Get Rid of Wrinkles - 1966 Convertible Top

[Edmund C.]

All: The white convertible top on my 1966 Corvette roadster is original to the car. Overall, it looks fairly decent. Can anyone share a couple of tips on preserving it? Is there a cleaner or a preservative that I can use? Please advise. By the way, I entered my Vette in our first show this past weekend in The Woodlands, Texas (Sam Houston Corvette Club, Fall Event). It was a beautiful venue and 107 Vettes showed up. I was very surprised to win a best in class award. What a kick! I met some other NCRS Members and they were very helpful and friendly. Great organization. Best, EWC

[Donald O.]

Re: Get Rid of Wrinkles - 1966 Convertible Top

I've used a hair dryer from the inside, to get the top soft and pliable again. But the effect is only temporary, you'll need to have the top up and secured to do this, and leave it up and secured until fully cooled. Collapsing and storing will bring the wrinkles back.

Don

[Jim H.]

Re: Get Rid of Wrinkles - 1966 Convertible Top

I have a white top on my 66 427. While it had no rips or tears, it had significantly yellowed over time and had some wrinkles as you describe. Thanks to the advice I received on this BB, I used Soft Scrub with bleach which removed the yellowing. (Since it has bleach in it, be careful to protect your interior and paint to avoid bleaching. I used clear plastic painter's tarps.) As for wrinkling, I had Adam Parker adjust my top and he successfully removed the wrinkles in mine.

[Dan B.]

Re: Get Rid of Wrinkles - 1966 Convertible Top

I installed my top almost 25 years ago (Al Knock) in my 59 and it still looks good. The best thing I have found is to store the car with the soft top Up and latched whenever possible. Occasionally, I put the hard top on and when the folding top is stored retracted for a long period of time, it is always a process to get it latched and unwrinkled again. I leave it in the sun and let it warm up before trying to latch it, then once latched, a bit longer in the sun and the wrinkles will eventually go away on their own. Dan

[Edmund C.]

Re: Get Rid of Wrinkles - 1966 Convertible Top

All: Thanks for the guidance fellows. Is there any "goop" or top fabric treatment that I can also use to keep it subtle? Thanks for your consideration. Best, EWC