Vinyl Top Preservation

[69Z28-RS]

It's been awhile since I've posted on here, so hopefully this will work.

My '69 Z28-RS has the original vinyl top (black).   It is in great condition for being 42+ yrs old, but it is drying out and shrinking a little...  in spite of my efforts every few years to apply a 'vinyl top preservative'.. 
My question is:    Is there anything else I can do to further preserve this top?  My car is unrestored, so I'm just cleaning and trying to put back the few original items that I removed many years ago.  I hope to enter it in the 'Unrestored Original' category at the nationals at some point.

Any suggestions appreciated..

Gary Wylie
'69 Z28-RS

[lakeholme]

First, you need to CLEAN and SEAL a vinyl top from time to time. But you already know that.
In light of the condition you describe, you might want to try a marine vinyl cleaner/preservative like 3M makes. You need to insure the elasticity of old vinyl.
Also, I know some folks who swear by Raceglaze or Moreshine for vinyl.

[OG69Z]

Hi,
     I use the GM Vinyl Cleaner. It is specifically for vinyl tops. I've had it for some time, I hope it is still available. I have also used a similar product from BMW, which might be a good option for you.

[69z28rsbilly]

A friend of mine has a 1970 SS Chevelle with its original black vinyl top .
He preserves his top with Mop n Glow........and it looks great........

[lakeholme]

Yes, Mop n Glow works as long as you buff it pot real well.  But it doesn't really preserve a vinyl top --just makes it shine...

[Charley]

Might not apply here but Mr Clean Magic Eraser does a great job of cleaning vinyl tops.