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Vinyl top care

Started by keith88, May 16, 2014, 09:19:50 AM

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keith88

What if anything do people use on there vinyl tops to protect them?
1969 Charger  Orange /black top  (1989) 360 engine stock with added xtreme comp cam and a 4 bbl  , 904 trans/shift kit , 8-1/4 rear.. with general lee accents.

twodko

I use Meguairs vinyl conditioner on my VT and interior upholstery. Just did it's annual
detail before the upcoming cars shows.
FLY NAVY/Marine Corps or take the bus!

bill440rt

"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough." Sir Henry Rolls Royce

ACUDANUT

Keep it out of the sun too.

Ghoste

Another Meguiars user here.

UFO

Quote from: Ghoste on May 16, 2014, 02:39:22 PM
Another Meguiars user here.

Same here. The natural shine stuff.

Just 6T9 CHGR

Chris' '69 Charger R/T


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.  :icon_smile_big:
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough." Sir Henry Rolls Royce

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.  :lol:

Silver R/T

http://www.cardomain.com/id/mitmaks

1968 silver/black/red striped R/T
My Charger is hybrid, it runs on gas and on tears of ricers
2001 Ram 2500 CTD
1993 Mazda MX-3 GS SE
1995 Ford Cobra SVT#2722

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.
When someone is absolutely 100% sure they know exactly what your problem is and how to fix it, it's time to ask someone else!

lloyd3

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

RIDELIKEHELL

Quote from: Just 6T9 CHGR on May 16, 2014, 06:13:45 PM
303 Aerospace Protectant for me

http://www.303products.com/

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

1968 CHARGER R/T  http://www.youtube.com/user/ridelikehell73

68charger440

Quote from: lloyd3 on June 02, 2014, 09:53:48 PM
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.
When someone is absolutely 100% sure they know exactly what your problem is and how to fix it, it's time to ask someone else!

Ghoste

They make shoe polish as well do they not?

bill440rt

He is referencing the shoe polish.
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough." Sir Henry Rolls Royce

Ghoste

Ah okay, I was thinking it was a sideline product from them for vinyl care.  It makes sense now. :2thumbs:

66FBCharger

Quote from: 68charger440 on June 01, 2014, 12:01:02 AM
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.
'69 Charger R/T 440 4 speed T5, '70 Road Runner 440+6 4 speed, '73 'Cuda 340 4 speed, '66 Charger 383 Auto
SOLD!:'69 Charger R/T S.E. 440 4 speed 3.54 Dana rolling body

68charger440

Quote from: 66FBCharger on June 09, 2014, 07:01:52 AM
Quote from: 68charger440 on June 01, 2014, 12:01:02 AM
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.
When someone is absolutely 100% sure they know exactly what your problem is and how to fix it, it's time to ask someone else!

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...... :eek2:

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.  :shruggy: