Author Topic: Soft top window cleaner  (Read 7005 times)

49er

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Soft top window cleaner
« on: November 19, 2011, 21:57:14 »
 I did a search on this topic and found several "hits" from a few years back so I thought I would start this topic up again. My Soft Top is original as is the clear vinyl window. Getting ready to stow it away for the winter and want to give it a little cleanup first to get rid of a slight haze around the edges. In the past I have always used ArmorAll and it did a good job of keeping the window crystal clear and flexible but I know there are lots of new products out there now. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks

John  
« Last Edit: December 20, 2011, 10:25:02 by 280SL71 »
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77094 miles
7157 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

66andBlue

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2011, 22:04:23 »
Hi John,
I have used Meguiar's "Clear plastic polish" #10 and to remove minor scratches and blemishes I have used #17 "Clear plastic cleaner".
Works quite well.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

bootes

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2011, 22:28:56 »
I also have an original soft top and recently asked Bob Geco if he could recommend a product for the top. He suggested checking with Wolfsteins at www.wolfsteins.com I have not purchased anything yet but they may have something for your plastic window. I used to use Armor All on my tires and interior but I've heard a lot of bad press on ArmorAll over the last few years. Let us know if you come up with something good.
« Last Edit: December 20, 2011, 10:25:26 by 280SL71 »

mtoomey

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2011, 22:45:39 »
Griot's Garage sells a great plastic window polish; I've used it many times and highly recommend it -

Cees Klumper

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2011, 23:35:31 »
Hi John,
I have used Meguiar's "Clear plastic polish" #10 and to remove minor scratches and blemishes I have used #17 "Clear plastic cleaner".
Works quite well.

2X
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Jonny B

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2011, 02:57:37 »
I have also used the Mequiars products, just be sure to protect the fabric of the top. I have used masking tape to ensure that the cleaning product for the plastic does not stain (white) the top.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

49er

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2011, 16:41:31 »
Thanks guys, I think I will give the Meguiars product a try. Back in the early 70's ArmorAll was about all there was. I used it on the rubber stuff and the soft top window but  never on the MB Tex. No problems to speak of but time to move into the 21st century:-)

John
« Last Edit: December 20, 2011, 10:25:57 by 280SL71 »
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77094 miles
7157 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

hank sound

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2011, 00:34:49 »
Hi John,

Watcha' getting up there in Placerville - rain - sleet, maybe a bit of white stuff? (In the late 70's, I called Tahoe City, home).  

Many years ago, wasn't Maguires the go to solution for aircraft canopies?   It even seemed to remove the reflective shine from scratches on the surface.   And don't forget to use "Awesome" for cleaning almost anything - - followed by "Lemon Pledge".    Those two items are pure magic, especially on any leather in the home or in the car. ;D

Cheers, Hank
« Last Edit: November 21, 2011, 00:42:38 by hank sound »

49er

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #8 on: November 21, 2011, 02:55:24 »
Hello Hank,
 No sleet or snow just .38" on the rain gauge last night. We usually get an inch or two of the white stuff at our elevation (1300') every year and that is plenty:-) Tahoe had tons of it last year and looks like this will be the same.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77094 miles
7157 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

49er

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2011, 18:39:02 »
Well, after thinking a bit more about the rear "glass" I finally remembered an old trick that I had used in the past. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol! The window is now as clean as the day I brought it home. Just a small amount on a microfiber cloth took all the haze right off.
 Again, thanks for all the advise and I will still be ordering some Meguiars

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77094 miles
7157 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

hank sound

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2011, 02:21:17 »
WOW, John......... ANOTHER new trick!!! ;D    Thanks much - alcohol in hand while running down to the garage......... no wait, that's a glass of wine.......   I'l try the Isopropyl first thing in the morning!!

Cheers, Hank

66andBlue

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #11 on: November 22, 2011, 06:20:46 »
Hi John and Hank,
isopropyl alcolohol is a good grime remover and if you use it only once or twice a year your window should be fine.
But any alcohol is also a solvent and too much can make PVC brittle.
I have read somewhere that Meguiars and Griot have an additive in their polish that keeps PVC soft, I don't know what it is, and that could be marketing speak.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Wolfmann

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #12 on: December 22, 2011, 18:41:59 »
In the UK we have a product called Hindsight. Amazing 2 stage process, cleaning and scratch removal and then conditioning and softening agent.

Used it on my 107 which looked like it had milk spilled on it, incredible restoration to absolutely clear. Hard physical contortions if over 6' and if hood is on the car but absolutely remarkable results on a window that looked like scrap. Others I know have used it also report the miraculaous properties of Hindsight.

http://www.hindsightuk.com/

I do not have shares or any connection with the company !

S.

tuultyme

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Re: Soft top window cleaner
« Reply #13 on: January 01, 2012, 04:25:50 »
I have always used Plexus.  It is used on the isen glass on boats.