Q: Vinyl Top Restoration for Faded Material

I need advice from those of you with vinyl roofs. Mine is in excellant shape, just a tad faded. I was wondering what anybody has come up with, or uses, to get the”black” back and protect the vinyl. I checked the owners page and have seen some really nice tops. Just want to get that “New” look again. Thanks

A: SEM makes an unbelievable vinyl and leather dye. I got some from my local auto body supply house to dye a pair of boots and it worked great. I did them sometime ago and none of the dye has faded or flaked off. After that experience, I used some of it on some vinyl headrests in my van. Worked great there as well. I’m not sure how well it stands up to weather but I would suspect pretty good. Even if it starts to fade you could re-do it pretty easily. I believe it was less than $20 for a pint which should be more than enough to do a top a couple of times. it is pretty easy to apply as well. Clean the surface, rough it up with a Scotchbrite pad, clean with alcohol, apply product with a foam brush (I believe in 3 coats). The label recommended several (more expensive) SEM cleaner products but the guy at my shop said just use a wax and grease remover to clean it followed by alcohol to open up the pores – it worked great for me. It came out very smooth with the brush but I’m sure you could use it in a gun if you prefer.

A: Why not try black vinyl dye? I wouldn’t use the $3 type you buy in a spray but the professional type. Check with your local automotive interior installer and ask him what he would use. Get several opinions before you spend $$$.

A: there are several good vinyl restorer products avaliable but try this one for replenishiment of vinyl products…… Baby oil or Vasoline. It puts the oil back into the vinyl that the sun and years of aging took out. leave it on for awhile and buff off the excess. also works on tires

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