Convertible Soft top question.

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imported_CDTGaticaW201

New member
Well, I was "gifted" an '88 Mercedes-Benz 560sl...from my uncle, who's so busy that in the year he's owned it, has only had the time to put 49 miles on it, although it's tally is at 112k. The only problem is that it was cosmetically neglected, especially by my standards. There are signs of Clearcoat failure in a few small areas, the rubber pieces were extremely grayed, and almost all of the weather stripping needs to be replaced...but that wasn't the worst problem.



As soon as I got in it when it came off the truck, I noticed that it was extremely damp and smelly/mildewy inside, and I knew it could only be one thing...the owner before my uncle (never got a chance to go top-down) had stowed away the soft top in the well while it was still wet.



Today we took off the hard top and pulled up the soft top and sure enough...it still had plenty of water on it and in the well. I wiped the well down and cleaned it with a citrus cleaner, and then washed the water off the rear window with water, and even stripped the car of it's carpeting down to the metal and folexed it and whatnot...but the stench came back.





Anyone got any ideas on how to remove the smell and what products to use on the interior and exterior of the canvas soft top? Preferably OTC so I can take care of this quick. Tomorrow I move onto the exterior of the car. :waxing:
 
Its hard to say without smelling the funk! Usually odors like that can be killed with a little sunshine to really dry out the area followed by a little bit of febreez.



As far as cleaning the top goes, I like the 303 stuff, but its not very harsh and won't clean a top that is pretty dirty.
 
Try some Tilex mildew spray, the kind you use in your bathroom. I found Tilex is the best, just be careful not to get on any chrome as it will etch it! I'd test it on everything you are going to spray it on also just to be safe.
 
The ultimate question will be if the top is salvagable or not. The Tilex mildew spray suggestion is a great one, and a good scrubbin with a cloth and car wash is a great next step. Usually tops are simply fabric, so unless you see actual damage to the actual fabric, you will probably be OK. However -- a convertible top that is 20 years old is probably better replaced than anything. Unlike metal, fabric does not stand the test of time and elements well. If you get 10 years out of a convertible top you're doing pretty good.



After you scrub it down pretty heavily, you can "restore" the tops shine with a good convertible top cleaner. Look for one that adds a bit of UV Protectant as well as moisture barrier to it at the same time.
 
Thanks you guys. The top isn't heavily soiled, there is just a patch of faded area, otherwise it's still pretty black. The biggest problem is just a rip where the seams came apart on the soft top, so I'll probably put the hard top on when it's going to rain for safe measure...but I'll replace it soon, I'm just low on money.



Other than that, I don't see any visual signs of mold or mildew. I stuck one of those suction-cup baking soda things in the trunk and another in the main cabin, so hopefully that helps out. The smell isn't overwhelming, it's just a slight hint. Hopefully leaving the top down today and driving around helped air it out.



But I'll have to try out the Tilex and 303 on the top. Will both of those be okay on the inside of the top too?



Thanks.
 
Both will work quite fine inside and outside of the top as long as the inside doesnt have some goofy liner. I wouldnt bother with the 303 inside unless it's a question of appearance.



If the tear is on an edge then you can probably have it re-sewn into place too, but if the tear is where fabric doesnt meet and edge a patch will do the trick, but that's just ugly.
 
I've found that the 303 convertible top stuff doesn't really improve the appearance so much as it adds protection. I do wish it darkened the material a bit more. It does bead water more than zaino though..lol.
 
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