How to Clean Convertible Top & Restore "Yellow" Window"

This is an Audi convertible that is very very dirty (ie...mold) and we need to have it cleaned before it gets delivered to its new owner. We discuss the steps to safely clean the fabric and polish the rear vinyl window from its yellow condition. Hope you enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, nor Make Rain Productions. Video and Content are owned by Make Rain Productions © 2021

[@thebigfatboo]

I finished watching this 13 minute video. I don't even have a convertible.

[@ricardorodriguez-se7tp]

Lol

[@paulplumb9820]

Me neither

[@kirisutegomen12]

I have one, but I never clean the top lol

[@urabusliberty9258]

moy pablo I don’t even own a car

[@danielinacar]

I have one and need to clean it. Watched the whole video, but probably won't clean it

[@piggyback2249]

The Linus tech tips of the car industry😱😂😂

[@suuuki1413]

I was legit about to type this and its the first comment I see hahahaha

[@feverdream]

wtf i was just thinking he looks like linus

[@oliverjd26]

Exactly!

[@andreiordean9346]

He even has the same way of speaking

[@Hashiba]

Xd

[@Kalimerakis]

I always like a short shot of the finished car :)

[@jamesmuffins3330]

Watch the Before And After on ChrisFix' mustang super clean vid. It's amazing that paint lasted

[@caseytbss]

Thank you for actually working on something that is dirty for your demo. All these other guys do videos on new and perfect clean cars. You always have some of the best videos.

[@stonetusk1]

10:23 window part

[@mojo9583]

left ellbow part

[@brainwashingdetergent4128]

@@mojo9583 😂😂😂 he bent the 💩 out of that trunk.

[@paulmarentette5346]

For the benefit of anyone who reads the comments and wanted info on convertible back window repair. As Larry's vid here was more about cleaning the Haartz cloth top, I'd like to offer my experience with repairing a badly scuffed and scratched plastic window. To avoid overheating or stretching the plastic, I had a friend hold a heavy textbook directly against the opposite side, with a dampened medium-thick microfiber cloth in between. This way, the plastic behind my direct working area was evenly supported, cooled, and not scratched further. I then used my Rupes mini polisher and many of the same steps/products used for headlight repair (wet sand, buff, polish.) The results were actually quite satisfying and completed quickly. In about 90 minutes a top I was ready to throw away looked 98% perfect and has continued to look as good 3 years on. Let's face it, most of the time the top is down anyway - or what's the point of a convertible?

[@colemabro]

recently purchased an e36 convertible and struggle with the yellowing/foggy rear window. If your solution works for me, you’re a life saver!

[@nickelndiminit5136]

Thanks so much for doing this video. Those of us with roadsters really appreciate it! I totally used these tips about a week after this posted. Keep up the good work and the interesting series Larry. I have learned a LOT from you, so thank you!

[@rivalino]

them sunglasses tho

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

Rivalino so I'm not the only one that noticed them. lol

[@Cinek5150]

yeah! what are they?

[@jsmith2457]

Marcin Tuliszkiewicz Dillon optics!

[@jjbarajas5341]

This video has single handedly gotten me into car detailing. One thing leads to another. Thanks for the awesome video. And the shag cleaner. 😉

[@cgarcia592]

just got a convertible....1989 corvette with a convertible top!. My first convertible, ever. I'm driving since 1965 !!! I wanted one more 'Vette' before I died. Thanks for this info on the conv. top. I had t-tops before and your info will be used, Thanks

[@Swordie100]

That's a cool car. Have fun owning it. :] Safe driving!

[@carsonke4ting]

Don’t listen to em, have all the fun you won’t live before you die ;)

[@MrSamadolfo]

🤓 Congrats

[@MrSamadolfo]

🤓 T Tops, you mean like on an 80s Camaro that had those two overhead glass panels? Sweet Memories 🚗😍

[@TheProgamer2012]

Did anyone else notice the trunk flexing when he had his elbow on it?

[@stevenbeene]

That shit was bothering me so much

[@Sunscin]

That would be the reflection of the tree blowing in the wind.

