My next improvement project is to tackle the stains on the inside of my convertible top.

I have the dove grey interior and there are what appear to be rust stains that collect around seams and in other locations, including two very square stains on each side of the window.

I've tried, cautiously, a few cleaners but nothing so far is working. I have heard that replacing the headliner on the soft top is very expensive, and since the outside is still in good condition, hesitate to replace the top just because the inside has stains. Any suggestions?

 

Have you tried the detailing section?
There's usually some great advice there on these issues....

Failing that, for any detailing problems like that perhaps try detailingworld.........I'm positive you'll get the answer for this issue there

 

Try rubbing alcohol, It cleaned mine, but It sounds like your liner is deteriorating creating the stains. After reading the JTIS I looks like a labor intensive job

 

The rust colored stains are from the inner foam layer deteriorating. No matter how well you clean it, they will keep coming back.

Fortunately, you can replace the liner without replacing the top, and there are relatively inexpensive sources for a repalcement liner. You want to find a replacement with as much of the plastic hardware already sewn in as possible, and ideally with lined inner foam, as well as of course a color match like the original. This would be a good choice: Jaguar XK8 XKR XK 2001-2006 Convertible Soft Top Headliner, Beige or Gray Colors | eBay for $159.

Your best bet is to find an experienced auto upholstery shop to install it. Installation will probably run a few hundred dollars. It is not an easy DIY unless you are very, very detail oriented.

 

Concertoed:

Last year I had my headliner and A-pillars redone on my 2005 XKR Coupe by Sunbrite Auto Works in Tampa and they did a great job. They were very knowledgeable and helpful so you may want to check them out for advice. They are located Just off of Dale Mabry at 3924 West Crest Ave. Ask for Robert Murphree.

Cheers

 

The polyester or acrylic fleece from which the inner lining is made is not particularly fragile, and were it clothing would be machine washable (my background is textiles). So don't be afraid to get it wet with soap and water or a cleaning or spotting laundry agent. Obviously, you have nothing to lose if the spots don't come out. Or you can use my solution, which is to put the top down everyday, so that you don't have to look at the dirt; works for me!

 

I've got the same staining on mine. I didn't even notice for months after I bought the car since I nearly always drive it with the top down.

 

I have hesitated to post this but after trying to use rubbing alcohol, which worked well, I tried brake cleaner and it worked wonderfully. All the stains disappeared with the fluid. No obvious damage to the fabric but no guarantees.

 

That's the case with me as well. My Jag is not a daily driver, and I only take it out when I can ride with the top down.

I did clean it once with 409 and it cleaned right up with no damage to the headliner, but since I always put the top down to go out in it, as you say, it does not bother me.

 

I have found that those disposable hand-cleaning towels that you can buy in places like Pep Boys or any Garage Supply places work well on most top liner stains, although I have to say my stains (dove grey liner as well) were either oily/greasy hand prints, or water stains. I just rubbed the stains briskly with the non-abrsive side of the towels, and the stains came right out, with no marks left behind. I also keep a few in a ziplock in the console (just in case, you know, you ever have to get your hands dirty on a Jag!)

 

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I suspect the stains will return no matter how they are cleaned as they have in the past, so the underlying foam area is likely to be the culprit. The replacement liner is inexpensive; the labor to install it is definitely not! I guess I'll think about this for a while and drive more with the top town!