Vinyl top care

[keith88]

What if anything do people use on there vinyl tops to protect them?

[twodko]

I use Meguairs vinyl conditioner on my VT and interior upholstery. Just did it's annual
detail before the upcoming cars shows.

[bill440rt]

Clean with this:
http://www.meguiars.com/en/professional/products/m3916heavy-duty-vinyl-cleaner-16-oz/

Treat with this:
http://www.wolfsteins.com/viewproduct.php?productid=80

[ACUDANUT]

Keep it out of the sun too.

[Ghoste]

Another Meguiars user here.

[UFO]

Another Meguiars user here.

Same here. The natural shine stuff.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

303 Aerospace Protectant for me

http://www.303products.com/

[lloyd3]

So....Maguire's cleaner and then the Wolfsteins?  The Maguire's product isn't adequate?

[bill440rt]

The Meguiar's product I referenced is just a cleaner, not a protectant. Clean first, then protect. 

[Charger RT]

my 46 year old top is starting to have issues but still looks good going down the road. I use what ever product gets defected out from my wifes job. Two years ago she brought home a few bottles of some no name stuff
Tim

[lloyd3]

I can get the Meguier's at the local auto parts store (I think). The Wolfsteins I'll probably have to order.  I seem to play a never-ending game of bringing one component up to par and then needing to do something about an adjoining section because it doesn't look as good.

[Ghoste]

Yep, welcome to the old car hobby, perpetual restoration. 

[Silver R/T]

So....Maguire's cleaner and then the Wolfsteins?  The Maguire's product isn't adequate?

Meguiar's does make vinyl protectant as well. They seem to come out with new product all the time.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MEG0/G4116/N0460.oap?ck=Search_N0460_MEG_-1_2924&mn=Meguiar\%27s%28R%29&mc=MEG&pt=N0460&ppt=C0209

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Meguiars-Premium-Vinyl-And-Rubber-Protectant-/390386943258?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae4e0051a&vxp=mtr

Personally I use and prefer this product, it lasts long time on trim on my truck while it's sitting outside 365 days a year.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Meguiars-Ultimate-BLACK-PLASTIC-RESTORER-Exterior-Plastic-Vinyl-Rubber-Trim-/221427879367?hash=item338e214dc7&item=221427879367&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

[68charger440]

To bring the color back and protect it at the same time  I use the Kiwi black shoe polish. The kind that comes in the bottle with the foam applicator.   Before you laugh at the idea, think about the similarities between shoes and a vinyl top.  They both are subject to dirt water, and sun, and shoes are often made of vinly also.  I have been using it for decades and look at the picture of my avitar and you can see how good it still looks.  Instead of just shining up a faded black roof it gives it back the new deep black look along with the shine.  It also works great on my black vinyl seats and door panels.  I have had my charger since 1975 and if there was any problem with using the kiwi polish it would have shown up by now.

[lloyd3]

Makes sense. So use the Kiwi's and then use the protectant?

[RIDELIKEHELL]

303 Aerospace Protectant for me

http://www.303products.com/

Best product I've used hands done...not harmful & shine last a long time

[68charger440]

Makes sense. So use the Kiwi's and then use the protectant?

The Kiwi polish is a colored protectant so there is no need for a two step process.  It restores both the color and the shine while providing the protection all in one fell swoop.

[Ghoste]

They make shoe polish as well do they not?

[bill440rt]

He is referencing the shoe polish.

[Ghoste]

Ah okay, I was thinking it was a sideline product from them for vinyl care.  It makes sense now.

[66FBCharger]

To bring the color back and protect it at the same time  I use the Kiwi black shoe polish. The kind that comes in the bottle with the foam applicator.   Before you laugh at the idea, think about the similarities between shoes and a vinyl top.  They both are subject to dirt water, and sun, and shoes are often made of vinly also.  I have been using it for decades and look at the picture of my avitar and you can see how good it still looks.  Instead of just shining up a faded black roof it gives it back the new deep black look along with the shine.  It also works great on my black vinyl seats and door panels.  I have had my charger since 1975 and if there was any problem with using the kiwi polish it would have shown up by now.

Great idea! How many bottles would I need to do a complete vinyl top? How much time does it usually take to cover the whole top? I am assuming there is no choice but to remove the Charger emblems from the sail panel. I may try this in the near future.
Any tips would be appreciated.

