DaveA

Search did nothing for me so...

Has anyone else had a discoloration appear on the strip of material immediately below the plastic window on a MY 2000? This seems to have developed quickly and almost looks like some kind of mildew except that it is a sort of murky tan color. I've only touched it with some gentle cleaners so far. No luck with that.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

xviper

I wash my top with the same carwash soap as the rest of the car every time I wash the car. I also treat the top with a protectant about twice a year. No problems here. Just curious if you wash the top with the rest of the car?

MikeyC

Did you apply anything to this piece prior to it's discoloration?

DaveA

Wash the car. What's that? The weather here has been rotten for weeks so the car has not been washed for a "long time". Nothing has been applied to the top since early summer when I used the last of my 303. I'm sure it wasn't there then.

My wife was the one to notice it and she asked what's that ugly strip under the window?

I'll try to get a picture tonight and post it.

xviper

OK, I think I now realize what exactly you're talking about. That narrow little strip that's maybe about an inch wide, right? I was thinking about that whole strip that runs between the bottom of the window to the end of the soft top.
That little strip is a sort of re-inforcement strip to help secure the bottom of the window. It's made of a different texture of material and can attract more grit and grime. This was particularly apparent for those of up who have the plastic rear window and use Plexus to keep the window clear. The Plexus would stain that strip white and it would be very difficult to get rid of.
I'm sure you are having a similar problem but with environmental contaminants getting into that strip. Some have reported having success with using a vinyl cleaner and a toothbrush and going over that area before hitting it with 303.

DaveA

xviper,

That's exactly where it is. I have no idea what it's made of but it's certainly different than the rest of the top. I assume it some kind of material used where the plastic window is heat bonded to the vinyl top. We do use Plexus but not recently but that sounds like it. I'll try some vinyl cleaner.

Thanks,