Help...Solstice is well loved but has an issue with the coloring on the top. In the spring, I drive it to work with the top down. When there is early morning dew and it goes into the trunk, the top rubs on the inside of the trunk lid. The result: You can see a big oval where the convertible supports are inside. Here is what it looks like.
The rectangles are right above the handle at the windshield. The oval is the cross bar. And the odd quadrilateral (hey, my geometry teacher would be so proud I remembered that!) and the diagonal streak are above the driver window where ther is a joint in the top mechanism. Now, I've used the special top cleaners and a lot of elbow grease...it don't thnk it is dirty in this pattern, I think it is it is faded in this pattern, or more correctly, rubbed off in this pattern. But, I could be wrong. Any suggestions? Is there a way to re-dye the top?
I'm guessing that this is happening because your top is not seating down in the trunk properly - probably because of friction at the sides. Once you have cleaned up the problem areas (dyeing or similar, as Rob says) you can try this: Mod: Simple 'No-roof-wear-from-trunk-liner' fix
You may be able to just scrub it down with top cleaner. Then a couple days later treat the top with RaggTopp Fabric Protectant (we have canvas tops, not vinyl).
There are a couple other products out there of similar quality.
We have two 2008 Skys, and both tops look like new. I keep them treated.
Yeah - I agree - Try Rapptopp first before any dye...
__________________
wr
__________________ Mean 2007 N/A 2.4
2007 Solstice ordered on 8/24/06 - Picked up on 12/12/06 - Totaled on 6/12/10
Looking for another Solstice 6/13/10...
Mean 2008 GXP
Acquired 6/21/10 with 1275 miles on it - Summer Solstice !
Have the top dyed. It will look like brand new. I had my white leather seats in my Mustang re-painted (dyed if you will) and my white top done for a show and it looked awesome!!!
Thanks everyone...lots of options! I'm working on my "Spring auto restoration/modification" campaign grand strategy and getting the Solstice top spruced up is near the top of the list...I'll do my research and figure out which of the above (or more likely several of the above) I'll do. But either way the top will look new again.
Once you have it back to showroom, I highly second GS's recommendation of the raggtop protectant. Their cleaner and protectant have done a remarkable job in rejuvenating my 07's top.
My top stays in the trunk all summer, with no ill effects. As long as you keep it treated correctly, it should not discolor or end up with noticeable rub marks.
(if you really want to do this right, get the Kappa Blanket as Rob suggested, as well).
But there is one downside: The RaggTopp preserver tends to stay a little gooey. So if you park around cottonwood trees, the cotton will tend to stick and have to be picked off. But that is also why it repels water so well and maintains the OEM looks so good. My service writer commented last summer "What are you doing with the tops on your two Skys? They still look like new, and every other one we get in here looks all faded and they have marks on the top". So I gave up the info, and have seen a few others that miraculously look new now.
__________________
Sent from my DALEK MOBILE DEVICE using Exterminate.Com Free App
Location: Parker Colorado, USA, directly above the center of the earth
Both our tops appear new after 6 years. I keep them clean. I treat them with Raggtopp every 6 months and I always use your kappa blankets when they are in the trunk.
Plus its yet another opportunity for some cool custom graphics!
__________________
Rob the Elder
Punisher's Daddy
Green Dragon's chief mechanic
Carol's husband for 45 years
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
But that is also why it repels water so well and maintains the OEM looks so good. My service writer commented last summer "What are you doing with the tops on your two Skys? They still look like new, and every other one we get in here looks all faded and they have marks on the top". So I gave up the info, and have seen a few others that miraculously look new now. 
Linear Mode