[@ClaudiuMunteanu]

audi quallity

[@behindizockt2809]

That`s called ,,german engineering"

[@HybridBlueDream]

@@behindizockt2809 most cars do this lol. My old 2000s mustang and my 16 sentra also does this if you push into hard enough.

[@Zondu]

Really love your work Larry. It's interesting going back and forth between you and another large detailing company on youtube. Most of their videos seem like advertisements, while yours are simply informative. "Apply a hydrophobic substance, I'm using this, but you can use whatever, just apply a few times a year depending on your circumstance." I've been watching your videos since your Season 1 debut on Drive Clean, and have used a lot of your techniques to keep my new 2015 Scion FR-S brand new and shiny, so thank you for all your help.

[@MagnusNilsson76]

Yeah, watching eg. Chemical Guys videos just gets me annoyed.

[@AMMO-NYC]

You got it bud. (Remember, I'm a professional Detailer. It's my job for 15+ years... Selling my products is simply a plus. I want to make the best formulas for my detailing jobs. I'm always willing to pull a product off the website if I think it needs more work, which wouldn't be done if I was simply interested in selling stuff. Thx for acknowledging that. Means a lot to me. I never want to be only concerned about how much product is sold. Then you lose your authenticity. 😃)

[@gokartbuyer]

AMMO NYC I have SOOO much respect for you just for that alone.

[@Blvkcoyote]

Ugghum Chemical Guys uguum sorry got a bad cough

[@Darkatvar]

Loup Garou This is a big reason I can't watch more than 1 -2 videos of these other people, less knowledgable and constantly selling.

[@PatrickBellWebDev]

Awesome video, Larry! Excited to maybe see a reaction video or photo of the young lad receiving his first car. My first ride was a 1991 Mazda Familiar :)

[@spencertravis5888]

Thanks for the video. Bought my son a 04 Mustang convertible and this has very helpful. Gotta love a guy that really loves his work.

[@simplytuned1623]

Omg I have a vynl top and I always use the cloth cleaning method. Haha. Thanks larry!! Now I know I can clean it in 5 seconds (: yea vyln tops are easy but the water runs every where.

[@novarce]

Really, Really good video. I love to watch AMMO videos, with calm and patience to explain and I can understand very well.

[@63humanbeing]

I love the positive attitude from the get go, not complicated as you think made me watch the vlogg till the end 👏🏼👍🏼🙏🏼

[@bumtracksNew]

Auto interior shops here replace the back vinyl windows pretty cheap. Its nice to have a new clear window.

[@randyealy310]

This may be an old video but wow I have so much to learn! You’re awesome Larry!

[@tonymcmanus6668]

Great video and very informative! Just a note that using any cleaning liquid containing petrol distillates or something as innocuous as dish washing liquid also contribute to the yellowing of the rear window because they extract the polymers out of the plastic making it brittle. Avoid them at all costs. Rather use the correct products all over the car. I use Autosol Plastic polish to restore the rear window on mine to good as new every year or so. If you happen to own one of these lovely cars, be careful about running the rear demister (a heated fan in this model) too long. This leads to the window "burning" and eventually developing holes!

[@bmos02]

Wow, I can't believe I missed this video back in 2015. The window-question has been knawing at me for quite a while!

[@jarpale]

Thanks, Larry! I have been waiting for this a long time. My first car was/is a 2005 model Audi TT Coupé 3.2q and I still got it. At the moment I also have a TT Roadster.

[@RGaneshOneFive]

Huge fan homie. Recently discoverd your channel & have completly been inspired to detail my somewhat beat up Honda Accord. Thanks! Will order an Ammo sticker & Ammo:Mud as well!

[@AMMO-NYC]

Rajive Ganesh You got it!

[@prostreet2]

AMMO NYC do we get a before and after full clean??

[@moneygeewtee]

Nice job Larry. It would've been nice to see the car after being fully detailed. Keep up the great work!

