Getting scratches out of a softtop

[itsnotanova]

My wife is part of the 986 club now. I bought a 2003 base tiptronic with 116k at the auction that had a wet immobilizer. I stuck a spare set in it and it started right up. It runs beautifully and seems to be in great condition. The seats need to be replaced but that's about it. Luckily I have the set that came out of my boxster when I installed racing seats. The only other major problem are some scratches on the canvas top. The scratches weren't even noticeable until i washed off the dirt from sitting in a dirt parking lot for 3 months. The scratches aren't too deep and you can barely feel them. I'm curious if anyone has some suggestions for removing them.

[PaulE]

Nice score. I wonder if a good cleaning with Ragg Top cleaner and then spraying on the Ragg Top water repellant treatment would do anything for it, maybe make the scratches less noticeable? Are they really scratches? Is the fabric torn or roughed up? Maybe a 3M Magic Eraser would do something?

[rexcramer]

+1 on the resealing after another thorough cleaning. I betcha they disappear.

[dghii]

Nice!!
Never seen anything like that before.
I'd just drive the dang thing for a bit to make sure everything else is right, then drive it with the top down!

Can you feel the scratches? Certainly worth the effort of using some professional products...hope they work.

[YellowS2000]

Iv a feeling that car will clean up really well.

I too have a few scratches appear on my metropole blue hood. I haven't a clue where they have come from.

its funny tho as Im fanatical about keeping the car looking new despite it being ancient but the roof scratches don't bother me really.

Id live with it.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Deserion]

I'd suggest trying 303's canvas cleaner and finish with their protectant. May minimize any issues with the scratches. Speaking of which, I probably should scrub my roof soon.

[78F350]

Deep cleaning will help a lot. You can really see the difference in shade in different areas. I'd use a good foaming upholstery cleaner like Tuff Stuff with a soft bristle brush or upholstery attachment for a carpet cleaner. Then move on to the 303.


Any small cuts in the fabric will always be there, but on my top like that, they only showed up close, or when there is a fine dew or frost.

[rick3000]

If those are actually scratches/tiny cuts in the canvas, I think they will be tough to completely eliminate. I would clean it with a soft brush (avoid nylon if you can) and your top cleaner of choice. If there is still discoloration, you might consider a soft top dye, I know that Renovo makes a top dye in black. Putting a thick coat of waterproofing might also help mask it.

[itsnotanova]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try and report back on what worked

[TeamOxford]

What's up with the Audi, Woody?

Just wonderin'.............

TO

[rusty69911]

Originally Posted by TeamOxford

What's up with the Audi, Woody?

Just wonderin'.............

TO

boxster engine swap...

[itsnotanova]

Originally Posted by rusty69911

boxster engine swap...

If my 3.4 ever bites the dust, I'm going 2.7 or 4.2 next. I like my 3.4 but it lacks in power. I think I need a minimum of 400hp to be content.

[itsnotanova]

Originally Posted by TeamOxford

What's up with the Audi, Woody?

Just wonderin'.............

TO

I got it at the auction too. It was a repo sold at auction and I got it for a good price. I dabble in Audi's a little bit and I have a small collection of B5 S4's in the back. I plan on flipping it after I take care of some issues with the flapper valve inside the intake. My wife had the decision between the S4 or the boxster and she chose the Boxster. I'd probably keep it if it was an Avant as I love fast station wagons. They make great part haulers