splitshot
Head cook, Bottle washer, and Peace keeper.
Inquiring minds would like to know...
What do you use to clean/polish ragtop vinyl windows? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter splitshot
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AZMoonshadow
SILVER Star
Honestly? Windex. Works great!
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
Aerospace 303 is the best imho
I wouldn't use windex it will dry out the plastic... Not immediately but... It will take the life out of it
Link to some others:
Care (windows) - Canvas Makers Guild
Link:
303® Marine Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner | Gold Eagle
I wouldn't use windex it will dry out the plastic... Not immediately but... It will take the life out of it
Link to some others:
Care (windows) - Canvas Makers Guild
Link:
303® Marine Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner | Gold Eagle
For the plastic windows only...works great! used it for years on motorcycle helmet face shield. Doesn't scratch as long as surface is clean along with a clean microfiber cloth.
Living in the Past
SILVER Star
@JohnnyC is the expert here when it comes to soft tops. I've have good luck getting the plastic windows in my old Kayline soft to clear up the frosted look with a rubbing type compound designed for soft top windows. Being in AZ like you I rinse and wash off as much dirt as I can without scrubbing first to prevent scratching the windows. Followed up then with a cleaner/polish. These were not spray on but rather more of a paste. Wasn't quick and easy be cleared then up pretty good.
AZMoonshadow
SILVER Star
I completely agree with Windex possibly taking the life out of the windows... but living in Tucson, AZ, Windows isn't my big problem with soft tops...
The dry heat is killer on soft tops down here...
Living in the Past
SILVER Star
I agree AZ is hard on soft tops. If the windows are exposed to the sun they will turn brown then black and once that happens nothing will bring back. Dry rotted zippers and thread have been my worse problem. But those are on used tops I've bought. My best tops have been kept inside and haven't suffered the same fate. JohnnyC has created a few thread on soft top care and worth the read.
Anyone had any success using WD40 to remove the yellow tinge from the windows? Similar to how it works on headlights...
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
meguiar's clear plastic cleaner is the best at clearing yellowed windows ... 303 is the best at maintaining the Windows from ever yellowing
My 2c
My 2c
Toothpaste.
Once it turns yellow its toast. I use a marine grade clear vinyl on the motor home bras that we build and give them a 5 year written warranty. We get some back for repairs, or the customer needs something else, that are over 10 years old and they are clear, clean and pliable. The same vinyl glass goes into my trailer builds. We used to bottle and sell a private label vinyl cleaner but use it in house only now. 303 is way to spendy but Meguairs is always on my shelf though. Walk through the next RV show that has a lot of vendors and you can find good buys on quality vinyl protection without breaking the bank.
The problem with yellowing is from vinyl formulations that do not include U.V. inhibitors in liquid form when the vinyl was poured. Modern formulations for automotive and marine glass have U.V. inhibitors. Think about RV awnings that evaporate and fall apart right at the very top where they attach to the coach via awning rail. Everything down from there and protected from constant U.V. exposure is like brand new. This is the cheapest stuff that money can buy. In fact, if Dometic and Care Free could come up with something cheaper, I am sure that they would. I have replaced countless vinyl awnings using vinyl banner stock that will outlast the coach.
splitshot
Head cook, Bottle washer, and Peace keeper.
- Thread starter
- #12
meguiar's clear plastic cleaner is the best at clearing yellowed windows ... 303 is the best at maintaining the Windows from ever yellowing
My 2c
Nice to see through these again, even through the pinstripes. Thank you for the 303 recommend.
Good info. Available at Pep Boys?
AlaskanWheeler
SILVER Star
Another vote here for 303...it works well for cleaning and maintaining the finish without being too over glossy or attracting dust.
thebigredrocker
SILVER Star
One method of I've found good at removing the top yellow layer or scratched surface is using wet sandpaper. Grit choice is determined by how deep I need to sand. Usually 600-1000 grit for me. Keep the material wet and sand away. Gradually use finer grits, ending up with 3200-4000 grit. At this point your surface with be ultra smooth but cloudy. This is where you use MecGuire's #10 plastic polish Johhny mentioned. You may need to do a few applications of polish to get it like new. If your windows are soft platic, I'm not certain how sanding would work.
X2 on this. I use this on the airplanes Windows which are very easily scratched with any abrasive cloth or cleaner.
Plexus is 100% the best product for polishing plastics/perspex etc.
It's wonderful stuff - buy a can and never think about it again.
pbgbottle
Forum Lifer
Mcguires plastX. Works awesome on the old yellowish scratched up windows. Just did my complete 20 year bestop windows ,they look great.
