Dutchie_in_Mobile

Okay, this is my first post here. So a couple of (probably typical) newbie questions.
I bought mine a little while ago (about two months) but haven't had a change to get on here enough to post...
Anyway, I have a 2004 40th Anniverary Edition "firetruck" red (what's the official name for this type of red?) with a tan leather interior and tan top. I will post some pics later when I have a chance....
It looks like the previous owner has had the top down when it was wet for there are mold/mildew looking stains in the top. [:@]
Can anybody tell me how to get them out and then from there on keep the top treated (what product and tools) and looking good?
Also I found some chips and scratches and so on the paint job. What is the best way to take care of those? And where would I get the best matching touch up paint? Ford, or anywhere else?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Eric


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zoomo6

I use formula 303 it's a great product.

PAINTEDPONY

I use nothing

PistolPete

I have used nothing on mine yet, but going on 2 years now with this daily driver and it still looks great.
I heard Armor All can damage the fibers in the top.

awakeinAZ

I use raggtopp!

Chef

armor all works fine, save your money

Abom

My first convertible, so no idea how to take care of the top. So far it's hand washing with a wash mit and automotive soap.

I'm hoping to be able to park it under a roof before winter hits, I don't think the top will like -40 degrees [&:]

Mez

Cleaning:
My tips .. only wash it every 3-4 washes most of the time the top will stay pretty clean .. if there is a little bit of dirt .. just spray it down ... but when washing I just use a normal wash mit .. nothing fancy.. i tend to buy a new mit every month to keep it clean for the paint etc ... and I used turtle wax concentrated car wash soap.. never had issues with their car soap

For the Vinyl Top Car:
Iuse F21 protectant .. I use it every wash esp after the washes I actually clean the top... I apply with an old cloth diaper ... and i spray on the cloth and then wipe ... get a nice shiney coat ... let dry .. repeat .. and you're good .. I tend to wipe the top down 2-3 times a week with the rag .. it usually stays damp .. if not give it a spray or two .. I use the same rag so it just stays with the protectant ... its to keep it looking fresh and to keep the dust etc off of it .. I honestly have people come up to tell me how good the top looks all the time .. i just say TAKE CARE OF IT haha .. but F21 is my favorite protectant .. its cheap and works great ..

btw .. never store your car w/ the top down always park it at night with it up ... and again .. just take care of it !

MustangSally99

Hmm, I'm confused. I thought they were all vinyl.

So my '99 GT is vinyl, but my '01 Cobra is canvas?? I've been treating both as vinyl, using ArmourAll or other vinyl cleaners/protectors.

7upedition

I'm thinking Ragg Topp is the way to go... gonna order some real soon!