conv top
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine TX
conv top
my conv top has become very fogged up iv tried everything to clean it so i can see thru it again the back window that is anyone have any ideas on cleaning it or rin into this problem?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 1
From: Naples Campania
This eventually happens on almost every single cloth top out there. The problem is, the fogging is micro cracks from both being beat up going up and down as well as heating and cooling from being in and out of the sun. It's essentially just a piece of clear hard rubber. These microcracks pretty much go straight through the panel.
Sorry buddy, but I haven't seen anything that helps with that. The most I've seen is people using the headlamp cleaning stuff on it to remove SOME of the fog and discoloration. The stuff basically melts a top layer of plastic and it smooths out when it drys. Other than that, you need a new top. Zip-Corvette's kits.
Sorry buddy, but I haven't seen anything that helps with that. The most I've seen is people using the headlamp cleaning stuff on it to remove SOME of the fog and discoloration. The stuff basically melts a top layer of plastic and it smooths out when it drys. Other than that, you need a new top. Zip-Corvette's kits.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
If we think about it, the clear coat on your car is plastic and so is your rear window. If it's not too bad I've had luck with a cleaner wax for the paint. It will have some mild abrasives in it. If it doesn't scratch your paint it won't scratch your plastic window.
If that's not doing the job then I'd be tempted to try the headlight cleaning kit. Headlight lenses are plastic and so is your window. As a final attempt you could use some machine polishing compound and a buffer. This puts a shine on your car and removes scratches and will do the same thing to your rear window. Experience will help with this step and now would be a good time to convince wife/girlfriend that you really need a Porter Cable 7424XP buffer. This tool makes it almost impossible to scratch or burn the finish on your car and should do a great job on the window with the proper compound.
I've not tried these things since I was in my early 20's (1967) and driving Spitfires. Back then I couldn't afford a new top and had to make mine last. I used the green bottle Turtle wax back then after I had it cleaned. It was preventive after that and I had no further problems. I don't guess plastic has changed.
If that's not doing the job then I'd be tempted to try the headlight cleaning kit. Headlight lenses are plastic and so is your window. As a final attempt you could use some machine polishing compound and a buffer. This puts a shine on your car and removes scratches and will do the same thing to your rear window. Experience will help with this step and now would be a good time to convince wife/girlfriend that you really need a Porter Cable 7424XP buffer. This tool makes it almost impossible to scratch or burn the finish on your car and should do a great job on the window with the proper compound.
I've not tried these things since I was in my early 20's (1967) and driving Spitfires. Back then I couldn't afford a new top and had to make mine last. I used the green bottle Turtle wax back then after I had it cleaned. It was preventive after that and I had no further problems. I don't guess plastic has changed.
Last edited by 1963SS; Jul 28, 2011 at 11:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine TX
Thanks all for the great advise im gonna give it all a try don't think i can make it worse at this point sorry it took me so long to get back to you stuck with work haven't been able to get back miss the forums ill post before and after pics of each thing i try and see what works the best as soon as i can again thanks all
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: Sublimity OR
I used Meguiar's Plastix--clear plastic cleaner and polish and it cleaned my back window up. Not perfect but better.
Purchased it at Walmart for about $4; I didn't drive my vet
to get it--took my Escape which makes no one jealous.
Kistler
Purchased it at Walmart for about $4; I didn't drive my vet
to get it--took my Escape which makes no one jealous.Kistler
