Soft Top Care?

[jzak]

Hey Guys,
So i'm noticing the outer layer of my soft top is forming cracks at the seams. You can see the white fabric underneath. Anyway you can stop these cracks? Maybe spray the whole top with ArmorAll? Thanks!

 

[mdeluca]

Its too late by the time the cracks show up.

A great vinyl, leather, and rubber UV protectant is a product called Protect-All.

It makes old rubber, leather and vinyl look like new. It keeps new stuff looking new. It will rejuvenate, but not fix your cracked fabric.

Safe for automotive paint. I use it where waxing leaves white residue on black trim. Protects the trim and "waxes" the paint.

 

[jzak]

Thanks @mdeluca! I'll give it a shot.

 

[JimsCJ5]

Soft Top care should be a sticky. I am battling mold on the outside and the inside. Besides the bleach treatment (which worries me a little) what else can be done?

 

[jzak]

Soft Top care should be a sticky. I am battling mold on the outside and the inside. Besides the bleach treatment (which worries me a little) what else can be done?

Hey Jim! Thanks for the feedback. I feel your pain about using bleach. I had a vinyl mainsail cover for this little boat I had. It was impregnated with mold. After months of scrubbing it with several different cleaners with no improvement, I finally gave in and stuffed it in a washing machine with some bleach. When i pulled it out, it was like new. Some of the stitching came loose, but the fabric held up great. No white spots or fading. Not saying you'll have the same results, but if you're on the verge or dropping the money on a new bestop, it maybe worth a try.

 

[JimsCJ5]

Yeah, I don't think this soft top could go in a washer . It probably needs to come off the Jeep and be cleaned and then set out in the sun. I would like to figure out a way to keep it from getting moldy in the first place. It sits outside but under a carport. The top itself is almost brand new.
Just seems there should be a way to keep the mold from forming in the first place.

 

[Belizean]

Yeah, I don't think this soft top could go in a washer . It probably needs to come off the Jeep and be cleaned and then set out in the sun. I would like to figure out a way to keep it from getting moldy in the first place. It sits outside but under a carport. The top itself is almost brand new.
Just seems there should be a way to keep the mold from forming in the first place.

I would imagine if you are having that kind of mold you are describing it must be in a very damp humid area. Try cleaning it up and get it in some sun sometimes to dry it out

 

[oldjeeplady]

You can kill mold with white distilled vinegar. Put some in a spray bottle and coat the affected areas well. Let it sit for a while. You can see it work. Then rinse well and clean with mild soap like Bestop recommends. I have used this on leather. It won't harm the stitching.

 

[JimsCJ5]

Tried just about everything...

The best by far was Starbrite which I purchased for our boat. I did keep the top wet and was careful around the stiches and the windows. I just scrubbed gently with a soft brush.
The top looks like new again.

 

[Belizean]

your top looks more like a material ( mold easier to penetrate) than my top which I guess is more like vinyl ?

 

[JimsCJ5]

your top looks more like a material ( mold easier to penetrate) than my top which I guess is more like vinyl ?

It's a typical Best Top Supertop which is vinyl. Sure does atract dirt/mold though.

 

[Belizean]

It's a typical Best Top Supertop which is vinyl. Sure does atract dirt/mold though.

Mine is BT also, but the pores of the material look closed & sealed compared to yours

 

[JimsCJ5]

Mine is BT also, but the pores of the material look closed & sealed compared to yours

Really? Can you take a pic? Have you used a sealer or protectant?
Ours is like new again (except for the inside) and I'd like to keep it looking like new.

 

[Belizean]

I can't post pictures on this particular site, but if you want to pm me your number I can send pics. I just think the outside surface is different. I have put armorall a few times

 

[76cj7chick]

Hey Jzak,

I don't know if you found anything to help slow down the cracking and deteriating of your soft top but I would stay away from anything that has any ingredients that ultimately cause the material to break down and crack. (silicone is used in a lot of ragtops protectants which dries and breaks down the material)

I use and LOVE 303 Aerospace spray! It is used on boats as well as ragtops, vinyl and plastics and rubber.

303 aerospace is kind-of expensive but will last a longtime. It also has a UV protectant in it and will cause a drab black color to turn back to shiny black.

Most boat stores have the protectant or you can find it on EBay or Amazon among other internet sites.

Just a thought. Happy jeepN