Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

[neworegonboater]

My wife and I just purchsed an older boat (1976 15' Thunderbird) and it came with a dodger/running top.
The vinyl is in good shape, but the clear vinyl is hazy, scratched and difficult to see through. I have an estimate to replace it, but it's well beyond what we wanted to spend. Besides, it isn't torn and I hate to replace it if I don't absolutely have to.
My question is whether anyone has had experience with products that can be used to restore the clarity of these flexible, vinyl windows. If so, can you give the name of the product?
Thanks a lot!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

I never have found anything that would work. Besides boats, automotive convertible tops have the same issue. Only remedy is to replace the window.

 

[V153]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

Only remedy is to replace the window.

Yup. 'Less it's "Strataglass", which can be polished, you'll need to replace the clear vinyl.

Way we do it is sew a new piece under/inboard of the old, staying as close to the origional stitch line as possible. Then cut/trim the old stuff away from the outside.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

Plexus or pledge- works incredibly well

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

go to your local auto parts store and pick up a bottle of meguire's PLAST-X

It won't restore it 100% but it, with lots of elbow grease, can make a HUGE difference.

I've used it on lots of convertible top windows and taken them from "I can't even tell is there if there is a car behind me" to "I can't quite read that license plate" pretty easily

 

[neworegonboater]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

Thanks very much to all who responded. I am new here and appreciate the quick replies.
I do think that I'll try the products suggested and see how they work. I'll let you know how it goes.
Greg

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

keep in mind that no vinyl boat window is all that see through in any condition.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

Thanks very much to all who responded. I am new here and appreciate the quick replies.
I do think that I'll try the products suggested and see how they work. I'll let you know how it goes.
Greg

Won't hurt. I haven't tried the meguire product that smoke suggested.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

If you get adventurous and want to try and replace it i got my widow plasticfar my camper top at wal mart, just like the stuff they use in pop up campers and it was really cheap compared to the ''real'' stuff.

 

[neworegonboater]

Re: Clear vinyl windows on "running" (or dodger) top

Well, I did try the the product that smokeonthewater had suggested (PlastX) and am very happy with the results.
For something like this, I guess it really boils down to what folks are looking for. If crystal clear is what you are looking for, PlastX won't do it. As "smoke" had indicated, however, it was a substantial improvement over what we had.
The boat had sat in a barn, covered and unused for over 25 years when we bought it. As such, I don't know if the haziness was from age or what. I did clean it thoroughly and the "before" photo reflects what it looked like after the cleaning. Then, I used the Platx product by laying the piece flat on a towel (to protect the windows from the carpet) and then just followed the instructions on the bottle. The "after" photo shows how it turned out.
We had been given an estimate of $380.00 for replacing the windows and zippers on our top. As I had indicated, our hope was to salvage what we had if it was possible...at least for now. Since this window is in the rear of the dodger, we figure that this will work for now.
Thanks again to all who responded and especially to smokeonthewater.
Greg