Guys, I have what looks to be specs of white paint (don't know what else it could be) on the top and is isolated to the drivers rear by the window. It is in the grain and I have attempted everything short of a solvent to remove this. Any ideas guys? I will try to see if this will show up in a picture.

 

be careful with solvents, cause they can melt your top if too strong...

it would be nice to identify the specs- but if you can not:

some "strange" things to try:

1. peanut butter- yup- i like smooth. rub a very small amount into a very small area to test. keep on rubbing and it will haze out. if it gets the flakes, go for it! if it doesnt, next:

2. toothpaste- with an old toothbrush that you will throw away when you are finished. again a very small amount in a very small area.

3. clay- be very careful and dont rub it hard, but sometimes patting or a very light rub with the vinyl with clay will do it. this is not my fav, but i have done it before.

i know i have used other products, but the above are some good weird products!!

btw, you could also try more normal top cleaners for vinyl- raggtopp for example. i am guessing that since solvents dont work, the raggtopp wont either.

can you pick the specs off of the top with your fingernail or do they seem to be embedded in the material (melted in)?

 

They are embedded in the top. Most of the specs seem tbe located along the padded area next (about an inch away) to the window. Fingernails won't budge it either. I think it even makes it worse like the top is peeling which our top does not do.

 

Try some mechanic's waterless cleaner: GoJo, etc. The original formula, not the citrus stuff. It's thick enough to remain on vertical or slanted surfaces overnight. Rub it on thick and let it work overnight.

If the paint is oil-based, this may do no good at all (but you've lost little before going to something more aggressive) but if it's a latex base it will dissolve it overnight. Wipe off the excess and rinse the residue with water.

 

uh... dave... are you kidding me? i have the exact same problem.. (same area too)...

let me know what you use to get yours out..i knwo 303 cleaner does not take it out

 

Does yours look like paint specs from a spray can with a clogged nozzle also?

 

A stiff bristle nylon brush and 303 convertible top cleaner have always worked for me.

Googone has worked for my polishing splatter.


I can come look at it.

 

now there's what its about!

the rest of us can not make that offer-
thx ubetit!!

 

yup..ubetit is one of the most knowledgable wash and wax guys i have met. he's also one of the only people the ohio guys will trust to work on their car.


here are some pics from my top

 

Looks like maybe sap or polish sling. Have you polished your car by machine recently? Did you try bug and tar remover with a toothbrush?