vinyl hard top-Mazda Miata

[Pure Luxury]

So i have been asked to clean up this oxidized vinyl top at a body shop. I have not looked at it yet. I will be stopping by this morning. Any ideas on how to clean this up as opposed to outsourcing. I was thinking to wash it down and spray the All Season Dressing. Any advise will help at this point. I want to leave them with a great impression.

[Pure Luxury]

Re: vinyl hard top-Mazda Miata

Oh yeah, it's a convertible top.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: vinyl hard top-Mazda Miata

So this is a vinyl convertible top, and NOT a hard top, right?

It sounds like it needs a thorough cleaning, and washing alone may not be enough. Some M39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner after a proper wash does a great job on vinyl convertible tops, and then after it's completely dry again you can use Ultimate Protectant/Black (regardless whether it's a black or tan top, by the way) to protect it. To make the job go a bit quicker and for deeper cleaning you can actually use a DA buffer with a polishing pad to work the M39, and then with a finishing pad to apply the Ultimate Protectant.

[Pure Luxury]

Re: vinyl hard top-Mazda Miata

Michael, thank you for the help. It is a soft vinyl top. Will this process still work for the job?

[Pure Luxury]

Re: vinyl hard top-Mazda Miata

Can you use a DA on the soft top since there isn't anything solid under it other than the frame?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: vinyl hard top-Mazda Miata

Can you use a DA on the soft top since there isn't anything solid under it other than the frame?

As long as you're sensible about it and don't use a lot of pressure, yes. Keep the tool speed setting low to start, like at 3 or so, and use light pressure, increasing a bit as you get comfortable with it. You never want to use anywhere near the pressure you'd use on paint, of course, but the mechanical action of a polishing pad with M39 will make the job go super quick. Remember, as always, common sense is your friend.