[@yves2075]

Good video. My 2 cents now. After soaking and gently brushing as you correctly show, I use a carpet-cleaning vacuum cleaner, which sucks liquid out of the fabric. Of course, gently stroking the soft top with it. That REMOVES the dirty mix of water and grime OUT OF the fabric. Just look at the liquid you've extracted, it tells of lot.

[@rjbriscoe860]

That’s interesting 🤔 never though of that. Do you use laundry detergent?

[@jeffjohnson122]

Sometimes I think youtube was created so that great info like this could be shared. Thanks a million for your great tips.

[@AkashSingh-rc3uk]

"don't touch it if you don't need to" and he says that as he's leaning on it lmao.

[@KatyBauer1]

LOL

[@Infinityl33t]

From what I understand he's talking about normal use. Not when cleaning. Like your paint, doesnt matter much if you touch it 5 min pre washing it but after washing is no no.

[@TheRomeo1580]

Real Talk lol

[@JackOuzzi]

I think What he actually means by "don't touch it" is do not use products that may take off the original hydrophobic (for exemple) coating of the car.

[@lt7automotive931]

Haha, thought the same thing. "Don't touch it, except with your forearm, wrist, armpit, and rib cage -- all at once."

[@johnmyers2743]

Thank you Larry, Soft-top maintenance was something i was curious about, I liked the hints on using the brush on the seams... keep the videos rolling!

[@jetjazz05]

303 Fabric Guard is absolutely the best. That Raggtop stuff is acceptable, but considerably more expensive, although it does have anti molding agents. The 303 Fabric Guard lasts significantly longer though.

[@krissz22]

Forget the car The real gift is having this guy actually clean your car up like that

[@HypnoticSuggestion]

My top was in terrible condition, and this video really helped. Thanks:)

[@mattystewart8]

I tune in to youtube every day hoping you have uploaded a new video!! What i like about you and your videos the most is how much information you share. Yes i agree you have a great vessel in youtube to sell your products but unlike other companies you dont just push it down peoples throats. I have a tonne of respect for you saying things like "im removing this product because i feel its not as good as...." Your vids have helped me constantly so i just wanna say thank you. Keep up the good work larry.

[@MrAkwaholic]

+mattystewart8 Why don't you subscribe then you will be notified when he puts up a new video. That way you don't have to waste any time logging in every day.

[@danielcooper5767]

Thanks for making a video on this topic Larry! Your awesome!!!

[@fendergab]

Any one else get chills from the brushing sound?

[@areitu]

fendergab If you do, it means you might be someone with ASMR. There's actually lot of youtube videos out there where people make brushing, clicking, and rustling sounds specifically to trigger ASMR.

[@xSenZy]

+areitu fuck..

[@Dapopo800]

Chills down the spine!! 😂

[@jmac240sx]

Very nice video Larry! This will come in handy when i clean up my 94 240sx convertable for summer here soon. Thanks!

[@aaronhilbert2687]

I've had great success with the rupes 3 in polisher, orange cut pad and sonax perfect finish. polish both the inside and outside of the plastic window and wipe with IPA. Seal with a good sealant and keep it in good shape!

[@h0R1Z3N]

Would awsome to see your final result on the cars you work on your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@TheLoneLolcat]

Great video Larry as usual!

[@madpainterken]

...At last,,,there's some one that actually knows ..what he's doing...Well done. A professional..5 stars

[@canyoudigit8245]

On the window, going up and down is the only way it should be done. If you go from side to side headlamp glare from car behind you can spread across the window imparing your view. If up and down, then glare will go that way and leave the amjority of your window glare free and easier to see out of. Same applies to wind screen as well. Always up and down.

[@lautarohunzicker]

Great video as always. Are there some pictures available of the end result? Have a great weekend

[@matthewreimer3117]

Do you have a write up on the full detail of this car? I love your work and I love turn arounds.

[@MarcoJPhotography]

Yes ! Finally, been waiting for this ! Thx L!

[@yueibm]

Thanks for showing us what to use on plastic rear windows!

[@kjamison5951]

Superb result! One question. On the roof, do you have to use an original leather chamois, or can you use a synthetic chamois? Thanks!

