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

[@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.

[@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

[@danielskrskr]

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

[@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

[@stonetusk1]

10:23 window part

[@brainwashingdetergent4128]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@jeffjohnson122]

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

[@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.

[@bumtracksNew]

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

[@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 🚗😍

[@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.

[@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.

[@krissz22]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 😉

[@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?

[@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.

[@biggun7]

Can we get an updated version with a new video please?

[@63humanbeing]

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

[@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!

[@prestonedmonds4128]

Glad this video popped up.

[@pezzonovante888]

Great video. I recently went through this process with me 2000 MB SL500. I used RaggTopp cleaner for the canvas/cloth top after a heavy rinse. For the plastic window, I cleaned it with some glass cleaner, then used a Chemical Guys polish (inside and out). Made it a lot better. Then I found Plexus and applied it inside and out, and that really cleared it up. I believe Plexus "feeds" the plastic/vinyl and 'moisturizes' it, resulting in cleaner/clearer looking material. I was quite pleased.

[@pezzonovante888]

Nah. I prefer the stock look with the AMG package. Gorgeous, yet elegant wheels.

[@pezzonovante888]

115,000kms.

[@randyealy310]

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

[@novarce]

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

[@moneygeewtee]

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

[@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."

[@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.

[@madpainterken]

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

[@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!

[@stevevandervorst6641]

what was your first car? Larry Kosilla this audi is a pretty fancy ride if you ask me...

[@AMMO-NYC]

Steve Van Der Vorst I had a buick skylark from my grandfather. I was very excited about that car. FREEDOM

[@stevevandervorst6641]

AMMO NYC Cool I had a renault megane coupe. Now i'm at car number 8 and 9 My most precious car is my grandfather's vw polo It's worth 25k less then my daily but i love it to death. Never ever selling it

[@SonOfTamriel]

AMMO NYC My first car was also a Buick Skylark, 70 convertible with a 350. It was pretty beat up though got it for about $500. Some nasty rust but fixed it up as best as I could on a 17 year olds budget (around 1995) and sold it for $2500 a couple years later. Used that money and bought an 84 Rabbit GTI and been a VW guy ever since.

[@DazdnCofuzd]

AMMO NYC My first car as a 1971 Chevy Nova Hatchback, White and Rust color, paid 350 bucks for it, 200 for the body and 150 for the engine. then a '77 chevy impala I think, '86 Cavalier, then a '95 Chevy Beretta Z24, '06 Mazda 03, and now a '14 Lancer Ralliart. :)

[@espi3324]

Steve Van Der Vorst It's a 96' Audi...19years old...it's older then the kid...lol

[@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??

[@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!! 😂

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@navyrescue]

Go to a dodge dealership and go to the parts department. In there they have a mopar product for Jeep plastic Windows it is amazing!!! And it's 8$ and comes in a huge bottle. I use it on any clear vinyl window. It removes light scratches, and helps with UVA protection. It's in a grey bottle.... Please go check this stuff out!

[@KickBackwithJack]

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

[@tjeerddejong4648]

can you do a video about cleaning a old headliner of a old car becouse i can't get the headliner from my mercedes w115 from 1975 clean

[@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 :)

[@jimnasium1243]

For vinyl windows the best method I've used is water first to clean off heavy dirt then IMar Strataglass cleaner ...been using it on vinyl windows for years ...has UV protectant in it .. expensive for a single bottle but worth every penny

[@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.

[@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?

[@3rdGenGuy]

Can you apply the plastic polish with a DA?

[@tardeliesmagic]

AMMO NYC i clean cars for a living and this is one of the most annoying/time consuming thing yo can do to car and i mean that car dealers specially the sales dept always want a quick valet which you can't do.Great videos btw.

[@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..

[@h0R1Z3N]

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

[@arielatom9]

Do you have a before and after picture of the car?

[@fabulosoallpurpose3570]

Alberto Mercado I have one of your mom

[@mrpotat680]

Fabuloso All Purpose sthu

[@fabulosoallpurpose3570]

Bruce Wilson poor snowflake

[@mrpotat680]

Fabuloso All Purpose Sorry I'm not a douchebag that got expunged out of the "hellish" social hiarchy in highschool; forced to take my life on alone and forever such as yourself.

[@jmac240sx]

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

[@Badg0r]

I’ve bought a second hand soft top convertible with a really dirty top. The engine and other mechanical parts are perfect. A real raw diamond. The previous owner has never taken care of the top and it has dried in bird poop in the fabric and the back window is yellow and foggy. Now I have a solution for the back window to make it 80% better with GlasX. I’m still looking for a solution for the bird poop in the fabric. Can you show us a example on how to clean a really dirty fabric top with bird poop stains?

[@ricksays7133]

Nice, now I know how to properly restore my ragtop to look like new. PlastiX is a product that is know by only a handful of car enthusiasts. I haven't really encountered anyone who uses it as much as I do.

[@eyeofreason]

I have a cloth top on my 1965 Mustang, not original of course. I unfortunately let it sit for a couple of years folded down. It now has some creases in it that don’t seem to go away with the top up. Any suggestions for getting them out?

[@yueibm]

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

[@MechRider89]

1 year later the kids got the car completely trashed because it was free........not trying to be a debie downer but 9/10 that's what happens. Great work as always Larry

[@alexc.7449]

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

[@czech27]

this is so satisfying to watch

[@sjbiggs01]

How do you clean the trunk cover that is exposed when the top is down but hidden when it’s up? Where does that fit in your normal wash regimen?

[@mofojones2758]

What about using a spot clean vacc to suck the water out? Or would that be too rough?

