Need help with spots on convertible top

[BatonRougeMX5]

Hi All,

A friend called and asked me to take a look at his convertible vinyl top. There was some surface dirt and dark spots. I used 303 Convertible Top cleaner and a brush to remove the surface dirt but it had no impact on the spots. We have no idea what has caused the spots. At this point he is considering replacing the top and is not adverse to trying some "harsher" chemicals in an attempt to clean it. Best case scenario, we get it clean and we save him some cash; worst case, we damage it and he replaces it anyway. As you can imagine, I'd like to do the former. Any ideas?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Pureshine]

The only product I use for tops is Raggtopp cleaner best stuff in my opinion.It should take care of that and then use the protectant after so it won't do that again.

 

[BatonRougeMX5]

The only product I use for tops is Raggtopp cleaner best stuff in my opinion.It should take care of that and then use the protectant after so it won't do that again.

I used the RaggTopp Natural Horse Hair Convertible top brush. Along with the RaggTopp cleaner, do you recommend a stiffer brush as well? I suppose in this particular situation (get it clean or replace it) using a stiffer brush is certainly an option.

 

[cartman57]

Almost looks like mold or mildew, a disinfectant to kill the bacteria then a APC might work with a stiffer brissle brush then a conditioner.
After using the other products was there less of it or stay the same?

 

[Robert8194]

Looks an awful lot like black mold to me. It can happen if the top is left down while damp. I would try to find a mold killer that doesn't use bleach. Steam would be another possibility.

 

[BatonRougeMX5]

After using the other products was there less of it or stay the same?

At this point we have only used the 303 Cleaner and the horse hair brush. There didn't seem to be very much, if any, difference. However, I may not have let it sit as long as I should have. going to give it another try allowing the product to dwell longer. If that doesn't work we'll start looking at some mildew specific related products.

Thanks for the feedback and I'll keep everyone posted about the outcome.

 

[Pureshine]

You could try some APC but dilute it first and a stiffer brush.

 

[Klasse Act]

The only product I use for tops is Raggtopp cleaner best stuff in my opinion.It should take care of that and then use the protectant after so it won't do that again.

I used their kit once but the top wasn't that bad, it was an XK120 and that stuff was great. I followed up the next day with the spray protectant and the next time I washed it, the water ran off for the most part but beaded like crazy in other spots. Give the Ragg Topp kit a try, can't hurt and is cheaper than a new top for sure.
Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online

 

[ssnobrakes]

Looks like mildew to me.............If he is willing try a Clorox bleach pen. Let it sit on the stains/stops for a while out in the sun and then use a good cleaner and rinse real well.