Original Vinyl top preservation

[GEORGIA CUDA]

Hi everyone,

I posted this question on Moparts.com, but it was three pages back in about 2 hours so no one saw it.  So now I have come back "home" to post it here. I purchased an original owner '67 GTX (I know it is not an E-body!) with original paint and a perfect black vinyl top.  Does anyone have suggestions on how to clean and preserve the original vinyl?  Also, should I be concerned about the vinyl shrinking if it is in the sun after being stored for many years?

Thanks,
Jason 

[Super Blue 72]

  I'm wondering the same question.

I was told that Armor All actually dries out vinyl and makes it crack.  Is it true?  (Sorry, not trying to hijack thread. )

[Rev-It-Up]

I have also heard that about armor-all.  I quit using it a long time ago and switched to McGuires vinyl stuff.  So far it works great!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I remember back in the 70's(the last time I had a vinyl top), there was a paste like product to preserve it. I can't remember the name of it, but I'm sure it's no longer made. Basically, sun is your worst enemy here, especially if the vinyl is that old.

  Mike

[4Cruizn]

So what your vinyl roof really needs is some SUNBLOCK!  j/k     

[Rev-It-Up]

One problem I have had with some vinyl protectant products is that if it rains or your wash your car, the residue (milky and watery) comes off onto your paint and dulls it a little.  So far, Meguiars hasn't done that, so I've stuck with them.  Here's a page with all their vinyl products.  I don't know about this company, but they had a listing and description of all the Meguiars vinyl stuff for you to read. http://www.detailsupplydepot.com/scripts/depot.exe?pgm=dsd29-10.bbx

[mopar-or-no-car]

Armoral IS definaltely terrible!! I use to use it on my dashpad. The pad was perfect! I stopped using it for just a little while then it CRACKED!! real bad!! Once you start that stuff you need to use it religiously!!  as far as vinyl tops go my ex use to use baby oil! but it was garaged all the time! The top always looked great and never cracked!! I know it sounds wierd but it seemed to have worked! he rubbed it on the top with a cloth and it soaked in and moisturized the top!!  just my wierd 

[GEORGIA CUDA]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have a buddy who has a NCRS '67 427 Corvette with a hardtop that has black vinyl and he uses KIWI black shoe polish.  He says he rubs it in and buffs it off, just like it's his wingtips. I also remember seeing that trick in a Corvette show prep book somewhere.  Has anyone else ever tried it?   I also saw something called Ragg-Topp, but I think that it is more for vinyl convertible tops, but is it really any different?

Jason

[Rev-It-Up]

I would try to find something with some uv protection.

[Total BS]

Back in the seventies I used black shoe polish on the vinyl roofs and tires religiously. It worked out well then.  We also used to use that clear liquid floor wax. I think it was Johnsons. BUt I don't think I would try that today.

Check in a boat store or on the web for Marine Vinyl Protectants. They have a lot more sunscreen than standard vinyl protectorants.