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What do you suggest to remove mold spots on an original white convertible top?

Started by collector, June 22, 2008, 11:02:09 PM

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collector

My Eldo has spots on one side of the roof and I dont know what to use. It is slightly dingy so what would you suggest to remover the spots and freshen up the top without damaging the material?

The Tassie Devil(le)

I am patiently waiting for the answer too.

Thanks for asking it John.

But, when I had my '55 Chev, I used waterless hand cleaner and a scrubbing brush when it got dirty.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

John Polychron

I found the answer today. My restoration buddy used a
product called "Perfect It II" from 3M, product #50974.
He spread some on the fender and wiped it off. The
spots were gone and so was just a little paint. It works!
John
'41 Cadillac Conv Cpe
'46 Cadillac Conv Cpe

John Polychron

Ignore last message. You would not want to use the
product on a convertible top.   John
'41 Cadillac Conv Cpe
'46 Cadillac Conv Cpe

Mike Josephic CLC #3877

Collector:

You should try a product called "Tuff Stuff".  It's a foam type aerosol cleaner
for upholstery and vinyl.  It's made for automotive use and produced by the
STP Company.

It's the first thing I reach for if I have a stain on fabric or vinyl.  It works
very well and at the same time is mild to the fabric / vinly finish.

I highly recommend it -- about $4 a can at most auto stores.

Mike
1955 Cadillac Eldorado
1973 Cadillac Eldorado
1995 Cadillac Seville
2004 Escalade
1997 GMC Suburban 4X4, 454 engine, 3/4 ton
custom built by Santa Fe in Evansville, IN
2011 Buick Lucerne CX
-------------------------------------
CLCMRC Museum Benefactor #38
Past: VP International Affiliates, Museum Board Director, President / Director Pittsburgh Region

collector

Ok, I did my homework and found that simple green and a nail brush took all the dirt out of the top. Then I used TileX with the nail brush over the mildew spots and it took all of off. It looks brand new without a bit of damage at all!!!!!!!!!

Mike Josephic CLC #3877

Glad it worked for you.

However, just a word to the wise.  "Tilex" has hypochlorite in it (as does Clorox
bleach).  Frequent use of this will cause your vinyl to dry out and crack.

Consider this a "one time" application and do your regular cleaning with a
product formulated for that use as I mentioned in an earlier post.

Miike
1955 Cadillac Eldorado
1973 Cadillac Eldorado
1995 Cadillac Seville
2004 Escalade
1997 GMC Suburban 4X4, 454 engine, 3/4 ton
custom built by Santa Fe in Evansville, IN
2011 Buick Lucerne CX
-------------------------------------
CLCMRC Museum Benefactor #38
Past: VP International Affiliates, Museum Board Director, President / Director Pittsburgh Region

Jack Miller CLC# 24441

I just used on 2 of my white vinyl tops, soft scrub with bleach and applied it with a sponge. I am shocked at the results. I do not know the after effects, or how many times I can do this, but I do know that I can now use a regular car wash soap on it to maintain it.

Jack

Mike Josephic CLC #3877

Jack:

Soft Scrub in addition to bleach and lye (sodium hydroxide) also has a mild abrasive. 
Consider that a "one time" deal unless it's a top you plan to replace in a few years. 
The vinyl just will not stand up to that abuse.  Yes, it will make it "whiter than white"
but it ruins the material.  They don't tell you that on the bottle, but notice that
it's labeled an "eye irritant" -- and for good reason.

You have to go to the company's Material Safety Data Sheet to find all that
wonderful stuff out.

Mike
1955 Cadillac Eldorado
1973 Cadillac Eldorado
1995 Cadillac Seville
2004 Escalade
1997 GMC Suburban 4X4, 454 engine, 3/4 ton
custom built by Santa Fe in Evansville, IN
2011 Buick Lucerne CX
-------------------------------------
CLCMRC Museum Benefactor #38
Past: VP International Affiliates, Museum Board Director, President / Director Pittsburgh Region

Jack Miller CLC# 24441

That's why I said I can now use regular car wash. My tops were full of bondo & polyester dust stains.

Jack

collector

I am going to replace the top because the material that holds the bows has come unglued from the top. Also, the top must have been down for years in the museum and the wrinkle wont come out.

David King (kz78hy)

I use "WESTLEYS" white wall cleaner on my white convertible top, not very often, but works pretty well.  As for the wrinkle, keep the top up and place the car in the sun for awhile and let it get good and warm.  That might work after several trys with the top under tension.

David
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

collector

Just have decided to replace the top. Too bad I bought a new top on Ebay and its white. Mine is bone as I just found out. SO Im going to replace the good glass and the entire top. Makes me mad that they advertised it as for all GM models including Cadillac. I should have researched it better. Now, Ill have to try and resell it on Ebay and try to get my money out so I can go and buy the BONE or eggshell colored one