Soft top window cleaner

[49er]

 I did a search on this topic and found several "hits" from a few years back so I thought I would start this topic up again. My Soft Top is original as is the clear vinyl window. Getting ready to stow it away for the winter and want to give it a little cleanup first to get rid of a slight haze around the edges. In the past I have always used ArmorAll and it did a good job of keeping the window crystal clear and flexible but I know there are lots of new products out there now. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks

John  

[66andBlue]

Hi John,
I have used Meguiar's "Clear plastic polish" #10 and to remove minor scratches and blemishes I have used #17 "Clear plastic cleaner".
Works quite well.

[bootes]

I also have an original soft top and recently asked Bob Geco if he could recommend a product for the top. He suggested checking with Wolfsteins at www.wolfsteins.com I have not purchased anything yet but they may have something for your plastic window. I used to use Armor All on my tires and interior but I've heard a lot of bad press on ArmorAll over the last few years. Let us know if you come up with something good.

[mtoomey]

Griot's Garage sells a great plastic window polish; I've used it many times and highly recommend it -

[Cees Klumper]

Hi John,
I have used Meguiar's "Clear plastic polish" #10 and to remove minor scratches and blemishes I have used #17 "Clear plastic cleaner".
Works quite well.

2X

[Jonny B]

I have also used the Mequiars products, just be sure to protect the fabric of the top. I have used masking tape to ensure that the cleaning product for the plastic does not stain (white) the top.

[49er]

Thanks guys, I think I will give the Meguiars product a try. Back in the early 70's ArmorAll was about all there was. I used it on the rubber stuff and the soft top window but  never on the MB Tex. No problems to speak of but time to move into the 21st century:-)

John

[hank sound]

Hi John,

Watcha' getting up there in Placerville - rain - sleet, maybe a bit of white stuff? (In the late 70's, I called Tahoe City, home).  

Many years ago, wasn't Maguires the go to solution for aircraft canopies?   It even seemed to remove the reflective shine from scratches on the surface.   And don't forget to use "Awesome" for cleaning almost anything - - followed by "Lemon Pledge".    Those two items are pure magic, especially on any leather in the home or in the car.

Cheers, Hank

[49er]

Hello Hank,
 No sleet or snow just .38" on the rain gauge last night. We usually get an inch or two of the white stuff at our elevation (1300') every year and that is plenty:-) Tahoe had tons of it last year and looks like this will be the same.

John

[49er]

Well, after thinking a bit more about the rear "glass" I finally remembered an old trick that I had used in the past. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol! The window is now as clean as the day I brought it home. Just a small amount on a microfiber cloth took all the haze right off.
 Again, thanks for all the advise and I will still be ordering some Meguiars

John

[hank sound]

WOW, John......... ANOTHER new trick!!!     Thanks much - alcohol in hand while running down to the garage......... no wait, that's a glass of wine.......   I'l try the Isopropyl first thing in the morning!!

Cheers, Hank

[66andBlue]

Hi John and Hank,
isopropyl alcolohol is a good grime remover and if you use it only once or twice a year your window should be fine.
But any alcohol is also a solvent and too much can make PVC brittle.
I have read somewhere that Meguiars and Griot have an additive in their polish that keeps PVC soft, I don't know what it is, and that could be marketing speak.

[Wolfmann]

In the UK we have a product called Hindsight. Amazing 2 stage process, cleaning and scratch removal and then conditioning and softening agent.

Used it on my 107 which looked like it had milk spilled on it, incredible restoration to absolutely clear. Hard physical contortions if over 6' and if hood is on the car but absolutely remarkable results on a window that looked like scrap. Others I know have used it also report the miraculaous properties of Hindsight.

http://www.hindsightuk.com/

I do not have shares or any connection with the company !

S.

[tuultyme]

I have always used Plexus.  It is used on the isen glass on boats.