[@danieldiaz6075]

Thank you, this is just what i needed!

[@carburgerlaa]

Thanks Larry! I will definitely use this method to clean my Miata's soft top.

[@capitaldd5840]

Ahhh....very insightful. I need to clean the jeep soft top glass/plexiglass. I found this helpful - good instruction. Thanks

[@hashimkay140]

Would be cool if you put up a video of the finished car all polished and ready for the kid

[@TheLyngas]

Larry, great job as always and very inspiring for us detailers up here in the north(Norway). I was wondering, is this season of drive clean finished?

[@lisarepac4892]

In regards to the back seam of the window, that is not mold. It's a kind of plant that grows in wet conditions. We see it a lot in boat canvas, and one way to loosen it is steam. If you do that, you don't have to use the stiff bristled brush as much. I agree with spraying it with the cleaner and agitating it, but before rinsing, hit it with a steamer, and it will come right out. If you don't get all of it out, it will grow back.

[@czech27]

this is so satisfying to watch

[@daleloope6521]

Thanks brother!! Great VLOG!!

[@scottferrell8260]

Thank you for the video ,info etc .big help to my detailing business.I have a question ,have you ever used Dry-Wash

[@paulbradford8240]

I'm about to clean (when the weather improves!) the ragtop to our Vauxhall Astra. It has never had a proper clean as you describe in 16 years. I have actually bought an Autoglym cloth roof cleaning and treatment pack. I would have just used a jet wash to remove the dirt, but will use your system.

[@alessandrorock1]

Hi Larry! Many thanks for all the videos and tips! I learned a lot by watching your videos ... I would like to ask if you have any tip for cleaning convertible cars like this porsche, but without using water (dry cleaning type). Thank you for your attention!

[@mannycontreras6171]

Great video. Very informative

[@littlemanhuerta4442]

great video as always 😀

[@jetsontheair]

Excellent and very thorough video! covering everything as only an expert does! Thanks

[@mustangmarty8491]

Great video,really informative. Thanks.

[@delilah022809]

Will there be an update video of how the car turned out? That would be awesome!

[@KismetBP]

I have just discovered your channel and have been watching a ton of your videos, thank you so much. I have tons of issues with both my car & wifes car. Trying to learn to detail properly. I have white convertible top & wife has massive dirt/child mess in her car that I want to fix. Also dirt grounded in my paint from car cover that i am trying to fix. Getting some of that shag product you have to try it. Again, thanks so much.

[@Engineerboy100]

I love watching this guy do detail work, he does the clean work on his channel, and I do the dirty work on mine lol :)

[@BENNIEDARRELL]

i wish you were my neighbor. i could get you to detail my car. i just bought a 98 sebring convertible that has a great top with a glass window. the car still looks great. it's the color of the car in this video and has gold colored inserts in the wheels. those two colors with the black top make it stand out. it looks expensive. love it. it needs to be detailed all over but it's been taken really good care of and garage kept. inside has no mildew smell at all. i got lucky finding this car. 121000 miles, runs fantastic, with all service records. i don't drive that much anymore and i doubt if i drive three thousand miles a year. it should last me a while. i generally keep a car till it's dead and of no use at all. usually 15 years and the cars are used. some needed an engine when i got them for free. my cars lasted when i could work on them to put them on the road again. one was so good someone stole it and stripped it. i put it back together and sold it. it was a 55 chevy with extensive work and all the goodies including fiberglass front fenders and a custom paint job. it was heart breaking. i can't do it anymore. thank god for young people like you. the owner of this sebring was obsessed about servicing the car. i'm so glad. i got it for $ 1300. he wanted 18. it needed a motor mount to pass inspection. the convertible top needs to be conditioned so it will look more black. besides scotchguard, is there anything to make the black top look black again. i know armor all probably shouldn't be used or should it ? thanks

[@stigmoltu-jacobsen]

Thanks for excellent advice! On my 35 year old cloth top I try to avoid using a water (pressure) hose. First I vacuum it very carefully to get all dust and loose dirt out. Then I sprinkle with clean warm water from a spray bottle, add special shampoo if needed, the let the top dry and finally add a special water repellant ‘soup’ with a brush. My plastic rear window has a few scratches (compliments of previous owners). How do you suggest to remove the scrathes? Also a cloth top may loose some of its color over time. Have you ever tried to use a dye to restore the color?

