the top on the 67 galaxie is in need of cleaning and i am nervous not knowing how to proceed without maybe doing something wrong. in my mind it is in nice shape with no rips or tears and it fits really snug. i have no idea how old it is but the rest of the interior is in mint shape for the year. just needs a real good detail cleaning. i can't see the top being original due to the year of the car and the shape it is in.
any tips would be appreciated. if its going to the body shop looking like i care due to it being cleaned up it might give him some inspiration that will make him care also. hint-hint
I always cleaned my convertible tops with Fantastic or 409 cleaner, using a soft scrub brush. I would then put some watered down Armor-All.....Full strength made it too shiny. Same with the interior vinyl.....Dont know if thats good or bad, but it kept the material soft.
I'd cover it with plastic after cleaning if it's going to B/shop as it will get covered in BONDO dust ETC. It will still show that you 'care" while trying to keep it clean!!!!
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While I don't recommend doing this, it worked for me. I had a 67 Dart GT convertible with a white top that was about 3 years old. It was stained with something that made it look old and drab, and it bothered the hell out of me. I was willing to replace the top so I had nothing to loose. I scrubbed it using a high grade lacquer thinner, thinking it would destroy the vinyl. Well, it didn't !! The top looked like brand new, and it never cracked later on. Maybe you could try it on a corner that is not seen.
White vinyl convertible tops I've used the whitewall tire cleaner and a soft scrub brush with good results. Also used simple green with good results For Stayfast or cloth tops I use the Ragg Top cleaner and protectant, excellent stuff. Ragg Top makes a vinyl cleaner and protectant but I haven't used it.
I use Fantastik and a scrub brush it works great, I buy it by the gallon at Cosco. I use it to clean my tires also, white walls and raised white letters. Rinse it thoroughly, I then protect the vinyl with a product ( can't recall the name) I got at the Marina, specifically for vinyl.
Danno love the Dart you should still have it.PS when you get that top cleaned tell us how it turned out.
That top will never come clean now !! I sold that car quite a few years ago, and the the garage that it was stored in burned to the ground with the car in it.
I'd take a bit of caution with the Fantastic guys, it is pretty corrosive with older paints and even aluminum trims etc.. Try starting with a well wet down top with water then a good stiff bristled brush and Spray Nine, work in circular motions, you may be amazed...Rinse very good afterward with water again. Been doing detailing and filthy trade ins for my whole life, Dad has been a used car dealer since 1949.... I grew up without a paper route, there was more money to be made searching the back seat of some old Shriners big whisky stained Cadillac,ha,ha...
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I would second the Spray Nine, Marine Clean from POR 15 is good to and is bought in concentrate so can be diluted. Please do a indiscreet test ! If not sale the car to me :)