White convertible top rust stains..Input?

Concours.John

Concours.John

Auto Detail & Restoration
Got a call today from a client that I restored their car. It's a 65 Pontiac Bonneville convertible. He had some new snaps installed around the back. The tirm shop he used left metal shavings around the back lip. There are rust stains on the top where the lip and top touch(not noticable when top is up but are when top is down.

The top is white. I had to fix this once before on a black top. I used WD-40 and scrubing with a fine touthbrush and wiping up continually with one final wipe down, follwed by a soapy wash and all was good.

With this being white I'm not sure of the results black does hide. I dont want to end up bringing the stains up where you might see them without looking. This is a show car so it bugs him and myself.

I appreciate your input guys. Thanks
 
Would a good APC working that in the same fashion you used the WD40?

If they are on the surface that should life them

When I've worked on vinyl tops I always use APC and a light bristle brush, I also keep the hose on low flow to rinse as I move a long to keep checking my work
 
Beemerboy said:
Would a good APC working that in the same fashion you used the WD40?

If they are on the surface that should life them

When I've worked on vinyl tops I always use APC and a light bristle brush, I also keep the hose on low flow to rinse as I move a long to keep checking my work
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I totally agree it looks like the rust is somewhat imbedded in the grain. I plan on definitely taping off. This car is just starting it's Concours tour. At some point he will have to run the top up and down and good judges look there because it's a common error among some upholstery shops. Thanks

He took a lesser quote than my guy who knows better.
 
Concours.John said:
I totally agree it looks like the rust is somewhat imbedded in the grain. I plan on definitely taping off. This car is just starting it's Concours tour. At some point he will have to run the top up and down and good judges look there because it's a common error among some upholstery shops. Thanks

He took a lesser quote than my guy who knows better.
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I would use a 50/50 APC , water version to start just to make sure..with a show car you can't be to careful IMO
 
I haven't had any experience with cleaning rag top, but I'd stick with something specially designed to clean rag top instead of an all purpose cleaner.
 
shuddleston said:
I haven't had any experience with cleaning rag top, but I'd stick with something specially designed to clean rag top instead of an all purpose cleaner.
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I have, material and vinyl and APC works fine as long as you are working with watered down versions and the right brushes

That said if I am working on material tops I try to have ragg topp on hand for those but in a pinch APC works just fine
 
Use an oxalic acid to remove rust stains, do not allow to dry on paintwork. Never use chlorine bleach on rust as this sets the iron stain.
 
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