[@johnsonsonjohnson3801]

Just ordered some plastx. I cant wait to fix my stained window!

[@nielsie86]

at the part where you talk about the vinyl window in the back you can see how your elbow flexes and dents the trunk a few times. A paint specialist like you.

[@GOMEZJ76]

Keep up the great work

[@elNenio]

that plastx does a lot of wonders! i use the damn thing too for many years and it still surprises me how much it can do..

[@KickBackwithJack]

Your elbow was flexing that trunk lid for the last few minutes of the video. Could not unsee.

[@DasJav]

Would the Magic Eraser work on the vinyl window?

[@michaelmottlau2072]

Very informative video, thanks.

[@alexc.7449]

Awesome video can't wait to clean my Saab this summer:)

[@todgobsin8085]

Larry is correct once again, Plexus is the right choice for the window. It cleans and polish while leaving the window flexible. West Marine stocks it but its not cheap at $34 can.

[@Kirbynessness]

Hey Larry, I've been using The Absorber chamois towel for a while now. I was not aware that it left residue! Is there a video where you expand upon that? If not, could you tell me why it's a bad idea as opposed to a large microfiber towel?

[@m623]

Daz detergent and a nail brush does the job brilliant cheap as chips too

[@cbarr0288]

Nice vid, but would've liked to see the polishing and protecting part too (and final result!)

[@kenkooldad8900]

Thank you. Great video sir.

[@SynysterGoose]

The frosted sun glasses have my interest

[@jhuntosgarage]

All good. Thanks for sharing!

[@tutchngoes]

thanks Larry for another tool to put in our box. let us see how the body looked after polishing

[@rolandocisnero2593]

Could you do a video or explain the best way to clean a headliner and seatbelts

[@SkipToMahLoo]

You're the man Larry it would be awesome for you to detail my car

[@hf7188]

Pretty cool, i always thought cloth cabrio's were a pain to clean. :) and hey Larry, i want to ask, recently i seen some "waterless" washing products for car exteriors, and that got me thinking, what is your opinion and it would be cool to see a tutorial, specially for those in LA region, with the drouth going on.

[@nebolouses]

Nice Audi 80 B4 Cabrio. I would realy like watching you cleaning an S2/RS2 or S4/S6 C4 in the future!

[@leopoldobarsallo4645]

Thank you for your video. I own a 1979 convertible Super Beetle, how do i know if the top is vinyl or clothe?

[@TheMJ008]

nooooooway i have the same car different colour it is my first car too and i was looking for a video about cleaning the convertible top. thanks for the video.

[@kasparabel5025]

I love your videos!

[@leemartin2990]

Good info, thanks!

[@1ANAHI]

very informative thank you! :)

[@HeliconPath]

AMMO NYC would be great to see the entire cleaning process for a car in this condition. More 'after' shots at the end in video form rather than quick images throughout would be great too :)

[@zwiehable]

this is great i always want a cabrio but roof restoration is preety expensive in my country now im ready to get one :D

[@Daniel10613]

Good video thanks

[@jfresh2054]

Great video

[@redmxnd]

So helpful advice although I’m replacing the whole top

[@MentallyIllDuckTard]

You are such a helpful guy haha

[@ryancosta8878]

Larry, would you recommend polishing with a ibrid nano polisher to speed things up a bit?

[@Neurocracy]

Nice video, Larry :). Is there a reason why you didn't also talk about using water extractor? In my eyes this leaves it dry'ish and gets more dirt out than rinsing.

[@2davdav]

Thanks Larry! I posted a request for some help on this...so I could clean the hood on my red Audi cab! The only other thing you could do is start selling your products in the UK!

[@rikwarren3999]

Great video presence