protectant for top

[oldforder]

My new to me 29 Tudor has a very new top on it. I assume it is some sort of cloth backed vinyl. It is the stuff sold by one of the model A suppliers, I think probably Mac's as I got some other new parts with the car and they were from them. I want to know what is a good product to protect this material from the elements for long life. I want something that I can go to wal-mart to buy and not have to order on line. Even though this car will spend most of its life in the garage, I think I would like to put some protection on it. Unless they best thing is nothing.

[SeaSlugs]

Im curious as well - keeping it out of the sun and extreme cold of course is good for any top but i dont know what actual protectants people are using. original tops (or remnants of) ive seen turn to a very very hard crunchy plastic.

[Bill G]

I am curious too. A former owner put a new top on mine several years ago, so it is not brand new, but not in bad shape. I displayed the car at a street fair and the top was looking rather dull and dried out. I used some of the tire shine stuff on the tires and tried it out on the top. It shined it right up for the day, but promptly turned dull again in a few days. For all I know that might not have been the best thing to use, so I am eager to find out what is best and what to avoid.

[JDupuis]

I don't put anything on the top material.
I used tire shine once, never again. Got caught in the rain. And the tire "protectant" bled all over the paint. Was a hell of a mess to clean the paint after.
Just wash the vinyl with clear water now and then. Soaps will dry out the top material leading to premature cracking. As most of us have a covered space to park our cars, this is the best we can do. I know the 30 plus year old top on one of my cars will far outlive me, and I'm not that old.
Now you guys with side curtains; never use soap on the clear plastic. This will also dry them out, causing yellowing and not able to see through them anymore.
They can be cleaned up by waxing them with car wax. And softly buffing them. This will extend the life of the clear plastic windows.
This is what I do. Hope this helps. Jeff

[rocket1]

I have never treated the top and canopy top on my ccpu and it looks as good as the day I installed it,I would not put anything on it.

[WHN]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Unfortunately, the best way to keep everything on you car in good shape is to keep it out of the sun.

Paint, top, tires, interior, all greatly effected by sun light.

We even use car cover in garage. Enjoy.

[JOHN CT]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KN...9QL&ref=plSrch

This is what I use. It’s for boating. It doesn’t run onto the paint. I apply it once a year and it last.

M

[chap52]

Originally Posted by JOHN CT

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KN...9QL&ref=plSrch

This is what I use. It’s for boating. It doesn’t run onto the paint. I apply it once a year and it last.

M

I have had good experience with this product also. Never ran onto paint. Even use it on the spa cover. Chap

[Dino's A]

303 is good stuff. Use it all the time on my Challenger R/T vinyl stripes and it make them look great.

[machineman64]

I use a product from Groits called Black Vinyl Top Reconditioner, it seems to do a good job. Their item no. 15570.

[Tacoma Bob]

I'm with machineman64. I'm lucky as Griot's flagship store is minutes from my house. Black Vinyl Top Reconditioner works well on my top which must be close to 40 years old. I use Meguires car wash soap to wash the car usually once or twice a year. I then treat the top. Looks brands new and lasts for months.

[rosenkranswa]

Sun exposure is definitely the major issue and I'll also echo the Griots recommendation. I use their Vinyl Dressing product not only on the top, but also vinyl interior panels, seats and other things like the trunk cover and wheel covers. Good stuff.

Unless the car's really dirty, like a portion of a tour is on a dirt road, I tend to use their Waterless car wash and Speed Shine products.

[jwilliams81]

I use 303 as well

[captndan]

Originally Posted by jwilliams81

I use 303 as well

^^^^^^^^^

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

This should stir the pot.

I have used ArmorAll on my 28 Tudor top and tires since 1986. Still looks great.
Of course the tires have been changed a few times in 100,000 Miles.

Richard
Anaheim CA

[Tacoma Bob]

damn the luck............After bragging about Griot's Black Vinyl Top Reconditioner it appears to have been discontinued. I just went to their flagship store and the sales gal had no clue. I have sent an e-mail to fact check or if they are offering a like kind and quality item. I do have some 303 that many swear by so I may give it a go.

[Tacoma Bob]

Just heard back from griot's garage. They did discontinue the Black Vinyl Top Reconditioner three years ago due to lack of demand. He did hint that if the auto enthusiast's respond they would be interested in bringing it back to market. I used this stuff for the past few years with no harm to the top or paint. Nice even sheen, not slick and a nice rich black..................heavy sigh.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

I use macs top dressing. It works good for several years, but don’t get it on the paint. I drive my car a lot sun and rain.

[V4F]

I have used this with good results . when I lived in the high desert (snow/ice) this kept my top like new .......... steve

mac's
Part #: 28-52332-1
Alt Part #: RSP21438
Price:
$14.49 ea.