Cleaning the top on a 328GTS: | FerrariChat

Cleaning the top on a 328GTS:

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Gatorrari, Apr 19, 2004.

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  1. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 27, 2004
    16,490
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Jim Pernikoff
    Not exactly a "technical" question, but I still think this is the best forum for it.

    What is the best way of cleaning the removable top (and spoiler) on a 328GTS? Can I wash it the same way as the rest of the car? It also has a dull finish, but I doubt if normal car wax is appropriate. Some sort of polish, perhaps?
     
  2. Dr.T348

    Dr.T348 Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
    1,599
    Chicago NW Burbs
    Full Name:
    Richard T.
    Good question. I always wash it with the car the apply vinyl dressing of one brand or another.

    I don't know if this is the best or even good. I will be interested if anyone has any other ideas.
     
  3. Husker

    Husker F1 World Champ

    Dec 31, 2003
    11,792
    western hemisphere
    #3 Husker, Apr 19, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
    510
    Orange, Ca
    Full Name:
    Mark Foley
    My top had a whitish haze--a product of too much So.Cal sun. Tried, with minimal success, several products like Finish 2000 and some other heavy duty automotive cleaners. At best these products improved the sheen, but didn't get all of the haze off.
    My wife had a can of "Gel-Gloss Fiberglass, Acrylic, Marble Cleaner & Polish" for use on our acrylic bathtub. Tried this on the top and it cleaned/shined like new. It seems to have a very mild polish and some kind of a wax. The product indicates that it is for tubs, boats, RVs and spas.
    The manufacturer is TR Industries, South Gate, Ca.

    Regards,
    Mark
     
  5. Eric308gtsiqv

    Eric308gtsiqv Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2001
    1,956
    Orange Park, Florida
    Full Name:
    Eric Eiland
  6. Tom S

    Tom S Formula Junior

    Jan 2, 2003
    295
    Northeast
    Full Name:
    Thomas Saupe
    Lexol makes a product called vinylex which keeps both the top and spoiler looking great on my 328. I apply it after each wash by spraying a rag and then wiping down the surfaces. I've used it for a couple of seasons now with no problems.
     
  7. cavallo_nero

    cavallo_nero Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,707
    colorado
    Full Name:
    Giovanni Pasquale
    my 308 targa top was getting to look dull and grey. i cleaned it with simple green cleaner, wiped off excess and repeated 3 times. then i went with a regular ol vinyl conditioner (finish 2000 is nice in that it has UV protectorant), and it is like new.
     
  8. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

    Apr 20, 2002
    10,676
    Worldwide
    Full Name:
    Steven
    Agreed, use Finish 2000 and, sometimes, Leatherique.
     
  9. Philippe

    Philippe Karting

    Nov 2, 2003
    68
    Brussels, Belgium
    I am simply using a product called "Tyre Gel" from Turtle Wax. Works great.
     
  10. Dr.T348

    Dr.T348 Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
    1,599
    Chicago NW Burbs
    Full Name:
    Richard T.
    I did use Groit's bumper and trim reconditioner on my top yesterday. It was recomended in one of the old threads.

    It really worked well. Top looks new!
     
  11. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2003
    3,758
    Alaska
    Full Name:
    Mule
    Remember that regardless of what product you use (the dressings, not the dye), the next time the car is wet, it will probably run some onto the side windows and doors. I have used a few different products, then driven in the rain and you can see greasy streaks down the side. Same thing happens when you wash it again, which is fine since you are washing it.
     
  12. AJS328

    AJS328 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Apr 23, 2003
    7,520
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Augustine Staino
    I did the same thing on Sunday and it worked very well. Good product.
     
  13. dogue

    dogue Formula Junior

    Sep 2, 2001
    967
    Phoenix, AZ
    Full Name:
    Terry
    I have been using Stoner Brand "Trim Shine" it seems to work rather well. Just spray on and wipe off.
     
  14. MARQ

    MARQ Formula 3

    Feb 9, 2002
    1,924
    East Coast US
    Full Name:
    Marq
    Thanks for the tip, Terry. I'm a big fan of the Stoner product line but never thought of trying Trim Shine on the top!
     
  15. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 30, 2001
    24,991
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    Jim E
    #15 jimpo1, Apr 23, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. Gary Res

    Gary Res Formula Junior

    Apr 23, 2004
    573
    Long Island,New York
    Full Name:
    Gary
    I posted that same question on another site. Never got an answer, but the Ferrari dealer told me to try "bees wax". I didn't try it yet because the car is in for service. I also called "Auto Fanatacs" and they told me to try Raggtop for Vinyl. I have used Ragtop products on my convertable and I loved it. Easy to use and keeps my convertable top looking new. You can also use on in your mats. As for the Raggtop for Vinyl, I'll get back to you in 2 weeks and let you know what I think. I also recently tried a new wax, P21S. I have 2 black cars, one red car, and one silver car. The silver car shined similiar to all other waxes I've used, but the Black and Red cars, Wow. Deep shine, easy to use, and no wax residue! The best wax I used in a long time.

    Gary
     

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