Conference vmsnet::car$note:carbuffs

    
    I just bought a new '97 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, and I was
    wondering how I should clean the top.  Do I just use soap and water, or
    do I need to apply other things to keep it nice?  
    
    Lkp

Soap and water. If it's white, clean it often. If you let it go 
too long, it will never come completely clean again.

daryll

    
    I've owned three drop-tops which have been through five tops.
    When they get really grungy (like if you buy a used car with
    a grungy top), I developed a good way to clean them.
    
    Find a fine brass bristled brush at a good hardware store.
    Make sure the bristles are at least 1-1/2 inches long so
    they flex well.  Get a strong bleaching detergent.  I think
    I found some dishwasher detergent with a built in bleaching agent.
    Mix up a soapy pail of it, wet the top with water, and scrub
    the top with the soapy solution and the brass brush working in 
    small sections.  Scrub in the direction of the grain of the top.
    Rinse frequently to check your progress.
    
    You can almost get a white top white again, and can certainly
    get a tan top looking new this way.  On some cars you can support
    the underside of the top with a thin piece of plywood or luan
    by inserting it between the supports in the car - this allows
    you to put some real elbow grease into the cleaning.  Takes
    a while but the results are worth it.  Give the car a good
    wash and wax afterward to get all that strong detergent off
    the paint.
    
    Enjoy the good weather,
    
          Jim D.   ...Currently without :^( a drop top
    
    

or buy car with a black top.

    
    The top is a tan (leather) color.  Thanks for the info