i just bought my wife a used mercedes cabriolet with a soft top. i dont think the previous owners had the top up much, so now the top has some pronounced wrinkles and indentations, and since it is a taupe color, i can also see marks/discolorations. i cannot tell if the discolorations are stains or what. so the questions are - do the wrinkles sort themselves out if the top is left up for a while? - if not, is there anything i can do? - how do i clean the marks/discolorations?
For cleaning I use 303 Fabrictop cleaner, but if not available in Geneva I understand that a solution of diluted Woolite can work in a pinch. Also use 303 Fabric protectant. Best to store car with top up, and keep up if not enjoying the breeze Wrinkles do come out while up, to what extent yours will, time will tell....
Don't use harsh chemicals as it will destroy the waterproofing. Woolite is gentle. The owners manual may be helpful. Merc dealer may have products they recommend. Don't park under trees. Sap and bird poop. Not good for cars and tops. I try to keep my Porsche soft top out of the sun as much as possible. But you can't keep it in the shade 100% of the time. Best
303 makes a cleaner specifically for cloth and vinyl tops, be sure to get the correct one first off. For minor dirt alone a quality car wash soap and a soft brush should remove most, if not all, the dirt. 303 cleaners/protectants can be purchased locally at any major car parts house, Boat dealer or online through places like Amazon or car detail suppliers. Another excellent product is RaggTopp, they also make cleaners and protectants for cloth and vinyl tops. Used regularly either one will clean your top and add UV protection. www.wolfsteins.com
I've used Raggtopp too in the past and its always been great. The first time you clean it, its kind of gross what comes out. I know it sounds crazy too, but I avoid any automatic car washes. Ones that touch the car for obvious reason of scratching the car, but even touchless. I feel like the chemicals they use cant be good for a fabric top. Maybe I'm paranoid...
Renovo make a complete range of soft top cleaners, recolouring dyes (sadly not in taupe though) and waterproofers. Not sure where to buy in Houston but morethanpolish.com will ship within Europe
