How to keep soft top clean?

[mike_nofx]

Just wondering if there is any trick to cleaning the soft top on a sierra?

Mine has mud stains all over it. Its near new too. All ive tried so far is normal car wash (I use armour all Heavy Duty wash) and a soft bristle brush.
Looks clean when wet, but not when dry.

Any tips?

Thanks
Mike

[hyzook]

Use kerosene

[Zook_Fan]

i use a truck wash with a soft brush, then shammy (spelling) the water off it, then spray the whole thing down with armour-all and work it in with a rag

[mike_nofx]

Are all soft tops made from the same material?

[Zook_Fan]

dont know mine is an Austop

[Mike E]

i got a bestop soft top and use that paint on tyre black, i used one of those sponges that you use to apply car polish and rub it on fairly thick
it goes on shiny but it dries matte you might need to do a couple coats though

[hyzook]

Are all soft tops made from the same material?

Yes and No

They are all PVC (other than the cloth tops which doesn't apply to Suzuki's) but they will differ in the backing material, thickness, UV rating, grain pattern etc. Aviod silicone based products and they will cause the vinyl to become brittle and eventually crack.

[jonno_racing]

such as the factoy 10yr old one on my suzuki

[mick85]

Austops told me when i went to see them in person to use warm very diluted soapy water and just wipe over it.

[mike_nofx]

Mine is a 'Pavement ends'. Made in USA i believe.

The material feels almost like a canvas? so mud really sticks in.

Was thinking one out of vinyl would be alright? So everything just wipes off.

Also, is there anything you can apply to it to make it last longer? Like UV protection?

Thanks for replies
Mike

[mrw82]

I use water and a scrubbing brush but take it off the car and lay it flat on concrete, you will be able to scrub heaps better! I got all the mud stains out of mine this way.

once it dries I use some spray on tyre foam, let it soak for a minute and give it a wipe. comes up better than new.

[gumtree]

i use trye shine spray but dont know if its silicon based? i will check after reading that. its works heaps well btw. oh and to clean the plastic use car polish, preferable a swirl remover grade.

[mach.25]

Koala Care degreaser available at Supercrap Auto, spray on and run over with a broom, hose off. Cannot be beaten and it cleans the clear also.
Brilliant stuff.
Make sure you use the premixed stuff and not the concentrate.