What would Z-2 do to a vinyl top?

S

Sad little man

New member
Just out of curiousity, if I applied Z-2 to a vinyl convertible top, would it then bead water like it does on paint so the top wouldn't have water lay on the surface and never dry, or would it screw up the top? I was just wondering if I could use any of my products on my top to keep water from laying on it, or if I had to mail order a specific protectant for vinyl tops. (Yes, I know they have them, but I'm wondering if they're necesarry. I'm thinking Zaino may make the top look kinda funny, but I'm not sure.)
 
Vinyl, comprising a multi-layer composite PVC outer layer, cotton sheeting backing fabric, a butyl-rubber inner layer and a lining fabric A cross-section of vinyl would revel raw polyvinyl chloride (PVC) covered by a thin layer of urethane, to maintain vinyl's flexibility manufacturers add a plasticizer to the raw PVC. The urethane is provided to ensure that the plasticizers don't evaporate. Once this top layer becomes damaged or degraded by ultra violet radiation (UVR) the plasticisers escape leading to embrittelment and surface cracking.



Protection of the vinyl's urethane layer is crucial to properly maintaining vinyl. Dirt and acts as an abrasive, so keeping the surface clean is important. The major cause of degradation (cracking) is ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which also causes loss of color and sun bleaching. Use a UVR protectant that does not contain silicone oils as they attract dust and dirt.



Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) stabilizers must be periodically renewed or replenished if continuing protection is to be achieved. There is no such thing as a permanent UVR stabilizer, a matter of physics not chemistry. For maximum UVR protection apply a protectant (303 Aerospace Protectant) every 30-45 days (dependant upon climatic conditions)



It is important to avoid the use of alkaline cleaners as they may soften the special waterproof adhesive used to on the vinyl seams

JonM
 
It is indeed a polymer and viynl reaqyires oils to remain 'elastic' apolymer will not provide it and it will in time crack (silicone although an oil in this case would do more harm than good due to UV lights attraction to it.



My best advice- use a 303 Vinyl Convertible Top Kit or Harrtz RaggTopp Cleaner & Protectant



Typical Vinyl Top Composition:

Double texture vinyl by Haartz, a four-ply composite comprising;

1.A PVC outer layer

2.An un-dyed 100% cotton sheeting backing material

3.A butyl-rubber inner layer

4.A 100% cotton drill lining fabric



Application Methodology:

â€Â¢Use a quality wash concentrate (P21S® Total Auto Wash) to remove most of dirt and oils from the surface

â€Â¢Shake product for 30-60 seconds to ensure even mixing

â€Â¢Treat spots with a Vinyl cleaner (303TM Fabric & Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner) and a soft horsehair brush to agitate and then remove with damp 100% Alpine DFTM Microfiber towel

â€Â¢Apply a vinyl dressing (Zymol® Vinyl Conditioner) with clean, damp applicator. This will re moisturize and condition the vinyl surface let dry and then buff it dry with a clean towel.

â€Â¢Apply a UV protection (303TM Aerospace Protectant) keep about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak, let set-up for 30-60 minutes, buff with a clean 100% cotton cloth to set the resins.



Common Stains:[/b}

Bird excrement, tree sap, road tar and grease, to remove these stains, 303r'M Fabric and Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner will lift and suspend the soil, let it soak-in (but do not let it dry) Then rinse with clean water and wash / rinse as normal and re-apply a UV protectant.



Do not use household cleaners, powered abrasives, steel wool or industrial cleaning products, dry-cleaning fluids, silicones (petroleum distillates) bleach, harsh detergents, or products with a high solvent or alcohol content as they will compromise the water resistant finish, the special adhesive used for the seams and cause the stitching to fail.

Jon
 
So it sounds like Z-2 would probably protect but not condition the top. I should just hold off on it until I get a product specifically for vinyl tops, as putting zaino on it would probably seal it from absorbing any oils or something like that.
 
Sad little man- Are the words youâ€â„¢re mumbling âہ“Thank you guysâ€Â�? youâ€â„¢ll have to speak up mumbling is very hard to understandâ€Â¦
 
Yeah, thanks. You guys are a great source of info, the only thing is sometimes I hate having to mail order a new product specifically for each part of a car. I've been thinking about it, and I think Z-10, which I have a bottle of, says on the bottle it can be used with vinyl. So I may try that and then test with some Z-2 on top of it. Assuming Z-2 doesn't make the top look funny, I still say it'll be hard to beat its durability and beading properties with any other protectant.
 
I would hate for you to ruin your top so-



Protecting Vinyl

Using the wrong vinyl "protectant" product is worse than using no vinyl treatment product at all! Avoid vinyl treatment products that contain any type of oil, have an oily or greasy feeling, contain petroleum distillates or leave a coating that dries like wax.



If a product label says "flammable or contains petroleum distillates", do not use on vinyl. Most vinyl protectant formulas were created in the 1950's. They contain silicone and were developed for interior (dash) treatments almost all are cosmetic dressings, they do not contain any modern ultra violet radiation (UVR) stabilizers and were never intended for exterior applications.



303â„¢ Products
 
Zaino polishes are paint protectants not intended for other detailing chores. Sal would never recommend this usage. Why would he take on the liability when he sells a vinyl protectant that would be more suited.



It is also best to use "designed" products for their intended task. Trying to save a little money will eventually cost you more in the long run.



Back in the 70's I had a TR6 with a vinyl top. I faithfully treated it with AA. No damage but it stayed saturated with this product. This vehicle was always stored in the winter and I only kept the car for 5 years so maybe the next owner reaped the error of my way. :nixweiss



Buy the proper product as Jon has been stating and pamper that baby. :xyxthumbs
 
It's not really a matter of being cheap, I just want the top to bead like the rest of the car so it's easy to dry out when it's been rained on and I want to fold it down. I don't think Z-10 makes things bead.
 
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