency/colour etc of the product,. I'd say there's some silicone in it, but the fact that it dries and doesn't have the greasy "armor-all" type feel is an advantage ove that type of dressing.

Mirror Gloss wasn't that easy for me to find. I bought my first bottle in FL and then spent a while trying to find it again, ultimately buying some at an auto parts store (sorry, I don't recall the name, but it wasn't a chain) in Fayetteville, NC.

Good luck!

grant

[Joe C.]

Re: Dressing For Convertible Top........Or Not

Grant:

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the stuff that was popular during the 1970's when vinyl tops were the "boss" setup. I used a similar product on my 1971 Challenger R/T with vinyl top. It was nice stuff to work with, gave the top a nice satin sheen, and dried in about a minute. It lasted for a couple weeks before reapplication was needed. I agree that it would be hard to find such a product nowadays.
No, I don't care about the judging standards. I only want to protect the vinyl, and keep it supple. I am not interested in a "glossy" look, either. Maybe just keeping it clean is enough. I realize that most of our regulars are at Bloomington right now, so I'll hopefully get more feedback after the weekend. I have a feeling that the "keep it clean and undressed" scenario will prevail.

Joe

[Wayne K.]

Re: Dressing For Convertible Top........Or Not

Joe,

If your not concerned about judging I suggest you try 303 Aerospace protectant or Vinylex. Both are easy to use an offer a sunscreen. I spray it on a micrifiber towel and wipe on the top. Has a little shine at first but after a day or two it settles down. Of the two I prefer the 303 but it can be harder to find. Many boat dealers handle 303 products. Great stuff for all vinyl and rubber surfaces.

Wayne

[Debra P.]

Re: Dressing For Convertible Top........Or Not

My top guy gave me a can of Auto Care vinyl leather cleaner & it works great. Spray it on & microfiber cloth wipe. It is made by Sprayway 484 vista ave Addison, Illinois 60101. Try your local Top shop.
If you can't find it, let me know & I will send you a can.
Deb