mx5cartalk.com

As far as we are concerned there are only two types of soft tops - vinyl (PVC) and canvas. By canvas we mean all tops made from natural fibres, regardless of what they may be called (e.g. fabric, double-duck, mohair). The major visual difference between vinyl and canvas tops is that vinyl looks hard and shiny while canvas has a softer look. Be careful though because some vinyl tops have a grain applied to make them look more like canvas!

If you have not owned your car since new also be aware that your original vinyl top may have been replaced with an after-market canvas top or vice versa - most commonly vinyl to canvas.

Because canvas tops are not plastic they will absorb water and stains unless treated with a sealing compound (e.g. Renovo Canvas Ultra Proofer). Some canvas tops, particularly on newer cars, have a very thin rubber membrane bonded to the under side. This is intended as a second barrier to prevent water leaking through into the cabin. However, this membrane can breakdown over time leaving the canvas as the only protection.

The best way to check your water proofing barrier is to pour some water on a flat section of your top - it should "bead" NOT soak in. Caring for your canvas top is not difficult if you follow some simple rules.

DON'T:
Wash your top with household cleaning products or car wash shampoos
Use any products on your top that contain wax, oil, alcohol, spirits, petrol or (the dreaded) silicone - these may permanently damage your top and are extremely difficult to remove.
Blast your top with high-pressure water guns
Allow bird/bat poo or tree sap to remain on your top for any length of time as they can eat in and bleach the canvas - spot clean ASAP!

Good advice, but might I suggest that you discuss with the Administrator as to posting?


The post is good, and seems to be genuine advice, and you aren't actually spruiking a specific product.

However, from the username, and the link in the signature, it's pretty obvious that you're posting here as a representative of Renovo Australia. The forum has policies in place in relation to business accounts etc, so i'd recommend speaking with the Admin about what he says you can/cant post without being a listed site sponsor.

It wasn't my intention to "advertise" but I take your point and I am looking at sponsorship options. It's just that I get lots of questions about soft tops, sometimes from people who do really stupid things like use shoe polish (true!) on their tops then get desperate to fix the mess.

Any tips for vinyl tops in NAs? The texture makes it difficult to clean. Mine is kind of turning greyish...

303 Protectant has been very popular on MX5 NA soft-tops for many years.

On my old NA6's fabric top, you could see the water virtually soaking into the fabric. After giving it a really good clean, I used a product called Nanolex Convertible Top Sealant to seal it. The water just use to bead and run straight off. Brilliant product, lasted well.

Hi Sheeep

Best way to clean vinyl tops is to use a specialist vinyl cleaning product applied neat to the top using a brush or sponge. Allow to dry (yes, dry) then get a bucket of hot water and a medium hard scrubbing brush and scrub the whole top in a circular motion. Rinse off with a garden hose until suds are gone. Allow to dry then apply one or two coats of a specialist vinyl protector. Never use any products that contain silicone because:

Heat - A silicone glaze traps heat in the topcoat, leading to deterioration. It can also turn white over time.
Sunlight - Silicone treatments do not contain UV screening and in fact amplify UV
Abrasion - Silicone attracts dust, leading to increased abrasion
Oil-based silicone products contain solvents and/or distillates that can damage vinyl

im confused now because i was recommended a silicon based product 'CONDITION SAUCE' .
I got mine from the local chandlery as it is sold for marine applications .
I was told they sell as much of it to Rodders and car guys as they do to boat owners. .
it is soft water SILICON based and gives 100% UV protection and moisturizer for vinyl leather and rubber.

ive been using it over 1 year now with no discolouring and some minor fold cracks in my top have actually closed up a bit.
it gives a really nice OM finish to the roof,interior and leather seats.
But you must be careful near plexiglas and instrument panels.
i spray on a rag and wipe it on when near silicone sensitive surfaces.

I would avoid silicone as well- 303 is silicone free.