Full Camper top maintenance

[Seif911]

Good Evening All,

I just had my full camper top re-stitched. I also had a window or 2 replaced. I have never actually seen it on the boat. It is pretty dirty right now.

So, what would you clean the top with before I put it on? Should I spray waterproofing stuff on it? The last question, the upholstery guy said there is a conditioning spray/lotion that you can put on the clear vinyl to recondition it and clean it. Has anyone ever heard of this spray and where do you buy it or what is it called?

[CYO Admin]

Look at the 303 products for cleaning and protecting the glass and canvas. The make products for cleaning, waterproofing, etc. Great stuff and even recommended by Sunbrella.

[waybomb]

Steve

If the Sunbrella is not too old or damaged, a good cleaning generally seals it up pretty good. If it is old or sun damaged, a sealer will have to be used.

Take all the Sunbrella That doesn't have vinyl in it to a laundromat with the very big washers. A bottle of Woolite. Cold water. Wash the pieces, and immediately drive back to your boat and snap it in place while still wet. If you wait too long after washing to snap it all on, you will have a heck of a time doing so because the fabric will shrink.

As for the vinyl, everybody has personal preferences. I use a product called "Plexus". Aircraft owners and motorcycle people use it on their clear plastic. I find it works very well on vinyl. I've heard 303 works well too, but I have no reason to change.

Once the plastic has turned brownish, it's over. You may get it it to last a little longer, but it's over. If it's the original vinyl in the panel, you can probably sew a new piece of vinyl over the old one, and once sewn in, carefully take a razor blade and cut the old one out. That way, the shape of the panel stays the same.

If you need to replace snaps, I would highly recommend spending the money and buy a Press-n-snap tool. Not cheap, about 100 bucks at Prefect Fit, but what a difference from using those cheap snap tools sold at boating stores. Or I could swing down and help you replace them with my snap tool! I just need to know a week ahead of time because the snap tool is at my place in Michigan.

[Seif911]

I looked up the plexus products. That looks like some good stuff. I had to roof a house this weekend so...I of course had little time. I know I had some 303 laying around but I could not find it. I just washed the vinyl with soap and water, dried it and then went down and install the top. It was very hard to out on and 1 zipper was reinstalled backwards, but I don't have time to lose it for another 3 weeks for the fix. Maybe in the fall. Here is my top installed.

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