Help please - 2000 Town Car w/cloth carriage top

Batt4Christ

New member
I want to help a fellow at church out with his older Lincoln.



The paint itself isn't a disaster, but his cloth carriage top is... All sorts of stains and discoloration from being parked outdoors here in the hot Arkansas sun (and humidity, and trees).



What products would you guys recommend to try to clean up and then protect this top (assuming it survives the cleaning!)?



I would go out and take a photo, but it's raining and the top is much darker, thus partially masking the discoloration and staining.
 
It's not a convertible top - it is one of those covers - like the old vinyl tops that were the rage for a while.



This type of top (though the car in question is black):



Carriage_Top.jpg




Or is that top treated the same way as a convertible?
 
Vinyl fabric or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is covered by a thin layer of plastic. To keep vinyl fabric soft and flexible, manufacturers add agents known as plasticizers to the raw PVC. A major function of the topcoat is to hold in these plasticizers, which otherwise would quickly evaporate. If the topcoat is damaged or degraded, plasticizers begin to escape leading to embrittlement/cracking/ and ultimate failure.

It is normal for the plasticizers to gradually dry out over time. With proper care, however, this process can be slowed significantly. Always use products that will allow surfaces to dissipate heat normally.



Like all detailing task’s the correct preparation before applying the product will ensure that it works correctly, and has both durability and aesthetics.




Wolfsteins Pro-Series RaggTopp ™ Vinyl Cleaner - use to safely clean convertible tops, sport utility tops, simcon tops and tonneau covers. RaggTopp Cleaner removes the toughest roof soils and stains, retards the growth of mildew and will actually keep dirt and grease at bay. The anti-oxidant, low pH, no bleach formula leaves NO residue. The environmentally friendly & biodegradable formula will not harm automotive finishes, chrome, rubber, glass, or plastic windows.



Wolfsteins Pro-Series RaggTopp Vinyl Protectant - use on vinyl and sport utility tops, truck tonneau covers, as well as the rear window on all convertibles.



Application - rinse top thoroughly to remove loose contaminants, spray evenly over wet surface and scrub lightly with a soft brush or towel; allow tough stains to soak for 10 - 20 minutes before lightly scrubbing. Rinse top thoroughly and allow to dry completely before applying protectant



Vinyl Renovation



Faded vinyl has to be the most difficult to restore; they resist most restoration attempts as most products either wash away or fade. Vinyl on modern cars and SUVs that present the ultimate challenge, re-dying can be both time consuming and expensive.



To renovate and to accomplish long lasting renovation repairs on ultra violet (UV) faded, scuffed, or scratched black exterior trim, moulding, mirror covers, door handles, etc. without replacement or repainting This system is long lasting and can be applied without the use of specialized tools, these products are not dressings that will wash off after a short period but rather is an actual dye that can last from 6 - 12 months.



Vinyl is only semi- porous, since it cannot readily absorb a dressing or protection; the products remain vulnerable to the elements. Water- based polymer products however, form a molecular bond and provide a longer lasting matte finish, similar to the OEM. Solvent-based dressings have more shine; they will permeate the surface due to its solvent content, but can be removed with detergents and pressure washers. Vinyl and rubber restoration products contain dyes that can stain the paint surface, so they should be removed before they are allowed to dry.
 
Batt4Christ said:
This top is some kind of fabric.



Landau top



This type of roof finish is often called a “Landau” top after the city of Landau (Germany), where convertible carriages were first produced..These carriages had a long, curved metal functional hinge on the side of the landau top. The Landau top was popular in the 1920 and 30’s and often have trim piece reminiscent of the long, curved metal hinge found on a functional landau top. The fabric of a Landau roof is fabricated from a vinyl fabric that is covered by a thin layer of plastic, which is then stretched over a fibre glass mould that is then attached to the vehicles roof
 
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