I have a 2000 silver Cab. The top is physically in good shape, but its faded and doesn't look so great (It's light grey). Does anyone know if it's even possible, or where I could find some info on how to do it, or who to use? If I was replacing it, I would do a black top, but I just can't justify the cost due to the good physical condition the existing top is in. Am I crazy to even consider this?

Thanks in advance for any insights.....

 

Yes you can.

 

I pursued this a few years ago, and decided not to do it. When I tested dyeing a 12"x12" sample canvas, it left the canvas stiffer. I felt in a short time with top going up and down, it would crack near the folds.

 

A certain type of flex dye needs to be used, after the paint cures in 24-48 hours. You need to use vinyl lotion and soak the top.

Keep it supple

 

He is right, the wrong type of paint, or not curing it properly will become very stiff. I don't see the top cracking because of it, as long as you have been lotion your top periodically... but I do see cracks forming in the top layer of paint.

 

Try using raggtop, it definitely darkens the fabric, not sure how many shades but its a noticeable difference, and also seals it which causes water to bead off the fabric, not necessary but it's nice. Glad I did it, took a while to mask everything off, worth it though, it's a real ***** to get off the glass etc. top looks like new now.

 

Just wanted to update anyone who's interested. I bought the renovo dye and sealer on amazon. It worked beautifully. It was extremely easy to work with and I was able to dye my top from a faded light grey to a nice deep black. It looks like a brand new car. Thanks for all of the input.

 

Did it stiffen the fabric at all ? Any negatives with product and process ?

 

None whatsoever. The process was a piece of cake. I did 3 coats of dye and then 2 coats of the sealer. The color is totally even and looks like a brand new top. I bought a good quality paint brush to apply both the dye and sealant. Just be careful if drips. You have to wipe them immediately.

 

Awesome, glad it worked out well for you

Is this the kit you used ?

 

just discovered this thread - I am kind of in the same boat, but actually really like the gray top. (my car is seal gray with stone gray interior and the gray top) It just seems to be fading in some of the creases where it folds.

Interestingly at DMV I saw another Seal gray 997 with the gray top, and the fading was very similar to mine (same exact spots) - anyone know of a kit that works for bringing it back to gray?

Chomper do you have any before / during / after pictures?

I'll keep searching the threads for more info on this, but would love to hear from anyone else with thoughts or ideas on this.

thanks!

 

Here are the before/during/after pics. It was so easy and now, about 4 months later, it still looks just as good as the day I did it.

 

I redied my black top. Very easy. Very durable.

 

This looks great. Is the 500ml bottle enough for a color change or did you use the 1L bottle?

I'm thinking of picking up a kit with a 500ml bottle of the cleaner, dye and sealant.

Any other tips for the procedure?