White vinyl top?

[jfkheat]

What is the best way to clean a white vinyl top? What products work best?
Thanks, James

[JChlupsa]

James,

We had this same topic over on Team Camaro.

http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/3/2724.html?

Chris Edwards did his and it turned out great. If you go to his site and then click on exterior and then scroll down towards the bottom of the page it will show you what he started with and what he ended up with. There are some other good thoughts on the topic as well from others on that post

http://www.67rs.com/macphreak4evr/

[jfkheat]

Thanks Jeff. I don't think I want to take a wire brush to my top but a stiff nylon one should be ok.
James

[budnate]

detail shops sell a stiff brush that goes on your Makita buffer...works awsome!!! saves the arms for shifting when you are done...I did not read the thread but good old Comet with a dab of water and the power brush cleaned a couple scrungy white tops around here years ago...

[427TJ]

Might wanna' be real careful with Comet washing down over your paint. Maybe mask-off around the top and cover the paint with plastic sheet? I used to use Comet with a scrub brush on white-lettered tires and it really worked, but over time it slowly took the factory clear coat off the aluminum wheels. Just a thought.

[DjD]

Check out what these guys say about vinyl...

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=allaboutvinyl

[JoeG]

Bud's right about comet on a funky top, guys did use it, but it's not something you would want to do on a regular basis--even used bonami back then and you must use a vinyl conditioner afterwards--One product I've used since my car was new was Murphy's Oil Soap--mixed in warm water for top and car. Once the top is clean I never used anything but a terry cloth rag/pad to clean and condition the top. They are correct there is a skin to a vinyl top.-----------

[Belair62]

Wesleys Bleche White works pretty good if you are careful....hey anyone ever use Kleer floor wax on their vinyl tops to make them look nice and shiny !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Mr70]

I have.
The floor wax yellows & cracks over time.

[Belair62]

Thats because you didn't strip it like a floor with ammonia !!!...used to do the tires too before armor all !!! The ammonia wasn't real pleasant to work with...how about lemon Pledge on the interior...kinda slippery but came in handy sometimes http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[JoeG]

Inside of your ride must have been like the scene in "Deliverance"--- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[jfkheat]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll give the nylon brush and comet a try.
James

[DjD]

Comet contains bleach which is very harsh. I have seen clothing splashed with bleach and not rinsed out that looked like battery acid got to it. Read the warnings on a container of "Bleach White", it's main ingredient is bleach...

I wouldn't use anything but a soft bristle brush and some soapy water or some actual vinyl top cleaner unless this was a last ditch effort to pull a little life out of an already shot top. Replacement costs are expensive and I would think you would want the top to last as long as possible. If you do use Comet or other bleach products don't get it on paint, stainless, or alum and be sure to rinse the top very well or the bleach will slowly eat away the vinyl.