Sub'ed. I just installed a soft top for the first time yesterday (had the hardtop since purchase). I too would like to know what has worked or hasn't worked for others in keeping their soft top (top and windows) investment lasting as long as possible.

 

303 Aerospace Protectant. Can be found at boating supply stores.
End thread.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

 

End Thread? That keeps the widows looking new too? I know what your saying and appreciate the time you took to give us advise, but the OP mentioned his previous scratched windows as well. I will look into 303, but think the "End Thread" is a bit premature...

 

It does it all. Those in the know swear by it.
That and don't drive thru bushes and tree limbs.
End thread (again)

 

Here, since I'm such a nice guy.

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/91/aerospace-protectant-faqs.cfm

 

Your are nice; you let everyone know that the thread is over! How kind of you sir!

 

I have used 303 back in my car detailing days. Already looked into it for soft tops, I will give it a try - but have actually heard AGAINST using it on clear/tinted windows... but I guess I am not in the know. So kind.

 

303 is good for protecting. As for cleaning a filthy top, Simple Green...then 303 when it dries.

 

yeah 303 is good stuff.. alittle pricey .. but worth it

 

Ready to get my second Wrangler, probably will be either a Sahara or Rubicon Unlimited. I am not sure if I should get both tops or just the hard top.
How long does it take to lower the soft top? My prior was an 08 so that soft top was a nightmare.

 

303 on the soft top and Meguiar's plastic window polish on the windows. No way to get all the scratches out of the windows but the polish works on the smaller stuff.

 

Oh and the 303 works good on the plastic parts also (fenders,bumpers,mirrors)

 

I don't know what 303 is nor have I ever used it, but keeping something clean as often as possible is best. I've kept all my tops clean over the years and have never had to replace any of them nor have I had any leaks. Just plain car soap and water and don't store it folded wet. Chemicals are generally bad. Good luck!

 

A good Cleaning then a rub down with Krown Leather and Vinyl Protectant.. Good for inside and out. Lasts longer then Armorall and 303 on exterior plastic parts...

 

simple lemon pledge is the best thing I have found for the flares and steps.. the top i have some 303 coming ..hopeful..

 

Just got some 303 for mine. I think you'll be pleased. Ended up using it on the top, flares, and interior.

 

You know I made it last forever? I removed it. Bikini all year round. Win.

No matter what, it's going to fade, spot, get dirty, and windows will get scratched if you ever put the top down. Don't care how anal you are.

 

Yeah, I get that. Mine is off most of the time too, even when its down in the forties....but its CO and there is no way in hell I'm driving this around in 0 degree weather while its snowing with just a bikini top, remember I have half doors. So, just trying to get the most out of it. Again, I'm already observing the most important rule to make it last longer - leaving the Jeep unlocked at all times.

303 is on the radar.....

 

To get the soft top and plastic windows coated real nice with this 303 magic juice....will a 1 quart spray bottle do the trick?

 

303 for the top, but the best thing I have found for windows is Plexus. You can find Plexus at most motorcycle shops. It cleans really well and keep dirt from sticking.

 

The best way to make a soft top last is to keep it clean. The windows need more TLC, but they can last for years as well. Storage is key with the window panels. They need to be clan and seperated from each other by a soft, non-abrasive material. I use felt or clean microfiber towels. If you stack them on top of one another for extended periods of time, without the seperators, the plastic will cloud up.

I had my first soft top for almost five years, it still is leak free and looks good. I only swapped out for a sun rider style.

 

I have found 3M Handglaze works nicely on windows. It helps buff out minor scratches. I clean them with a lot of soap, water and soft cloth first. Then apply 3M to one side at a time and buff off.

When my windows come off I hang them in the garage.

My 07 top is still in good shape after 90K miles.

Will try the 303 on the rest.

 

303 Protectant works great. Not sure about locally, but found some pretty fair prices on Amazon.

Strangely for the the windows, if you have scratches on them, Chrome Polish and a hell of a lot of elbow grease with a microfiber cloth.

 

303 works for me on my 07 top.
Haven't tried anything on the pin striped windows yet..

Nobody has mentioned the zippers yet. Gotta keep them clean and lubed.
I purchased some zipper care products from a local dive shop. One is a wax type lube and the other is the same as the Mopar "KY" lube with the brush on the bottle. I do the zippers twice a season, and 303 the top once.

 

I replaced the original soft top on my TJ with an aftermarket OEM-style replacement and the 303 worked very well. After rinsing the top off and applying the 303 the fabric looked almost like new. I probably applied it two or three times a year at most and the top, about four-years old at the time, looked as good as ever when I sold the vehicle.

As for the windows, I have heard positive things about the Meguiars product. I have never tried it but did use the Mopar-branded cleaner (not sure who actually manufactures it) when the windows went back on after spending the summer in the garage and again after getting beat up by the winter elements. One application actually did remove any haze and mild scratches and I was happy with the the appearance.

Nobody has mentioned the zippers yet. Gotta keep them clean and lubed.

X2 on the zippers. Once they are gone, so goes the use of that window. The rear zipper on the TJ's original top started falling apart within six months of owning it and became impossible to zip up. The sides weren’t in as bad of shape since they are mostly covered, but were a challenge operate due to dust and likely age.

I believe I picked up both the 303 and zipper products at a boat/RV supply store.

 

Turtle Wax Ice Synthetic Liquid Polish works great on the top, as well as all plastic trim, etc.

my top is 4 years old, run in summer and wheeled a lot. Los brand new.

Sent via modern day courier pigeon

 

Here is a video i found on youtube. I wonder if this method would work well for a novice with a buffer... i will probably give it a try when my windows are ready to be replaced.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dC848-F_IWY

 

WOW!

 

The mopar soft window cleaner and scratch remover works very well and you can buy it pretty cheap online, that's only for the windows though

 

I agree with most of the statements made concerning the soft top care.....303, etc.... but probably the best way to make the top last longer is keep it out of the elements, sun/rain/snow....especially the sun (if possibile).

If your lucky enough to put the JK it in the garage or under a carport it's a big plus.......Now saying that I know there are a lot of people that don't have that option but I'm just pointing out a simple sometimes overlooked fact.

 

I use Honda motorcycle spray cleaner and polish. It was designed for plastics, it has UV protection and many other qualities. I think the UV protection is the main thing for longevity.