what do you use on your vinyl top?

[wally426ci]

im looking for a good cleaner/polish for the vinyl top, the car was parked outdoors for the past few years and i always cleaned it with armorall but it never quite did the job i was looking for. the car is finally living indoors and i want something that will do the job right!

 

thanks! 

[MJS73]

I don't really use anything.  I don't wash the vinyl or get it wet when I'm washing the car.  I take the towel I used to dry the car and wipe down the vinyl.

Mike

[VTMopar]

Well, I took a different approach.   Mine is an original top -- and white -- and was a bit dull.   Tried some normal auto store products and finally took my wife's bathroom cleaner that contained bleach (I think it was called SoftScrub is the name, I think) and used a soft bristle brush (there's an old joke about those.... )  and scrubbed it and washed with clear water immediately after.....    It really cleaned it up nice....   After, I used a product made to "seal" and protect the vinyl top (UV protection, etc.)

Obviously, had to wash and re-polish the car afterwards too (and I was very careful not to get the stuff on the finish)

Good luck
Vermont MOPAr

[hemiken]

  Hey Wally,

Do not use what this guy is useing.  It looks to have  been eaten away by something.

[wally426ci]

funny 

if only had a gator top, that would be awesome!

[Chryco Psycho]

I was told by a vinyl guy that nothing was the best approach but what do I or he know 

[70Cuda]

I use a Meguairs product that's OK but I understand what you are saying about not getting the results you want and I've been there with the top too.

Nice alligator top picture!

[hooD]

im looking for a good cleaner/polish for the vinyl top, the car was parked outdoors for the past few years and i always cleaned it with armorall but it never quite did the job i was looking for. the car is finally living indoors and i want something that will do the job right!

 

thanks! 

My vinyl top is black.  Since 1973 I have been using the same can of vinyl top wax made by turtle wax.  What it actually seems to be is black shoe polish, the stuff in a can you put on your leather shoes and buff off with a soft brush and soft rag.  The more you buff the top the nicer the shine becomes.   

I have used armorall once or twice...I was pleased with the ease of use and the shine, but it makes your vinyl top a dust magnet, the paste wax does not do that.  With a white top, you may want to try a clear paste wax. 

For cleaning the top I suggest a mild soap solution and a soft brush to get into the tiny lines and maybe some simple green for dirtier spots.  After the initial cleaning you will be able to clean your top by wiping it with a damp rag. 

I know other members will have more great ideas, so I will be following this post closely. 

[wally426ci]

Thanks HooD and everyone else! i will try the turtle wax and i have yet to click the link above to check that stuff out.

 

[wally426ci]

HooD,
where did you find that turtle wax, i cant find it to save my life!! 

[hooD]

HooD,
where did you find that turtle wax, i cant find it to save my life!! 

I don't think turtle wax makes this product anymore.  My stuff is over 30 years old, but it still works.  I have looked for it at the auto stores too without any luck.  I'm gonna try to do a google search and see what i can find. 

[Bullitt-]

Never used it back in the day on vinyl tops but an old product that I've found to be great on  interior plastics & leather might be the ticket....saddle soap. cleans, shines, no greasy kid stuff residue