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Cleaning a SofTopper

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by JeffBoyardee, Jun 22, 2021.

  1. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:45 AM
    #1
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Seminole, FL
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    I have a black softopper, and it only took 1 or 2 trips offroad before it had an orange/brown hue. I'm in FL, so it's mostly from the clay around here. Probably limestone or something? Anyone know of a good way to clean it to get the original nice black color back, without damaging the canvas?
     
  2. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:46 AM
    #2
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Look up convertible top cleaning kits.
     
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  3. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:47 AM
    #3
    GarlicFarts

    GarlicFarts Bang Ding Ow

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    Coin op car wash.

    Tire brush.

    :thumbsup:
     
  4. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:49 AM
    #4
    12TRDTacoma

    12TRDTacoma Powered by Ford, GM, VW, and Mercedes

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    The pressure washer and some hand soap with the regular car sponge takes care of the dirt for me.

    Keeping the black black is what I'm trying to figure out how to maintain.
     
  5. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:51 AM
    #5
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Tried that. This FL mud is stubborn crap. I remember trying to clean it off of our ATV's. You'd get it looking nice, then once it dried it leaves a weird haze on everything.

    Never thought of that. Good thinkin
     
  6. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:51 AM
    #6
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ I drink, and I know things… Moderator

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    Looks like Alaska
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    I used a fabric/vinyl cleaner when I had tree sap get all over one of mine.

    Call them up and let us know. Thanks.

    F878FBD3-B91B-4C29-BD7A-0889B3D4F7BF.jpg
     
  7. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:52 AM
    #7
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've called them already. Didn't get any good info.
     
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  8. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:52 AM
    #8
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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  9. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:54 AM
    #9
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ I drink, and I know things… Moderator

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    Well that sucks. I can’t remember the brand of cleaner I used, but it was with a soft bristle brush. Maybe Adams or other vehicle detailing product might work?
     
  10. Jun 22, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #10
    GarlicFarts

    GarlicFarts Bang Ding Ow

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    Yup - I have a bunch of red clay from Arizona in there. No bueno. I just let 'er ride though, I use and abuse the truck, I don't baby it or need it looking pretty :rofl:
     
  11. Jun 23, 2021 at 4:28 AM
    #11
    HP-3336B

    HP-3336B Active Member

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    :facepalm:
    Summer intern answered the phone?
     
  12. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:04 AM
    #12
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It doesn't necessarily bother me either, but I'd like to keep it clean in case I ever decide to sell it. I've honestly been considering trading for a hard topper if I found a taker.
     
  13. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:05 AM
    #13
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Lol, quite possible. If I remember correctly I think she said just use car wash soap. If I had a test piece, I'd like to try CLR, or Lime-Away, since I believe the stains are from limestone mud/clay.
     
  14. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:09 AM
    #14
    GarlicFarts

    GarlicFarts Bang Ding Ow

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    Nah - the thing is, soft toppers age and shrink a bit over time. Their response if you ask is "buy a new one". Keeping it clean and UV protected keeps it in better shape for longer, so they don't has as much interest in that. If you like it and can be convinced to buy a new one a couple years earlier because it's shrinking or dirty, yee haw!
     
  15. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:17 AM
    #15
    HP-3336B

    HP-3336B Active Member

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    SO... We just want the money.....$$$$$:yes:

    Or say "We dont care"
     
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  16. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:20 AM
    #16
    Styx586

    Styx586 Well-Known Member

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    Idk much about your clay problem, but I just cleaned mine for the first time a couple days ago. Simple wash with water, then once it was dry I used Armor All on the vinyl, 303 Protectant on the clear windows. Looks brand new, and I’ve had it for a couple years now.
     
  17. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:24 AM
    #17
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My issue may be with not being protected well enough in the beginning. I was in a big hurry to get it on the truck. This dirt is awful though. It stains all the rubber weatherstripping with a hazy film.
     
  18. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:31 AM
    #18
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Remember, bird watching goes both ways. Moderator

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  19. Jun 23, 2021 at 7:22 AM
    #19
    PEneoark

    PEneoark Member

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    I just run mine through a brushed carwash if it gets that bad. Normally it's the touchless wash, in the event that I actually want it washed lol
     
  20. Jun 23, 2021 at 7:25 AM
    #20
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    It will make you toss your 303 products.
     

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