Hey guys, I have the Ivory vinyl interior on my '71 and it is original and not in bad shape overall, but a little on the funky, dirty side. I have tried several of the off the shelf vinyl cleaners which did absolutely nothing to clean it up. I have tried Spray 9 marine vinyl cleaner, again no go. Does anyone have a product or trick to cleaning up vinyl??
does anyone else think LEXOL cleaner would have an application here. you have to be real careful as to not rub your finish off, martyo No:
We have used Tanner's products for years.http://www.amazon.com/Tanners-Preserve-Leather-Combo-65864/dp/B000BKUDC4 It will make hard vinyl soft again if used as instructed. It will also have a soft shine appearance not super shiny/slippery like Armour-all. As said we like it so try it out and see what you think:beers2:
I hate to hijack this thread, but what about the top??! Mine is starting to crack a little and I was wondering what I could use to lengthen its lifespan.
Might seem a little extreme, but have you tried Westley's whitewall cleaner for your white interior? I would try a diluted mixture first in a test area.
I would NOT use Westley's on any INTERIOR item, or top. It cleans whitewalls VERY well, but I think it will damage the threads on the seams; and may be caustico No: Personally, i use SEM's SEM soap; It is made for prep cleaning vinyl and plastics. I would NOT use it repeatedly, but it works when used as directed. You gottta clean it off with clear water (rinse, or multiple soaked cloths), and then use 303, as someone else suggested. These products are not the usual on-the-shelf items at most parts stores, but NAPA can order them. Not cheap, but quality never is...
in the past, i have used a bit of dish soap in warm water and a washcloth to clean white vinyl seats. ford motor company used to make a vinyl cleaner that worked great. spray it on, work it with a washcloth and wipe it off.
Ive actually got that tip from more than one detailer. I would certainly use a pair of latex gloves though. Ive used Westley's on things that would just not come clean no matter what. It works.
While initially making whiter, bleaching products turn plastics darker with time. X2 on thread concern...
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I will give the SEM soap a shot first and see what happens. I am going to get new seat cover and doors panels eventually and go with white instead of the pearl, but that is $$$ and will have to wait for a while.
Krud Kutter works pretty good. I have white interior and have been happy with the results where most fail including simple green.
Purple power is some amazingly strong stuff that should clean up your vinyl, however - DO NOT get it on any aluminum parts as it will etch them. An old lady with an immaculate poncho firebird convertible with a white interior that was original to the car recommended Murphy's Oil Soap. It keeps the vinyl clean and soft. I have been using it for quite a while but I do not think it will clean stubborn stains.
Westley's actually does not contain bleach. It contains the same active ingredient that oven cleaner contains. So it is caustic though not actually chlorine-based. I wonder how a vinyl cleaner could actually make hard vinyl soft again. It does not seem possible. Vinyl's softness is a product of the oils therein. Once those oils outgas completely, there's no way to get them back in. The only way to make hard vinyl supple again would be to actually break it down, as in melt it slightly. This would probably lead to other issues. Personally I would go slightly abrasive. Bon Ami household cleanser is so gentle that it's nontoxic and biodegradable. That, diluted with water, would probably do a good job as long as dirt and not worn-off/burned finish is your issue. I have gotten many dirty vinyl items clean with it. It does leave a residue behind so after-cleaning with a product like Simple Green would be in order.
Tuff Stuff works great! I have used it on everything from Boats to Bikes... the trick is using a soft bristle brush to get the scrub going... wipe it then hit it again with some more and a cloth...
I've used this when all else failed, and without any apparent unintended consequences. Another approach is using enamel reducer--I got this one from an old timer but never tried it, maybe someone here has? John
SEMS makes dyes to spruce up your vinyl. Proper preparation is very important. Application is easy. Good luck, Matt
Agreed. Murphy's oil soap is what I use. It cleans very well, and does not dry out the vinyl. The original luster of the vinyl is retained once dry, and has no issues with attacking the seams. I have not tried on heavy stains though. Jim J.
