67 Vinyl top exterior restoration, seat covers

[Thomas W.]

Earlier this year, I restored the exterior of the white convertible top on my 67 using a product made by Rubnrestore. My top is a replacement top that was installed in 1983. The original white color was slowly fading and the vinyl surface was becoming somewhat stiff. I used 4 thin coats of Marine White protectant letting each coat dry for 24hrs. I used a small sponge to apply on almost all areas and a small brush in the very tight spots. It was easy to clean up the white color that found its way onto the weather stripping using a damp cloth with mild soap. I had excellent results, color coverage is great and the vinyl feels soft and healthy now. I used this product on my white vinyl seats 4 years ago and the seat covers have maintained an excellent appearance and feel.

This product is water based, used for vinyl and leather surfaces, has a very long shelf life (in my case over 4 years so far) and is offered in a wide range of colors. Custom colors can also be made upon request.

https://www.rubnrestore.com

[Tom M.]

How much did you use to rework the top?

[Thomas W.]

I think a 4oz bottle would be enough for the top. And you do not need the "clear prep" finish step. Not using the clear prep on the final coat keeps a satin finish on the top. I actually purchased an 8oz bottle and my first project was the seats and seat backs. 3 coats on each. Then I did the top and after both of these projects I still have about 2-3oz remaining. My top really soaked it up quickly but it was dry. My first coat on the top did not cover evenly but the follow-on coats really dialed it in. I recommend starting with the overall top side surface first. Finish it completely with the multiple coats. Then you can fold it as needed to cover the base of the top surround including the area that makes contact with the windshield frame. I used two small pieces of wood wrapped in towels to raise the front portion of the top from the windshield frame and this made it easy to use the sponge down the front edge of the top. I used blue painters tape to cover the weatherstrip along the base portion in the rear.

Finally, the support team does not recommend the use of any off the shelf "protectant" sprays when the work is done. They recommend maintaining the finish with mild dish soap and water only.

Tom