What's best product for treating a soft top?

Body, Paint, Interior and Trim questions and answers

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NMX516
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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby NMX516 » Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:12 pm

Aerospace 303 is the only way to go :) Some Autobarn stores sell it, but make sure that you get the version for vinyl, not cloth. They also make a good cleaning product for "step 1" when doing the roof. These can be bought in a twin pack too.

Also available from Waxit - http://www.waxit.com.au/products.asp?cat=39
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Stu
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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby Stu » Sat Nov 06, 2010 6:55 pm

NMX516 wrote:Aerospace 303 is the only way to go :)

x2 :mrgreen:

BadBong
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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby BadBong » Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:33 pm

Stu wrote:
NMX516 wrote:Aerospace 303 is the only way to go :)

x2 :mrgreen:


x3 :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Just make sure you don't apply it right before it rains cause it might run onto the body of the car and damage the paint.

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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby Mr Morlock » Sat Nov 06, 2010 10:42 pm

There is no unique wonder product. There are a number of products that can be used - 303 being one of them- I have been using it but it is a bit exxy. One thing you do need to do is make sure the vinyl is cleaned properly and this can be done with a brush and car wash to remove dust from the grained surface- a power washer used sensibly is very useful. I have a US book on detailing ( bit old now but still really useful) and it goes into many techniques on how to do this, You might be able to pick up something say from Amazon at a good price for reference.

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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby BadBong » Sun Nov 07, 2010 12:59 am

Or you can come join us at the detailing clinic if you're based in Syd!

http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=44541

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hamx5ter
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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby hamx5ter » Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:09 am

I had decent results from autoglym's resin polish thingo; it made my quite dirty soft-top and steering wheel boss looks substantially cleaner and darker without going shiny.

Mind you, my detailing skills (& expectations) are pretty basic..
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lea
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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby lea » Tue May 10, 2011 3:19 pm

I use the tyre shine that you buy at the reject shop on both my Jeep Wrangler and Mx5 soft tops. Works wonders and beat any of the more expensive products developed specifically for soft tops that I've tried.

It displaces water, keeps a healthy black shine, and seems to repel dirt which was a big factor when offroading in the Jeep.
I used it for 3 years on my Jeep with no side affects, and it kept it looking brand new. $3 bucks a can.

=)

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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby barfridge » Tue May 10, 2011 7:10 pm

hamx5ter wrote:I had decent results from autoglym's resin polish thingo; it made my quite dirty soft-top and steering wheel boss looks substantially cleaner and darker without going shiny.

Mind you, my detailing skills (& expectations) are pretty basic..

I keep the resin polish for the paintwork, but Autogylm do a vinyl and plastic cleaner/conditioner which I'm very happy with.

It's also brought back some plastics on other vehicles that had gone chalky and brittle.

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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby rhythmstick » Wed May 11, 2011 9:54 pm

I've used the Autoglym stuff too. I love their products.
The Vinyl conditioner has two methods of application. Spray on wipe on for matt, and leave a bit more on for glossy. However, it will tighten the vinyl just a bit. The roof didn't go down fully the first time after it dried, but totally worth it. Not greasy either.
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bootz
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Re: What's best product for treating a soft top?

Postby bootz » Tue May 17, 2011 11:48 pm

There is a naturally based product called Pearl Jam that works a treat as a conditioner. Works well on dirty soft tops.
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