Cabriolet Top Solution?

I had the same problems with my top. I didn't want to wash the top (water hasn't been on this car so far), so I used an uphostery washing machine with mild soap. I didn't scrup the fabric with the brush, I just barely sprayed on the water and vacumed it off. I used to rent these machines, but I must have paid for them twice over the years, so I bought a Hoover Silver that I can also use on my motor home and furniture as well:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02085819000P


Don't use the uphoistery cleaner that comes with it as it is too acid, at least that is what I was told. I used a very mild concentration of warm water with mild dish washing soap. Though the recommendation I just got was to use Woolite. I'll try it next time. I don't care about the permeability of the fabric, as the car will not be washed or driven in the rain. And if it does rain, I'll have to live with a strainer over my head.

The wash and vacum action sucked out all the white wax from the sides and 21 years of dirt. The top looks like new now. The white stiches really stand out. The only issue now is a bird dropping that left a white stain. For that, there is a special dye from Leatherique. I was just on the phone with them about their black dye and top cover care kits. Though there is so much I need to do to that car now that I'll tackle the top in the future.

www.leatherique.com

My top is from 1987, so far no rips and not "too" dried out. The rear window vynal is pretty scratched. I'm currently looking for a mild polish for it. Next project.... after the leather restoration and dying, CB boot, fuel lines, timing belts, filling in nicks, radiator fluid, etc, etc, etc.

Do we own these cars or do they own us?


Let me know how that went.

 

Give it a shot. The machine is only $150 or you can try the Little Green from Bisset for $60. A lot less than a replacement. I have both and they work wonders on fabric and carpets.

My top looks (looked) great after the shampooing, but it is 21 years old and there are some areas that are wearing out and about to rip. Do you know how to do a preventive patch from underneath?

I was told to use Liquid Nails and some leather or thick canvas from underneath. But the only Liquid Nails I see in stores are for hard materials.

I see that you are in Monterey. I live in Palo Alto and we go to Monterey quite often. We should get together one of these days.

 

My top never touches water either, nor only goes up when being serviced to keep out dust.

DID > your cleaning, you think, take out the waterproofing?

ALSO, Every major supermarket carries FOLIO Spray non-chlorine cleaner: a must for any household. Takes out wine stains right away. Great stuff.

Try that on a small cloth and dab the area...it might just work