Convertible top

[CrashTest]

Meguiars Dash and Trim Restorer on a vinyl convertible top? Yes/No (1993 Mustang. Nothing exotic)

Been using Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant but it only lasts about a week and will not withstand even 1 washing.

[Murr1525]

Re: Convertible top

Well, Natural Shine is an interior product.... could be the problem.

I would want something more dedicated to the exterior. The Ultimate Protectant Spray could be a good option, or even the regular liquid (I think this says dash and trim on the label, so maybe the product you meant), or even the Gold Class Trim Detailer.

[Stangfan]

Re: Convertible top

It's not a Meguiar's product, but I use Aerospace Protectant 303 on my white 90 Mustang convertible top. I put on a good coat after the top is cleaned, let it sit for at least an hour, and then go over it with a microfiber to remove the excess.

[CrashTest]

Re: Convertible top

Well, Natural Shine is an interior product.... could be the problem.

Then perhaps Meguiars shouldn't recommend it for convertibles in their FAQ section on their website.

[Murr1525]

Re: Convertible top

I know some of the Rx recomendations get odd sometimes as well.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Convertible top

Ideally you want a water based product for this type of application, but the problem with virtually of them is that they will tend to wash off rather quickly. With the advent of our Ultimate Protectant a lot of that has changed - UP is still water based but it contains specific polymers that allow it to bond to the surface much the same way a paint sealant bonds to paint.

Proper application is important though - you want to very thoroughly clean the surface with something like M39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner or even a bit of dilute glass cleaner. That should effectively strip any remaining protectant off the surface and prep it for accepting Ultimate Protectant. UP should then be applied sparingly, and thoroughly worked into the surface and then be allowed to dry fully. If you have to come back and wipe off any excess then you've applied it much, much to heavy. There should be no wipe off needed, and it will dry completely dry to the touch.

With proper prep and application you'll get much better longevity out of UP than from other water based dressings.

[fredcandetail]

Re: Convertible top

Wait... Are we saying Natural Shine or UP for the convertible TOP??? I would have never thought this and would have thought these are for interior vinyl etc not fabric tops... Please clarify

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Convertible top

Wait... Are we saying Natural Shine or UP for the convertible TOP??? I would have never thought this and would have thought these are for interior vinyl etc not fabric tops... Please clarify

We are talking about a vinyl convertible top here, not a fabric top. Obviously you would never use a vinyl treatment on a fabric surface. A vinyl top on a convertible can be treated like any other exterior vinyl, and it's going to pose the same potential issues with regard to product run off when using water based dressings. So, while Natural Shine is indeed perfectly fine for this surface (ie vinyl), it may not be the best choice for this application (ie exterior vinyl). That's why we made the recommendation for Ultimate Protectant.

Unfortunately, at the moment we don't have a canvas protectant (M71 from our Marine/RV line was cancelled a couple of years ago - lucky for me I have a few cans at home for use on my canvas convertible top) but if you're looking for something for that material, then RaggTopp makes an excellent product.

[JonH]

Re: Convertible top

I love Meguiars products, but I have found nothing to compete with "RaggTopp" convertible products. They have a cleaner and a protectant. Long lasting. You won't be sorry. Great on fabric and vinyl tops.