cleaning MX-5 soft top

[Haydee]

I am really bummed because the tan soft top on my 2002 MX-5 has these ugly black stains. . .probably mildew, but more stubborn.

Dealer who sold me the car could offer no suggestions on what to do about it.

I tried using an off-the-shelf convertible top cleaner, but got no results.

Other than the stains, the top is in good condition so I do not want the expense of replacing it.

Just want to get the top looking nice and clean again.

Any advice / suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[MiaTurbo]

did you try Simple Green?

 

[aMaff]

That's an idea! I have the same problem on mine. Maybe if I get her in good running order today or tomorrow I'll try that.

 

[MazKid]

I have to deal with bird crap stuck/stained in brand new NC Miatas with cloth tops at work. If your car has a cloth top, try using a foaming fabric or carpet cleaner. I've used a few different products with varying results but I can always get it cleaned up.

 

[Haydee]

did you try Simple Green?

No, I have not tried Simple Green. Picked up 'Blue Magic' Convertible Top Cleaner at Discount Auto, but that was a waste of time and money.

Not sure if the carpet cleaner will work on my top. . .it's vinyl, not cloth.

Thought about using a bleaching solution, but was worried that this would fade the color and then leave my top looking worse.

I will give Simple Green a try this weekend.

Sure would be nice to get rid of these stains before the Mazda Winterpalooza in Orlando. . .kinda embarrassing to show up to my first event with a 'dirty' looking top.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[kcbhiw]

Give Simple Green a shot and use a course bristled brush and give it a light scrub.

Since your top is vinyl, a bleach solution shouldn't affect it. If there is mildew on the top, bleach should take care of it with no problem.

 

[Haydee]

Give Simple Green a shot and use a course bristled brush and give it a light scrub.

Since your top is vinyl, a bleach solution shouldn't affect it. If there is mildew on the top, bleach should take care of it with no problem.

Picked up some Simple Green last night. Will get to work on the soft top this weekend. I'll also spot test a small area with the bleaching solution to see if this helps, too.

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[dudester]

I am really bummed because the tan soft top on my 2002 MX-5 has these ugly black stains. . .probably mildew, but more stubborn.

Dealer who sold me the car could offer no suggestions on what to do about it.

I tried using an off-the-shelf convertible top cleaner, but got no results.

Other than the stains, the top is in good condition so I do not want the expense of replacing it.

Just want to get the top looking nice and clean again.

Any advice / suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

I use Raggtopp with great results. They make a formula for both canvas and vinyl. Will not weaken thread like bleach will.

 

[Haydee]

I use Raggtopp with great results. They make a formula for both canvas and vinyl. Will not weaken thread like bleach will.

Hey, thanks for info. Today I tested the Simple Green. . .didn't remove the stains completely, but definitely looks a lot better. Held off on the bleaching solution as I am hesitant to put something that strong on the soft top.

Will look into the Raggtopp as well. . .can I get that at Autozone?

Also, a friend of mine who restores classic cars suggested I also try using saddle soap, followed by mink oil. Cleans as well as conditions the top. He was concerned that the other cleaners may dry out the vinyl making it brittle and more likely to crack over time.

But, hey, I am really happy to be making progress. She's looking 10x better already! (yippy)

Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[dudester]

Will look into the Raggtopp as well. . .can I get that at Autozone?

!

Dunno! I buy it from the same folks I get my detail supplies from autogeek.net

 

[Shinsen774]

I use Raggtopp cleaner and Simple Green on my cloth top (dark blue), they worked well. I also used lighter fluid to get off some pine sap I picked up down at Deals Gap. Goo Gone wouldn't take it off. That worked, with some effort. A scrub brush also helps.

For cloth, you may need to waterproof it after all of the scrubbing. I used a Raggtop product for that, too; that worked well.

 

[Haydee]

I use Raggtopp cleaner and Simple Green on my cloth top (dark blue), they worked well. I also used lighter fluid to get off some pine sap I picked up down at Deals Gap. Goo Gone wouldn't take it off. That worked, with some effort. A scrub brush also helps.

For cloth, you may need to waterproof it after all of the scrubbing. I used a Raggtop product for that, too; that worked well.

Hey, thanks! So far the Simple Green is working out well. With all this fantastic advice I am getting from the Forum, my soft top will soon be looking great!

 

[Shinsen774]

Here's another option

 

[aMaff]

Roadster coupe? That's an oxymoron and is stupid. Post something less stupid!

 

[R2s99zoom]

Roadster coupe? That's an oxymoron and is stupid. Post something less stupid!

lol...

in japan, and a few other markets, the MX-5 is known as the mazda roadster, instead of the mazda miata... and in the past cpl years, theres been a few hard-top-only coupes made on the same platform...

it may not make sense... but thats what mazda named them

 

[aMaff]

I know, I was kidding (ugh)

protegegarage, I beleive, sells roadster badges

 

[Shinsen774]

Roadster coupe? That's an oxymoron and is stupid. Post something less stupid!

Roadster is the model name in Japan for the Miata or MX-5. Of course, you wouldn't know that.

 

[aMaff]

*cough* Thanks for the vote of confidence...

Roadster is the model name in Japan for the Miata or MX-5. Of course, you wouldn't know that.

I know, I was kidding (ugh)

protegegarage, I beleive, sells roadster badges