Jon O.
Well-Known Member
Today I poured a new bottle of conditioner into my waterbed. The thought crossed my mind, this stuff is supposed to keep the vinyl soft right? Has anyone here ever considered using it on their vinyl top?
Keeping vinyl tops soft
- Thread starter Jon O.
- Start date
Possibly not so much as keeping the vinyl soft and such as it will help decrease algae formations and such INSIDE of the vinyl?
I started with ArmorAll when I got my '70 Monaco in '75. Seemed to work well, but then that was about the only "protectant" back then. Many advised against that, though, back then. I DID ask about "What to use", back then.
When I got the '67 Newport (1981), I started with STP Son of a Gun. It had a more satin sheen to it and the vinyl got soft enough to press my fingernail in it. I liked it better. Not sure what new stuff is around since then.
MAIN thing is to keep water intrusion through the vinyl to "zero"!!! On the '67, what was underneath had already started to happen before I got the car. Evidenced by vinyl areas which would not get softer, for example, and a bit of discoloration (on a white top).
Just my experiences,
CBODY67
I started with ArmorAll when I got my '70 Monaco in '75. Seemed to work well, but then that was about the only "protectant" back then. Many advised against that, though, back then. I DID ask about "What to use", back then.
When I got the '67 Newport (1981), I started with STP Son of a Gun. It had a more satin sheen to it and the vinyl got soft enough to press my fingernail in it. I liked it better. Not sure what new stuff is around since then.
MAIN thing is to keep water intrusion through the vinyl to "zero"!!! On the '67, what was underneath had already started to happen before I got the car. Evidenced by vinyl areas which would not get softer, for example, and a bit of discoloration (on a white top).
Just my experiences,
CBODY67
Beep Beep Dave
Senior Member
I'd be interested to hear what product or procedure has worked for bringing an older black top back to life.
Dave
Dave
71NewYorkMan
Member
Turtle Wax used to have a vinyl top wax that worked great. When it was no longer available, I switched to Armstrong vinyl floor wax.
It drys hard and shiny, with no streaking on the next wash. My '71 top is dry and patchy looking, but this wax shines it up pretty well.
It drys hard and shiny, with no streaking on the next wash. My '71 top is dry and patchy looking, but this wax shines it up pretty well.
Beep Beep Dave
Senior Member
Turtle Wax used to have a vinyl top wax that worked great. When it was no longer available, I switched to Armstrong vinyl floor wax.
It drys hard and shiny, with no streaking on the next wash. My '71 top is dry and patchy looking, but this wax shines it up pretty well.
Thanks for responding.
How often do you have to apply it?
How long have you been using it?
I am a bit worried that a product like that would further dry out the vinyl and make it deteriorate.
Dave
I would look at the 303 Aerospace products. That is supposed to be the best UV protection product out there.
I use their stuff on my convertible top.
I use their stuff on my convertible top.
71NewYorkMan
Member
Agreed. Excellent products for vinyl that is in good condition.
I've been using the floor wax for 15 years. It lasts about a year before it starts drying out and I have to reapply it. Strong detergent spray (like 409 or similar) will remove the old wax before I reapply. UV protection isn't a problem for me, as the car is garage kept. For my badly faded top, this is the only thing that works.
Beep Beep Dave
Senior Member
cbarge
World Famous Barge in a Budget
All I use on my vinyl tops is when cleaning soap,vinegar, and warm water.
Then use Mother's Protectant. I spray it on,wipe with a microfiber towel,then buff with a separate towel to reduce the fake shine for a more natural clean look.
I do not like a shiny vinyl top--it does not look normal.
Heck I stopped using tire shine since it was not even invented when my cars were new and it did discolor the whitewalls.
Then use Mother's Protectant. I spray it on,wipe with a microfiber towel,then buff with a separate towel to reduce the fake shine for a more natural clean look.
I do not like a shiny vinyl top--it does not look normal.
Heck I stopped using tire shine since it was not even invented when my cars were new and it did discolor the whitewalls.
75LandYacht
Yank Tank
Did you buy it — if so, any update?
Beep Beep Dave
Senior Member
Yes I did try it. My top was very dry. I would say it had a certain level of success.
I would be a bit hesitant to use it again as it really absorbs into the vinyl and thus would be hard to remove if you weren't happy with the results.
I would put this closer to a last resort type cure and would try some other methods first.
Dave
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