Chuckben

I am looking to purchase a 2000 996 cabriolet with a black top that is discolored (Attached photos). The fabric is in good shape, just discolored. Can anyone recommend how to best recondition the fabric to restore its black finish?


If a cleaning/conditioner won't do it can it be dyed?

996-CAB

I hope you get a good answer! A bird pooped on my top and it left a white mark. I tried shoe polish and black leather dye that I used on my seats. It did cover up the stain, but it is now shiny so it still looks like a bird pooped on it, only it pooped black poop. I realize I can't use the correct term for poop.
Raggtopp.com is great for cleaning and you might start there.

Woodman71

Do you know why it is discolored? It looks like it could be some kind of compound/substance scrubbed on by PO in a cleaning effort, might come out with good cleaning product.

Have you tried hitting it with some 303 Top cleaner?

Chuckben

I haven't purchased the car yet. I may be able to get the ok to try cleaning a small area as a test. From my recent research it appears that the stains must be removed by the cleaning process, not the conditioning process. So, I need to determine the most effect cleaner.

frisbee91

Is the rear window starting to delaminate in the bottom right corner? It looks weird in the picture. Once that plastic window glue starts to delam, the whole thing will start to go due to the stresses in the top.

Overall, I'd say that top looks to be in horrible shape.

996C438

My 2 cents: call around to local detail shops and share the pics with them . Can they fix it ? If yes how much ? If no then call around to get estimates on top replacement . In either scenario use the $$$ estimates to negotiate lower purchase price .

If the seller is not interested then I say walk away . There are clean ones out there with good maintenance records . Just need to be patient and diligent in your search .

Formerly996fried

If you choose to have a new top, I would suggest going online and looking at Robbins Auto Top: Replacement Convertable Soft Top with upgraded Glass window. Around $1,400 is a rather fair price.

996.2

I think our convertible top is canvas, and it seems like that material can by dyed but haven't heard of anyone trying it yet.

JohnCA58

They are canvas, this was recommended by guys in the UK, I bought the black and plan to do my top from grey to black when weather get warmer in the spring, I also got the top cleaner.