refreshening convertible top color

spider76 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-27-2004, 11:09 AM

The top on my '76 spider has sun-faded from black to a gray/brownish color. Has anyone used or heard of a product that is designed to restore or recolor a convertible top? The top itself is at least 14 years old but in good condition since the car is garaged almost all the time.

**Farace** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2004, 11:30 AM

I believe I have heard of such a thing, and I think it might have even been specifically for convertible tops, but the name of it escapes me right now. I guess I'm not much help, other than to confirm that there really is such a thing.

Pierre Martins · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 12:55 AM

spider76, I've done it a few times, so here's a detailers tip for you -

Buy a can of black acrylic (water-based) paint. About one liter should do the trick. Thin it down by two thirds with clean water. - 1 L paint = 3L dilution.

Use a soft sponge and dab the entire top. (don't use a brush, it'll leave streaks) Do this twice to let the solution soak in well. Note - If your top is very bad, try a stronger solution 1L = 2L.

Your top should be fine for the next 2 years or so.

Pierre.
www.pts106.com

**Gubi** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 01:23 AM

Renovo is probably the stuff Farace is thinking of. I've used their vinyl top cleaners and proofers with great results, and I've heard really good things about their cloth top restorer.

Might be a little tough to find...I think it's made in the UK?

Do not order it from Caribou Imports! Search the boards to find out why.

*edit*
Here's the stuff:

http://www.renovousa.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=8

Probably pretty similar to what Pierre described, although this is specifically designed for tops. No idea if it works better or not, but like I said I've heard good things about it.

spider76 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 02:21 PM

Gentlemen, I thank you both.
Pierre, I may try your technique for the color revival, while using Gubi's suggestion for the cleaner, proofer and window polish.
Gubi, I went to the Renovo website today and it certainly has everything needed for my top, but the site must be still under construction because some areas of it are non-functional. Still, I plan on using some of their products.
I had seen all the threads on Caribou Imports and don't plan on ever having anything to do with them but it's agood idea to remind everyone.
Again, thanks.

**conedriver** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2004, 04:38 AM

I just completed refreshing the black color on the original canvas top on my '91 Spider. I used "Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Color". This is claimed to be suitable for "Upholstery, Carpet, Door Panels, Seat Trim, dashboards and more".

After dripping on the paint during a trial spray, I masked the car & rear window with generous overlap on the trunk, hood and sides. The product worked satisfactorily with the only variations being at the areas where the fabric was worn from rubbibg on itself when the top was folded. Also, it's pretty smelly but the in-car odor disipated after a few days.

There are apparently other colors available, and I may experiment on the faded tan emergency brake handle.

Good luck,

**Favali** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2004, 09:50 AM

Last summer I refreshed my original fabric top on my 93 Spider Veloce with Renovo Black Soft Top Reviver. Easy with great color and coverage.

2 weeks later I hit it with a coat of RaggTopp spray. Amazing results for such an easy effort.

Both worked great and I am pleased with the color and the renewed water proofing.

I wash the top with Porsche Canvas Top Wash and found that it works real nice. In between washings, I keep the top clean with a lint-removing roller.

I bought the dye and spray from Proper Auto Care in Tampa (http://www.properautocare.com)

-Rob

**81alfa** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2004, 01:07 PM

You folks need to get to Superior restoration products.
On the web and have some great products for
Tops, Carpet, glass, Lens restoration( takes out the yellow)
I just recolored the carpet on my 81 Spider Veloce and it looks like new.
easy to use and match-up with some practice.
www.superiorrestoration.com
They look like a sight for shops but will send you anything you need.
Good luck.

breda65 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004, 11:28 AM

I used this stuff and my top looks brand new. I highly recomend it.

http://www.renovointernational.com/

spider76 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004, 01:27 PM

They were recommended above but I can't get their website to fully function. Do you know of dealers in the US that stock their products?

breda65 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-17-2004, 05:14 AM

I had to order directly from england. I don't think they have any american distributers yet.

**Favali** · #12 (**permalink**) 03-17-2004, 03:46 PM

Try http://www.properautocare.com for Renovo dye ....

il_formaggio · #13 (**permalink**) 03-25-2004, 04:35 AM

I would also suggest using a water proofer also. I used the Renovo water proofer on my top almost 2 years ago. Easy to apply with a paint brush, and the water just rolls off the top after a rain or washing. It's kinda like RainX for your top. The real reason I bought it though was for the UV protection it claims to provide. So far so good, no fading yet.