Targa Top care

[Westy]

Sorry, couldn't get anything from doing a search. I don't even know what material this stuff is. Is there something specific to keep it soft and looking good? Thanx.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Westy

Sorry, couldn't get anything from doing a search. I don't even know what material this stuff is. Is there something specific to keep it soft and looking good? Thanx.

As far as soft, I don't know. It is a form of vinyl.

I use a product called Back to Black. Mothers.

But it came with no reference from the folks here so I suspect it is far from the best choice.

It's a bit of a job to apply given the pebbly surface. You start and think this ain't going to work. Rub it in with your hands to get full coverage. Let it sit. Polish it off with rags. I was always afraid to do it in direct sun given application thickness differences. Results are fine.

Another thought is Vaseline - and I am just talking. I have used it on other cars on bottom black "piping" trim with good sustained results. But that is usually plastic. However, vinyl is plastic.

I've used Armor All as well.

Folks will chime in.

[Westy]

I have Back to Black. I love the stuff! Just didn't know if it was good for the top. Something to consider, thanx.

[RNajarian]

+1 to Bob for Mother 's Back to Black

I even used it on my 15 MPH bumperettes (before I got rid of them in a bumper upgrade)

[Westy]

Yup, worked great on the bumps. Worked equally as well on those little accordions. Ya just gotta work the grooves on wipe on, wipe off Grasshopper.

[Charles Freeborn]

Park it in a garage, or cover it when it's outdoors. Ultraviolet light is the enemy.

[Westy]

Always garaged and always covered. Still needs to be conditioned periodically.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Westy

Always garaged and always covered. Still needs to be conditioned periodically.

Agree. I think I remember the vaseline tip from Porsche962 in the Paint and Body forum. Was in reference to whale tail rubber lips.

[stormcrow]

I use black liquid shoe polish. Rub it in let it dry, wipe it off and then go over it with Carnuba paste wax. It will really look great

[964TargaC2]

Vinylex and /or Aerospace 303

[Westy]

Never heard of it. Just looked on Amazon. Lexol Vinylex is apparently loved by many many folks!

[kc911s]

When I got my targa the top looked pretty bad. I looked around my garage and my eyes stopped on Meguiars dash foam cleaner. I used the foam product and a rag- made the top look amazing. I havnt looked at it recently but have no doubts it still isn't a clean deep black color.

[964TargaC2]

Originally Posted by Westy

Never heard of it. Just looked on Amazon. Lexol Vinylex is apparently loved by many many folks!

You will find Aerospace 303 on Amazon as well

[jdbunda]

I don't think Vaseline is a good idea, any petroleum is likely to leach out plasticizer making the material brittle. Same with Armor All (or similar silicone treatments) . I have used Adams VRT with good results, but I suspect any decent non-silicone vinyl cleaner/conditioner would do as well.

[WyattEarp]

303.

[86 ssinit]

Have used Vaseline on targa top came out nice. Did it once about 2 years ago and it's still holding up. Use it on all rubber and the targa bar makes it look like new. Usually do it once a year and no problems yet. Read it here somewhere a few years back. It takes time rub it in let it sit in the sun and than wipe it off.

[darrin]

Vinylex advertises that it includes UV protection. I've been using it on my targa top since Dan Petchel rebuilt it (and recommended Vinylex) in 2007. Still holding up well, despite folding, etc.

[quincydog]

Dan rebuilt my top 4 years ago and also recommended Vinylex. I have been using it ever since, without issue. It works really well. Prior to that, I used 303, and had similar positive results.

[Westy]

Thanx guys. I just put some in my Amazon cart.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by quincydog

Dan rebuilt my top 4 years ago and also recommended Vinylex. I have been using it ever since, without issue. It works really well. Prior to that, I used 303, and had similar positive results.

^^^^^
303 has worked for me.

Next time I may try the 3M.

Gerry