Bleach and tan top cleaning

[ewclement]

I’ve read the past threads on using bleach to clean tan tops and I have a few questions. Has using the bleach and ragtop solution caused any long tern negative results. I washed my top with raggtop and put the raggtop protectant on last mounth. Will the bleach raggtop combination penetrate the protectant?

Ed

[Lonestar]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

I can not answer whether the bleach has any long term neg results for I have never used it. However, the bleach / raggtopp will remove the protectant. No biggie, simply reapply Raggtopp protectant (or product of your choice) after cleaning.

[5bird7]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

The bleach/raggtop solution should only be used sparingly - it is a last resort cleaner. Once used, please protect your softtop and keep it clean. This means cleaning (neutral soap/water or regular cleaner) just about everytime you take it for a spin if you want to avoid those black marks --AND make sure your top is dry when you put it down. Bleach deteriorates fabric & threads, period.

[bronzebird]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

I used the bleach/raggtop mixture a few times. The first time I noticed some difference in the black marks (apparently mildew), but the next couple of times I used it (with 10% bleach mixed in) I really could not see the difference when it dried.

Just before leaving for T-Bird '55 in Michigan I bumped the beach content up to 25% and did the top again, being extremely careful to rinse it completely afterward. Most of the time there, the top was down and only went up at night when the marks weren't visible.

I was just cleaning the car getting ready for a show tomorrow and frankly the black marks are just as evident now as they were in the beginning. I don't want to add bleach to the top again.

I think I would rather just replace the top at some point with a non-factory fabric similar to what I saw on Mark Gill's (02 Bluebird) car in Ottawa earlier this year. Mark went with an easy-to-clean white fabric that probably comes in a sand or wheat colored shade as well.

Bronzebird

[00mustng]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

....I can't imagine using bleach at all.....for anything!

[SixPac]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

I'm pressuring the driveway today. Using a whole lot of bleach. The bleach does a good job.

(I'm waiting to have my picture taken again.)

[Lonestar]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

As a suggestion.... I have had good luck with making sure that every time I wash the car that I use my shop vac to pull moisture out of the creases. Shortly after getting the car I notices the dreaded black marks (which are on the black tops as well but you can not see it as easily) starting to develop so I cleaned the top with Raggtopp and then used the shop vac on the crease areas and as stated, I now do that after every washing. May not actually be but I think my top looks as it did the day I got the car.

[Dave Stanger]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

I too, have the tan top. It's six years old now. I use a product by Wesley's, Bleach-White, which comes in a spray bottle. I spay on, scrub in with a soft bristle brush and hose off. Top looks like it did the day it rolled off the assembly line - no dreaded black marks. Works wonders on the whitewalls as well.

[Ediron]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

I use a 50% water and bleach.I know it sounds crazy but in S.Fl. with a sand top it will look more like a leopard in time with the mildew.My bird is covered outside and it still get's spot's.(no garage) I soak down the top and spray it ,let sit always keeping it wet and hose it down.I try to not spray any stiching.RagTop and any other treatment will not stop the mildew I've tried boat spray and RagTop ,they don't stop it. Someday I'll buy a house with 3 garages.

[Sandman]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

Ed, like this?

[BJHEN]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

These post may help. See here post #5, then follow link and see post #55:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=26134

[Leroy]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

While shopping for my Bird back in 07, I looked at a Merlot with Sand trim at a Ford dealer. After the test drive I asked them to remove the hard top so I could see how it came off and what the soft top looked like. The top had black marks in the folds. They told me they would have the top shampooed and it would look as good as new. They called me two days later and said they couldn't remove the stains and asked if I would be interested in it if they lowered the price some, I said " No Thanks " Never looked at another Merlot. Leroy

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[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

Too bad. Most Merlot Birds have black soft top.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

I too, have the tan top. It's six years old now. I use a product by Wesley's, Bleach-White, which comes in a spray bottle. I spay on, scrub in with a soft bristle brush and hose off. Top looks like it did the day it rolled off the assembly line - no dreaded black marks. Works wonders on the whitewalls as well.

Used Bleach-White on my white topped '92 Le Baron for 10 years but eventually the clear coat started to peel where it ran down the side of the car when rinsing.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Bleach and tan top cleaning

FYI..... Bleach-White does not contain bleach.