I was wondering to to care for our soft top during hot days like Summer. I live in Sacramento and our summer days here can get up to 110+ degree for weeks. I understand that our soft top is vinyl and I don't want it to crack during those hot summer days. Any suggestion would be helpful. Thank you

 

303 cleaner and protectant seems to get recommended here alot. I use Vinylex myself.

Check the wash and wax forum. Lots of info there.

 

I plan to use my hardtop when the weather is too hot to get relief from top-down driving.

 

to add to this thread, I want to ask about maintenance on the soft top structure itself. Like how often to I need to lube the joints and structure.

also, once in a while when I operate the soft top I forgot to release of the of the clip that locks the soft top to the windshield (usually on the passenger side), anyone here done that? if so what problem did you encounter down the road because of it?

 

I can't answer the question about the joints and structure, but I can second 303 protectant.

It really makes the top look nice, and it is SPF 40 so it will protect it too. I use it on the top and on the interior. If you have a West Marine near you, they usually stock it.

 

Maybe I'm just lucky.

But nothing has ever been done to my top, no cleaner, no protectant, nothing. Top goes down whenever the weather is nice enough and goes back up everytime it's parked...so up/down at least 300-500 times a year (multiple trips on some days).

It's a MY00 and still original with no rips or tears.

I'm looking to replace it soon though, there seems to be some wear in some spots that could develop into a rip, and I also want to get a glass window.

 

my top has some gloss spots on it , well thats what it looks like. Like right by the bars on the outside its shiney. weird. Time to clean?

 

I thought our Soft tops were of a "Denim" fabric? Can someone post a link to the 303 protectant? I asked about it at NAPA a couple of months ago and the sales guy looked at me like I was from another planet.

 

No, the soft top is textured vinyl.

303 is the best vinyl cleaner/prep that I have ever used. It produces a deep, matte finish and prevents sun damage. I use it regularly on my top and interior plastics. Vinylex is also good, but 303 is less shiny.

I get my 303 here: http://properautocare.com/303-16.html

 

303 for sure, I myself spray it onto a microfiber, then wipe the microfiber on the top, spraying directly onto the top always seems like the messy way to get the job done.

Shinitsu grease from the Honda dealer is what I use to keep all the rubber seals conditioned.

90W hypoid gear oil is what I use to lubricate the frame joints because I have so much of the stuff. I just put a tiny bit into a cup, then dip a Q-tip into the grease and then rub the Q-tip into and around the joints. A very small amount is all that is needed.