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rotorwrench · 12-25-2018, 10:14 AM

Cleaning, as GM mentions, will soften fabric so that is will move again. It's been a long time since 1939 so I would be skeptical about the originality since fabric deteriorates over time unless it has been stored in the best possible environment. At least it was left up. If one stays folded too long, the creases can cause weak points on the fabric. Cleaning will give you a better idea about how well it will function for future use.

The average cotton covered airplane wing lasts 20 years if kept out of the sun but they get weak even though they are covered with dope & paint. You can push your finger right though after they deteriorate to a point.

12-25-2018, 10:14 AM	#3
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,010	Re: Preserving a cabriolet top Cleaning, as GM mentions, will soften fabric so that is will move again. It's been a long time since 1939 so I would be skeptical about the originality since fabric deteriorates over time unless it has been stored in the best possible environment. At least it was left up. If one stays folded too long, the creases can cause weak points on the fabric. Cleaning will give you a better idea about how well it will function for future use. The average cotton covered airplane wing lasts 20 years if kept out of the sun but they get weak even though they are covered with dope & paint. You can push your finger right though after they deteriorate to a point.