[@Ap1s2k]

thank you for this video . my s2000 has been sitting with a blown engine and now i just got a new engine but my soft top is very dirty now and its brand new. just gotta do this and makeit look clean again

[@Ap1s2k]

+squinty igarashi yes sir

[@geronimocantu1412]

Ever tried Shout for laundry?? Works better then anything out on the market! Just rinse the top, spray the shout, park it in a cool area for about an hour or so then just rinse it off with water. No scrubbing or anything!!! Oh, and just let it air dry in the sun. Next day you will be amazed!!!!

[@doctoryellow]

I have a 2000 Miata with a vinyl-like material on the outside of the top (certainly not a cloth), but inside is a cloth that has a occasional mildew problem. Should I take the top off and disassemble (since it folds and creases around the frame) to clean it? And have you found that liner material usually hardy enough to treat in the same manner as exterior cloth?

[@ts440s]

I've use the brand at Wal-Mart for years in orange and brown can for water protection on a 964 and works way better than 3m just don't spray on car best to do in garage with no wind it's called silicone water guard by atsko

[@NetworXmk1]

I don't even have a convertible, nor i'm going to buy one. Anyway... I love watching your work.

[@robertlombardi2228]

I have a 1990 Mustang 5.0 with a white vinyl convertible top. Top is structurally sound but needs to be cleaned. What products do you recommend that I can use to safely clean the top without marking the cars exterior finish ? Thanks

[@rebirthofthecool5619]

How do you wash the car, i heard that if you use a combined wash and wax product its bad for the soft top

[@wccrispy]

Dang, I wish they would've surprised him with the car and then sent the car AND him to you so that he could learn about his car and about taking care of it. He'd have a greater appreciation for his ride then. Thoughts?

[@stuvs830]

I'd love to watch that! Maybe another "first car" project for a young lady or man will become available!

[@sheltonburnadeski5946]

I mean if that kid cares that much he can just ask. Bundling a car maintenance lecture into the gift when the kid probably just wants to drive all over is kinda shitty if you ask me.

[@tanjabirke4571]

@@sheltonburnadeski5946 My experience is that getting my hands on the thing and learning about it makes me appreciate it more (and take better care of it)

[@HugovandenBerg]

+AMMO NYC In your AMMO Training Academy you stick to a certain sequence of cleaning the car (engine, wheels, paint, interior, glass). Where does cleaning the convertible top fit in this sequence? I'm not sure whether to do it before or after the paint, or even after the interior.

[@capitaldd5840]

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

[@TheLoneLolcat]

Great video Larry as usual!

[@tutchngoes]

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

[@dillonballard339]

Would reflex (non pro) and/or skin be acceptable protection after the window correction?

[@Nicole-ju8fd]

I have a problem on a 1994 Mazda Miata! The soft top plastic window had a decal and it was remove but the lettering imprinted on the window and I can't buff it out! What do i need to do? I tried polishing it with plastic x and it did nothing. Help please?

[@broxinite1]

I have a 98 cadillac with a cloth top, not a convertible. So do i use this same method? Also the top is faded is there a product to bring it back to life?

[@nebolouses]

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

[@philzrad]

Larry, why no "chamois" towels on paint? I use the synthetic "the absorber" only to initially dry my car after washing, then hit with detailer and microfiber for the shine.

[@johnnyb3997]

Hahahahahah

[@HypnoticSuggestion]

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

[@Halsafe]

AMMO NYC, I have a pontiac aztek with some paint chips on it. The metal hasn't rusted, also the inside of the headlamps are yellow. What should I do? Also my headliner has pop stains and I want to remove them. Help me!

[@billymays9020]

Treat it like paint touch it as minimal as possible *leaning on convertible top while saying it*

[@toolandmaynard]

I have a question? Just bought an 03 Mustang cobra and it’s a convertible. On the top I can see where it is wearing from putting down and I want to fix that as soon as possible. Any solutions? Is something I can adjust because It’s on the passenger side only. So it seems like when it folds while going down there maybe some rubbing I’m really not sure. Thanks! whom ever responds!

[@DasJav]

Would the Magic Eraser work on the vinyl window?

[@TheRacerRich]

How often do you do a real clean on the top? Girlfriend got a new-to-her convertible this year, and I've never dealt with a convertible before. I did a full clean and UV/water treatment of the fabric top when she got it, but since then I've just been blasting it with the hose each time I wash the car. My thought was I wouldn't do another deep clean and treatment until the current treatment product wore away. My thought process seem fine?

[@yanapray1444]

Can you please give any advice on how to replace CONVERTIBLE HAND SLIDING ROOF END GATE 7164009 on MINI? Your reply will be highly appreciated!

[@joet.2361]

I have a 2016 Wrangler with a vinyl top, and I have used the method he talked about in the video. But I find that it wastes a lot of towels just to clean the top, so can I wet it, spray cleaner, agitate, and spray off?

[@RorytheRoman]

Juts bought a 2000 Saab 93 very cheap, only problem is the soft top seems to have become worn down and less through into the car, was wondering if anyone had any thought on how to seal it

[@mannycontreras6171]

Great video. Very informative

[@MrEyad1990]

Can i use cotton pad for cutting ? is it good as microfiber ?

[@Erik122198]

How come you don't use the Master Blaster for drying cars, isn't it better for the least amount of touching on the paint? Just curious.

[@grc0456]

Is there a way to restore faded cloth top color, other than just cleaning (and not including dying)?

[@jeffreymgabriel1]

Can someone put a link on amazon to that cleaner? I see a lot on there that are really expensive, but dont see that kind.

[@jerri0401]

would the normal waterproofing spray you use for shoes work?

[@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!

[@hashimkay140]

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

[@Robbo2g]

I have a stained vinyl roof on a Ford Escort I think cheap car shampoo caused it.Can it be removed? Your help would be much appreciated.Thanks,Luke