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Poptop Rejuvenation
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BoneMachine
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:24 am    Post subject: Poptop Rejuvenation Reply with quote

So, like everyone else, I'm unhappy with the appearance of the poptop. My's one of the tan colored models. I did a search and didn't come up with what I have in mind, so here goes. I just did a sample area on the top using a plastic polish called Novus 2. This is the stuff I use for the final rub out of the lacquer on the guitars I build. It contains a mild abrasive, I've been told its diatomaceous earth, but i don't know for sure. All I know is that it works beautifully.
Anyway, my sample area looks great. The Novus cut through the chalky surface and left a nice tan area. One that looks like the protected area, at the back of the forward section, that you see when the top is popped. The weather is supposed to be nice on Sunday so, I'll try to rub out the top then, followed by a good waxing.
Has anyone else had luck with this approach? It doesn't have to be Novus, I figure any good rubbing compound would work.
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rcook52459
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3946&category_id=132&category_parent_id=
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r39o
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So what's so wrong with Penetrol that you have to go through the PITA polishing route?

All we did was use a brush and mild soapy water to get the funk off and used Penetrol.

The brush actually sorta shined the top up.

The Penetrol gave a nice gloss and protects.

Just curious.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

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Terry Kay
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You didn't look in the right spots in the archives---there are reams of pop top rejuvination info.

Think; PENETROL

But--if you rather bust your butt and take a weekend off--keep fluffing and buffing on that glass.
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BoneMachine
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rcook52459 wrote:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3946&category_id=132&category_parent_id=


I tried that stuff, it didn't work as well as the Novus.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Penetrol is awesome....if you know how to apply it.
I spray it, after masking off everything I don't want it on.
Nothing has stood up a well in the elements...especially the ones promising to restore clolor...kiss it good by once the sun gets to it.
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Terry Kay
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

One wipe with the penetrol, once a year will do more good for that faded top, than any wax or sealer would ever do---
Plus--it'll hold up against the UV much better.

Wipe it on,& let it dry----it's that easy---
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BoneMachine
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've read varying accounts of penetrol of a couple of boat forums. How look did the resulting finish hold up?
I actually have some here, I'll give it a try.
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Terry Kay
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 9:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The last time I wiped some on my 87 was 2 years ago--still looks good.

But , the first time I used it I went arond twice on the top--
Total time consumed--maybe 30 minutes.

A simple wipe down is much easier than buffing & waxing a top---plus it'll last 10 times longer.

You can't find an easier way to get the job done.
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r39o
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Terry Kay wrote:
A simple wipe down is much easier ..... You can't find an easier way to get the job done.

AGREE!

Do not go over board by polishing or as below. There are more productive ways to spend your time....

insyncro wrote:
I spray it, after masking off everything I don't want it on..

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insyncro
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I mimick the orange peel that came stock on the vans and get many asking how I get the top to look so good.

Wiping will streak and not apply the product evenly.
Any areas where overlap has been applied will show.

Glad it works for you Guys.
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BoneMachine
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Man, when r39o, Terry Kay and Insyncro line up to tell me on on the wrong path, it's time for me to reset the gps!!
I'll be applying penetrol this Sunday. Dylan, I'm not sure if I can get away with spraying it, but I'll give it some thought. I have the equipment to do it, I'd have to spray it outside.
Thanks to all of you.
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SCM
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PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

BoneMachine wrote:
rcook52459 wrote:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3946&category_id=132&category_parent_id=


I tried that stuff, it didn't work as well as the Novus.


Yeah, that stuff GoWesty sells was a complete waste of time for me. I even used an electric rotary buffer to polish it. You can't tell that I spent any time on the roof. I'm going to look into this Penetrol stuff at some point this summer.
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70coupyel
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Has any one tried the water based Penetrol? Here in Calif all of the oil based Penetrol was pulled from the shelfs. Anyone??
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randywebb
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 4:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

does Penetrol make the top darker?

or change the color in some way?
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Terry Kay
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well yea---

If the top is all chaulked out--it will darken it up back to where it should be.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Hello--
The top on my 87 was once kinda pink--
Do ya think it darkened it up a hair??
It changed the color alright--
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BoneMachine
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 5:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I coated my top with penetrol on Sunday, man, I'm a believer. What a great job that stuff does! I could see where spraying it would be a help, but that wasn't an option this week.
To r39o, Terry Kay and Insyncro, my sincere thanks for putting me on the right path.
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Terry Kay
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 5:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

<<Has any one tried the water based Penetrol? Here in Calif all of the oil based Penetrol was pulled from the shelfs. Anyone??>>

If I was "anyone" I would mail order some Penetrol from outa state--
May Lost Wages would be a good area---

I wonder how water based penetrol is going to work in Varnish & oil based paints to make it flow better.
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randywebb
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 5:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

randywebb wrote:
does Penetrol make the unpainted tops darker?

or change the color of the natural fiberglass in some way?


ok, I have narrowed my question
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