Hey guys, I got a 2005 Mustang GT Convertible last March, which has a vinyl top. I was told (I do not know how accurate this is) that cloth tops needs more cleaning and conditioning. Do I need to do anything with a Black vinyl top? It's in very good condition now, and I plan to keep the car for a long while.
Any suggestions.

 

The aftermarket manufacturers of high quality convertible tops tell you to keep your vinyl convertible top clean by washing it frequently with soapy water. Most people use a type of "car wash" that comes in a gallon jug. This is fine.

Notice if the water beads up on the vinyl when you rinse the soap off. If it doesn't, it is time to apply a coating of protectant. Raggtop is good. So is 303 Protectant. (Don't, I repeat DON'T use Armor-All protectant. Check other protectants to see if there are silicones in them. These cause your vinyl convertible top to crack and shrink up). This doesn't need to happen everytime you wash your 'vert. The thing is, if the vinyl has lost it's repelling properties, the vinyl is susceptible now to damage from weather, sun and pollution(fallout, etc.).

Good luck. Ford turned the convertible design industry on it's ear when they came out with the '05 Stang. Great car.

 

what do you recomend for a cloth top???
I had a vinal top in my old one but i loved the look of the cloth one more. it just looks higher quality. I have white spots on some pinch points, i think its from signs of wear. Will rag tops take care of that??? or is there a better product?

 

Wash with soap. Not detergent or car wash. Let it dry. If water doesn't bead up on the fabric, apply a fabric protectant designed for convertibles or awnings.

Raggtop has a good reputation. Make sure it is O.K. for cloth tops. Another good one is 303 Fabric Guard.

The white spots on your cloth top are from wear. Not a problem. Cloth tops look richer to us because they absorb light rather than reflect it like vinyl.

I don't personally see any more longevity with cloth tops in my shop. They sure look great though!

 

so can you get rid of the white spots???

 

Probably not. The spots probably are in areas where it folds aren't they? In your part of the world are you sure they aren't from some road chemical used to keep ice off of the road.

The darker cloth tops have wear marks like this. So do the light colored cloth tops. They just are a different shade. If you are going to put the top up and down (isn't that why you bought a ragtop), there are going to be slight wear marks. Stop worrying about it and enjoy the car.

Hey, I've got an idea. If the car is still under warranty, see what the dealer says about it. They might have other ideas. Be careful though if they suggest letting them install a new cloth cover. These things are tough to install. Unless the installing shop (it usually isn't the dealer, but a subcontractor who specializes in convertible top work) has done a few, you might be shooting yourself in the foot getting a new top but having a botched top installation!

 

Yeah tried that but they said it was normal wear and tear and not covered under warranty. But either way i just picked up a sponsor from a highend detailing shop and he said hell take care of all of it.. I cant wait till he works his magic once all the snow is gone and then ill be posting pics..