How to maintain the vinyl top

[Robroy]

What do you guys use for cleaning and maintaining the vinyl top?

[32kCenturion]

I use white wall cleaner with a stiff brush then armor all.

[gashog]

I use vaseline for leather and vinyl protection.
My buddies have since started using vaseline on their boat interiors.
I have used vaseline on my leather goods for years.
It keeps my motorcycle leathers well protected.
Most of my vehicles sit outdoors year round.

[Smartin]

I use vaseline as well.

[Centurion]

This is great information, guys. I had never heard of using Vaseline before, but it sounds like a great way to keep the vinyl roof soft and supple. Many of the products are said to dry out the vinyl over time.

How do you clean the top thoroughly before applying the Vaseline?

And do you simply rub the Vaseline in with a soft cloth?

Does the Vaseline bring out a shine to the vinyl?

I have heard some folks recommend using Pledge furniture polish, but I have some concerns that this one might damage the vinyl over time.

[gashog]

Dark colors require a lot less cleaning than light colors.
White is obviously the hardest to get clean,using a bleach product usually provides the best cleaning on something like a vinyl top or interior.
I wouldn't use bleach on a white leather interior,I have never had any white leather goods,so I don't have an answer to that question.
I use old cotton cloths to apply the vaseline,it will become black after use,throw it away.
The vaseline looks wet,it actually takes about a day to fully absorb into the material,I usually apply it at the end of the day and allow to sit overnight.
You wont want to sit on the interior right after you apply the vaseline unless you plan on enjoying some female companionship,followed by a hot shower.
:rolleyes: :laugh:

[Robroy]

Thanks for the replies guys,
I’m trying to adjust myself back to the European time zone today after a visit in the US :sleep: :sleep: . Going in this direction from the American east coast is not so bad actually. My check in luggage which contained spare parts for my Centurion among other things got lost on the way though…:mad: …. I hope it shows up the nearest couple of days

On an Caprice that I used to have, I used “Basta Vinyl” which basically was silicon on a spray can. I typically applied it after washing the car to seal the vinyl top for UV-light.
This product is not on the market any more, at least not where I live, so I was curious what other people are using for cleaning and maintaining the vinyl top.

In the 80’s I remember some people using black shoe polish to keep their black tops shiny

[MichelHaak]

I allready got a problem with the vinyl... Can this be repaired or do I need a new top? I've got this problem also at the other side...

[Robroy]

Try and find the kind of tailor shop that fixes cabrioles and car-interiors and consult them for advice. I doubt they can make these cracks go away completely, but you never know.

I’ve seen vendors here in Sweden that sells new vinyl tops from 170€ and up. Since the Centurion is quite big, you can probably double that.
From what I’ve heard it’s not easy to put it on yourself, not if you want it to look good.

If you decide to replace it you can expect to find some rust that needs fixing on the roof, especially around the rear window where typically many GM cars from these years tend to rust.

[MichelHaak]

Allright, maybe they can cut a piece out and glue in a new piece and try to make it water-closed... A new top is too expensive for me at the moment because I've got to take care of the rust around the rear wheels and in the trunk.