[68charger440]

To bring the color back and protect it at the same time  I use the Kiwi black shoe polish. The kind that comes in the bottle with the foam applicator.   Before you laugh at the idea, think about the similarities between shoes and a vinyl top.  They both are subject to dirt water, and sun, and shoes are often made of vinly also.  I have been using it for decades and look at the picture of my avitar and you can see how good it still looks.  Instead of just shining up a faded black roof it gives it back the new deep black look along with the shine.  It also works great on my black vinyl seats and door panels.  I have had my charger since 1975 and if there was any problem with using the kiwi polish it would have shown up by now.

Great idea! How many bottles would I need to do a complete vinyl top? How much time does it usually take to cover the whole top? I am assuming there is no choice but to remove the Charger emblems from the sail panel. I may try this in the near future.
Any tips would be appreciated.

One bottle should do it with extra left over.  No need to remove the emblems. The foam applicator gets you right up against the emblems and then a Q-Tip will let you get in between the letters on the emblem. The Q-Tips will also let you clean off any excess from the sides of the emblems.   Do two coats the first time to make it look even, and wait an hour in between coats. Then after that I just do it once or twice a summer or as needed.  Make sure the roof is clean and completely dry before you start.  Be very generous with it but don't let it run.  I have also used a 2 inch square piece of foam in place of the applicator just to cover more area quicker.  After both coats are dry you can buff it with a cotton cloth, but I usually don't have to buff it at all.  Let us know how it works for you.

[mpd659]

I had an old guy tell me that he used Vaseline on his 68 Charger vinyl top to keep it moist.

Russ

[HANDM]

I knew a dude that used motor oil on his vinyl top......

[Ghoste]

I suppose any Vaseline or motor oil that soaked through would go a long way to helping prevent roof rot but it must be a mess on there. 

[randy73]

To bring the color back and protect it at the same time  I use the Kiwi black shoe polish. The kind that comes in the bottle with the foam applicator.   Before you laugh at the idea, think about the similarities between shoes and a vinyl top.  They both are subject to dirt water, and sun, and shoes are often made of vinly also.  I have been using it for decades and look at the picture of my avitar and you can see how good it still looks.  Instead of just shining up a faded black roof it gives it back the new deep black look along with the shine.  It also works great on my black vinyl seats and door panels.  I have had my charger since 1975 and if there was any problem with using the kiwi polish it would have shown up by now.

Great idea! How many bottles would I need to do a complete vinyl top? How much time does it usually take to cover the whole top? I am assuming there is no choice but to remove the Charger emblems from the sail panel. I may try this in the near future.
Any tips would be appreciated.

One bottle should do it with extra left over.  No need to remove the emblems. The foam applicator gets you right up against the emblems and then a Q-Tip will let you get in between the letters on the emblem. The Q-Tips will also let you clean off any excess from the sides of the emblems.   Do two coats the first time to make it look even, and wait an hour in between coats. Then after that I just do it once or twice a summer or as needed.  Make sure the roof is clean and completely dry before you start.  Be very generous with it but don't let it run.  I have also used a 2 inch square piece of foam in place of the applicator just to cover more area quicker.  After both coats are dry you can buff it with a cotton cloth, but I usually don't have to buff it at all.  Let us know how it works for you.

I remember way back when it was a strict no-no to use leather products on vinyl and vise versa, not sure if that holds true for shoe polish.

[68charger440]

I don't know about that, I figure if it hasn't had any ill effects after 40 years I'm not going to worry about it.  To me its just like Hewlett Packard saying that if you use aftermarket ink in their printers you will ruin your printer, when if fact it works just fine.  They are just trying to sucker you into paying 10 times the price for the same quality ink.  I have been using aftermarket ink in printers for as long as inkjets have been around, and my printers have never failed because of that either.

[Silver R/T]

Don't try and get my started on HP and aftermarket ink. I have less than pleasant experiences with HP printers.
Myself I use Meguiar's vinyl care product, they work great and not overly expensive. I can buy them at most auto parts stores around here, no need to order online and then wait a week for it to show up.

[68charger440]

Don't try and get my started on HP and aftermarket ink.

I think HP ink, airline baggage fees, and internet bundles are all in a race for the most slimy business practices!