Section : Hoods and Hardtops

Soft-top cleaning tips

Posted By : Stephen Airey, 11-Apr-2005, 08:29am

I just removed the hardtop and put the soft-top back on for the summer. It is looking a bit grubby though and I want to clean it, make it look black again. I remember seeing something in Practical Classics a while back where one of the writers used something to clean up their MGB soft-top. I remember thinking - thats a good idea - but can I remember what it was - like heck I can. So, does anyone have any tips on making an old - but damage free - softtop look a bit better. (soap and water has been tried)

Followups :

Soft-top cleaning tips

Posted By : Michael Charlton, 11-Apr-2005, 02:48pm

Vinyl or fabric ??

PS only just taken top off ?
Mike
- Soft-top cleaning tips
  
  Posted By : Stephen Airey, 12-Apr-2005, 07:11am
  
  It is a vinyl rag top.
  
  The weather here in holland has been awful until this week....
  
  But yesterday - ah - top down, radio on and foot down - BIG SMILES again!!
  - Soft-top cleaning tips
    
    Posted By : Michael Charlton, 12-Apr-2005, 10:44am
    
    Ditto ,Julie
    
    Yellow label vinyl and rubber ,but there is also the Autoglym black label tyre dressing that does the same job.
    Also Autoglym do a black dye spray which is ideal for inside vinyl roof ,for fading from sun when bag is not used(also good for bringing back black to carpets)
    
    Mike
    - Soft-top cleaning tips
      
      Posted By : Jason Chinn, 17-Apr-2005, 05:26pm
      
      I use Meguiar's vinyl and rubber cleaner, outstanding stuff. Get it here http://www.seriousperformance.co.uk/ mention your a "Triumph Club" member and you should get a 10% discount
      For the plastic windows in your soft top, try Meguiars Plastx Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish - it's amazing stuff and has restored my windows really well.
      The guy runs the business from his home and is very knowledgeable/willing to chat.
  - Soft-top cleaning tips
    
    Posted By : Michael Charlton, 12-Apr-2005, 10:46am
    
    Ditto ,Julie
    
    Yellow label vinyl and rubber ,but there is also the Autoglym black label tyre dressing that does the same job.
    Also Autoglym do a black dye spray which is ideal for inside vinyl roof ,for fading from sun when bag is not used(also good for bringing back black to carpets)
    
    Mike
    - Soft-top cleaning tips
      
      Posted By : Stephen Airey, 13-Apr-2005, 07:07am
      
      Got some and did it last night - worked an absolute treat - thanks
Soft-top cleaning tips

Posted By : Julie Sewell, 11-Apr-2005, 10:21pm

Hi Stephen,

I use Autoglym vinyl and rubber care. This always seems to bring up the murkiest of hoods!!! Apply liberally and rub in with a soft cloth and then add another light spray and wipe gently to bring up a real nice shine!!!
This is assuming it is a vinyl hood.
Always do it before you wash/polish your car as I find it leaves a residue on your paintwork (easily washed or polished off tho).

Happy cleaning!!

Julie