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I recently bought a 2005 NC that needs a little TLC. One thing it needs is water repellent treatment for the canvas top, but there are patches that look oily across the front of the top. Previous owner has no idea what they are and apparently it was like that when he bought it.

Ive tried to soak it up with talc powder, wash it out with wool wash and wash it out with dishwashing liquid. No luck. I'm beginning to wonder if it might be some sort of bleed through from underneath.



Does anyone have any idea what it might be, or better still, how to remove it?

Cheers,
Scott

almost looks like grease is smeared there, or the glue underneath has seeped through (maybe on a hot day it softened and soaked in?)

Given the area its confined to, glue seeping from underneath certainly seems plausible. Will the 303 cleaner remove it? Or more to the point (not knowing anything about how the roof is assembled) is it possible to put something between the top and wherever the glue is meant to be?

Cheers,
Scott

If it is glue I would suspect that removing it may not be possible.
I've never had luck with removing stains once it's soaked through (especially glue like things)

In saying that, i've never had to do it on a softop, only shirts etc (and i'm far from an expert on fabric.....)



as far as putting anything under there, i'm not sure that would help since you'd still need to glue that part to the fabric on top and you'd be back to square one.




edit:
while I can't vouch for the 303 cleaner, I have used their protectant and it has been brilliant. (not at cleaning, but then... it's not for that)

as far as the cleaning, i'd be inclined to do a test spot clean with some dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Dishwashing liquid is very good at cleaning greasy things off (it's designed to for dishes and pans), i've actually used it to degrease an engine block.
Just make sure you test it first, since it can dry things out that you clean with it (not an issue with dishes, or an engine block, but maybe an issue with the roof)

Alternatively you could try some bug and tar remover designed for cars as a safer option.
I've used the Bowden's brand one (green bottle) on my NB roof to remove the terrible Meguiars protectant I tried once, and it did a wonderufl job cutting through the oily mess.

Thanks - have already tried dishwashing liquid with no success, and given its been there for however long the prior owner had the car I recognise I'm pushing my luck.

Will try the bug & tar and 303 cleaner - I've got nothing to lose!

Cheers,
Scott

Not familiar with the NC soft-top, but is it possible that it's been in contact with something when the top is in the lowered position.

No idea what those stains are or what would clean them (actually looks like it's been rubbing against something), but for protecting a fabric roof I've used this stuff in the past: Nanolex Convertible Top Sealant

Very pricey, but I used it on my NA's fabric roof that was faded and soaked in moisture and the beading of water on top of the fabric after I applied this stuff was brilliant.

edit: oops - posted same comment same time as 93_Clubman

Unlikely the top is in contact with anything when dropped as it folds back on itself and that part always faces up.

I'm very happy with the 303 products having used them previously on 'Sunbrella' canvas boat covers and my daughter's Beetle canvas top. I doubt this top has ever been treated.

I figure if I'm gunna remove the stain the best chance is before I treat it with a sealer.

Cheers,
Scott

I've got that staining on my brown NC softtop too. Appears to be the glue seeping through. I figure it's not recoverable ... at least not without dying the whole top. I have a spare top ready to replace it when I get around to it.

you got it, thats bleed through from the adhesive underneath. pretty common problem on the brown coloured soft tops.

people have dyed the roof black or you can find a replacement top if tis annoying

Thanks. I guess Ill just have to live with it......






.....for now :-)

At least you got an answer.
Dyeing the roof black is the only fix. Shame the cars are out of warranty else you could ask Mazda to fix it by replacing the roof.

bruce wrote:At least you got an answer.
Dyeing the roof black is the only fix. Shame the cars are out of warranty else you could ask Mazda to fix it by replacing the roof.

Happy with the answer - means no more searching for a cure.

I wouldn't hesitate to do a full spray in black vinyl dye. once masked up it would be a quick and easy job