MTFCA Forum

With some help from Gene C. we recently fixed one of the pivot points on my "one-man-top" of my 1924 touring so I can now safely lower it. The last time I lowered it was shortly after I purchased it about 15 years ago (then the rivet gave way on the pivot point). It was installed about 20 years ago and is in good shape (no tears) but has mainly remained in the up position.

I am fearing that lowering it now may lead to the top material cracking and other bad things. I have previously applied armor-all to the top annually. Anybody have any recommendations to apply some type of lotion or conditioner to keep it supple, flexible, etc. so I can lower it occasionally?

Thinking about 303 aerospace protectant, but wanted to consult the T community first. From their ad:

"The 303 UV Protectant for Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic, Tires and Leather offers industrial-strength quality that was originally engineered for aerospace and aviation applications. This product features a premium surface treatment that quickly beautifies and provides protection against harmful UV rays that can cause discoloration, fading, embrittlement, cracking and/or chalking. It also works to repel dust, dirt, lint, soiling, staining, water spots, saltwater and mildew. The 32-fl oz UV protectant spray helps restore lost color and luster to keep treated surfaces looking like new. It is safe and effective for vinyl, clear vinyl, gel-coat, fiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic/natural rubber, plastics and finished leather.
303 UV Protectant for Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic, Tires and Leather:

Originally engineered for aerospace and aviation applications
303 aerospace protectant also repels dust, dirt, lint, soiling, staining, water spots, saltwater and mildew
Matte finish with no oily and greasy residue
Keeps treated surfaces looking new
Prevents fading and cracking
Restores lost color and luster
UV protectant spray instantly beautifies and provides superior protection against the suns harmful rays
Safe and effective for vinyl, clear vinyl, gel-coat, fiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic/natural rubber, plastics and finished leather"

I have been very satisfied with NuVinyl on my touring and runabout tops. Its kind of hard to find, ordered some recently through Amazon.

Doubtless your top material is vinyl, being made in the 1990s. Like every other "rubberized" material that pre-dated vinyl, given enough age and exposure to weather and sunlight, it will become brittle and crack, but it so far outlives the old materials it's not much of a consideration. Unless you find your top material is brittle and hard, there's no reason to think it will crack when folded down. If, by some strange occurrence it is hard and brittle, I don't believe there's anything one can apply that will restore it to supple flexibility. The products you mention are meant to keep the materials clean, and protected from ultraviolet decay.