My top is 10 years old and I want to get some life out of it before I decided to go glass or hardtop within the next 2 years. As many here, I was constantly wondering the best method of maintaining and restoring the soft-top was. After much research, I came to this conclusion and my outcome was just as I expected - great.



Supplies

• Forever Black - Black Top ($20)
• 303 Fabric/Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner ($8)
• 303 Aerospace Convertible Protectant ($8)
• Misc. MF Cloths

BEFORE:

As you can see - showing major signs of discoloration, semi-cracking, and dryness.













WRAP IT UP

The Forever Black is a "dye" so to speak that gets absorbed into the vinyl top and is made specifically for vinyl. I searched a lot of black vinyl convertible restoration kits and this one seemed to get really good reviews. It is VERY stainable, so do be sure to wear crappy clothes and tape up everything you don't want to turn black. I may have went overboard, but you get the picture.





PROCESS

STEP 1 - 303 Vinyl Cleaner - It's too simple to do this process and the outcome is big time. I had a lot of what appeared to be "rusty water colored" spots in my soft-top and I couldn't get rid of them with a normal soapy wash. I applied the 303 Cleaner and the spots were gone.


STEP 2 - FBB - It

 

great report!!
and nice top job
you can keep it looking like that with the 303 protectant-


put a full car shot in this thread and pm me for a badge- you are clearly one of us wackos !!

----------
your garage looks like mine- except that i only have two bikes...

 

i will def do that, i got 2 more write-ups to submit in ref to plastic restoration and whatnot. ill just a shot once i go with a mass detail next week.

just ordered $240 worth of detail products


my garage is filled with 2 many toys, im actually selling all 3 bikes and the quad as we speak. well 1 bike down, 2 more to go. making room for a waverunner and HOPEFULLY a new bike.

garages


oh and btw - how often do you use the 303 protectant? it really adds a damn shine to the whole top.

 

I use 303 once a month or so, depending on sun exposure. You can use it on your plastic trim, too, like around the windshield wipers.

 

guys, where can i find this 303 cleaner and protectant ?
i live in seattle, WA i'm tired of trying to find it.. everyshop that i went to dont have them (except schucks autosupply but they only have cleaner, not protectant)
any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

Ive seen where people have got their tops to be completly black, like as black as the car. how do you go about that?

 

bump

 

 

You kind of have to be lucky to find some. I found some a couple months ago at the local Shucks (Renton area) but they were almost out. But more often than not, I can't find it locally. The other (and usually best option) is a boat shop. There is Boater's World in Southcenter...I think it's still there anyway...across from the mall near Target. But usually the boat places will have it.

Best bet is to order it online...or use 303 as the cleaner and then Raggtopp as the protectant.

 

good job. i need to do this soon.