faded white conv. top

Snowed · Jan 11, 2009

Is there a way to maybe redie a faded white top. I don't really have the money for a new top right now, its not in real bad shape, it does have a small tear on the side seam but nothing major, just looking for a way to make it look more white. Thanks for any ideas

Johnnybravo382 · Jan 11, 2009

is it faded, or have mildew?

Snowed · Jan 11, 2009

there is no mildew at all any where, it has just turned like a light grew color in most spots and always looks dirty, I got the car like six months ago, I don't think the previous owner tokk that good of care with the top. but hey it runs amazing and only has 67000 on it now with a perfect body :thumbsup:

Johnnybravo382 · Jan 11, 2009

oh ok. I don't know what to do if it's faded. My top used to have mildew and that made it look dirty/faded from when I used to have to park in outside. I didn't know if you were dealing with the same problem, but it doesn't sound like it.

Snowed · Jan 11, 2009

its lighter towards the edges of the top but the further in towards the main area it turns into a light greyish color, I have tried scrubbing it with bleach but it never really makes it look white and clean, thats why I was wondering if you can re die it white, I will eventually get a new top cause of the small tear but want it to look good as I can till I can afford it cause they are not cheap

Johnnybravo382 · Jan 11, 2009

it can probably be done. I've never dyed anything personally though, so I wouldn't know the process.

I know when I replaced my top it was only about 500 dollars, which was a lot less than I expected.

Johnnybravo382 · Jan 11, 2009

Just FYI, I don't know if you just used bleach or if you used Clorox, but there is a difference. Sometimes I get calls to clean houses that have mildew on them, and all you have to do is spray them down w/ 50% clorox and it kills the mildew in seconds. But if you use store namebrand bleach, it won't work. I don't know why, but I do know it to be the truth. So if you haven't tried true clorox, it might be worth a shot, if you think it at all could be something that can be cleaned.

Snowed · Jan 11, 2009

ill give that a shot it really just looks like its more faded than dirty, but yeah it was not true clorox before so maybe that might work

Dr Fildo · Mar 28, 2009

I wouldn't use clorox, or ANY bleach for that matter. Bleach and/or Clorox will dry out the canvas - It will look great right after you clean it, but it will lead to cracks in the canvas over time. Use Spray Nine. Not 409. Work in 4 inch sections with a stiff bristle brush, and make sure not to let the Spray Nine drip down onto the paint. Rinse well with water. It'll take forever, but once it's done, it'll be easier to maintain with a little attention. Whoever invented white convertible tops was one sadistic person. White canvas is next to impossible to keep clean, especially if you park outside.

Snowed · Mar 28, 2009

I agree, they are a pain, the top started to crack on me and now as a small rip on a seem, im going to end up just replacing the top myself in the next few weeks, thinking Ill keep the white though even though its a pain, all the white convertibles around me have either black or saddle tops so its kinda nice to have something different

GREG@SN95 · Mar 28, 2009

get a black top... lol

Dr Fildo · Mar 31, 2009

The white top looks sweet if you can keep it white. I have had to replace mine every six years or so.

greenscobie86 · Apr 1, 2009

I think there is a product called RaggTop Convertible Top Cleaner, which is supposed to work wonders if used with its supplimentary conditioner...

Im sure if you google it, it can be found easily...