The Benefits and Drawbacks of Soft Top Cleaning

[ivan.turnerpd]

I was worried my 380sl's soft top was completely broken when I first got it. However, I discovered that it is in excellent condition after taking it out over the weekend. No holes, stains, or rips can be seen. The windows don't have any splits as I had imagined, however they may use a nice washing and polishing. On top of that, it smells slightly like mildew and is really dusty and unclean. As opposed to my hardtop, this one's rubber seal pieces are in excellent condition.

1). Can I use a vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle brush attachment to clean the top without risk?
2) The greatest product for polishing windows, according to my research, is Meguiar's PlastX. Is there a more suitable option that I ought to think about?

3. Can you recommend any products or methods for reducing the smell of mildew on the inside of the top, other from leaving it open and letting it air out?
4. The top borders that are closest to the car's body are somewhat folded up, which is rather unflattering for a woman. How can they be straightened out?
5. From what I can tell, some people have tried using 303 waterproofing spray on their soft tops, and the results have been all over the map. Is it a worthwhile endeavor?

Much obliged

[emma.brooksoi]

This is straight from the handbook for the gadget. Once, when storing the top incorrectly for a few days, I got the curled edges. I soaked the coiled edge while the top was still up and then pressed down on it to let it dry. Loss of curls. If your top is original and has been stored for a long time, it can require more time on yours.

When I park my car in the garage with the top up and the windows closed, I always have a damp-X container with me. Even in the garage, the amount of moisture in the air within the vehicle is astounding.

[jaydensilvaxq]

When left in the sun for a time, curls will become more straight. First, I use a vacuum to pick up leaves and other debris. Then, I use a sticky lint roller to get rid of any leftover lint. After that, I wash the car and its upholstery. You may get a soft top package from Chemical Guys that includes a cleaner, a soft brush, and a protector. This has kept both of my clothes looking brand new for about a year now. Hope everything works out!

[benjamin.cookca]

Plexus plastic window cleaner has been working great on my vinyl windows. I just got another one of these spray cans from a man who was really into British convertibles; the one he gave me worked absolutely great.

[ruby.petrovlm]

Some of my OG tops have shrunk as well.

Use PlastX or Mirror Glaze on the windows, a gentle detergent and a firm brush on the canvas, a hose to dry it while it's up, a vacuum or lint roller to pick up any loose fluff, and finally, 303 to drown it.


Be careful not to get any plastic polish on the canvas, since it might be difficult to remove.
The mildew will probably be a thing of the past after the 303 has been waterproofed; it takes a few weeks for the material to completely air out. The 303's additional benefit of somewhat easing the canvas made it easier to set up, but be patient with the flipped-up edges; they're not going anywhere.

Since it is a pain to lock the back hook after it has been stored for months, I have taken to putting the top on if the car is left parked for more than a few days. It dripped water and whistled, and you could still see a tiny bit of daylight beneath each rear corner until you slightly tightening the vertical cable in the rear window helped get it entirely closed and down.

[gracebx]

That's OK, just vacuum the top.
If it's dusty and stinky, it's probably better to wash it using soap and a gentle brush.
Because it will shrink while wet, make sure to keep the top in the up position until it has dried completely. In the future, you won't have to worry about putting it back up because of this.

To protect the surface from water, I use Fabsil Gold. Use a delicate two-inch paintbrush, I apply two or three coats. Finishes things off well as well. It will ruin the paint and vinyl windows.
The way it is stored under the soft top cover is the reason why I've seen the sides curling up. Prior to future storage, ensure that they are curled downwards.
After a period, particularly after being washed, they will curl back down.
I have no idea what to say about vinyl windows because I've never had any problems with them.