Tom,

When we did my van, we actually used an epoxy enamel primer, base coat of
the same paint I used on van, then a clear coat.  It not only looks great
and is a perfect match to the body, it now takes polish and wax like the
rest of the van.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/1084874967/in/photostream/

I don't expect to need to redo it for years!!!

Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie
N. of Detroit

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Tom LaLanne
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 11:51 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Pop top maintenance

Hi folks,

When I first bought my '86 Westy in 2001, its tan top wasn't pretty.  In
addition to rust stains from the original hardware, its finish was dull and
milky.  I spent a lot of time cleaning the rust and polishing the
fiberglass, and replacing all the bolts and other hardware with stainless,
and then applied a good auto wax over the top.  The top looked beautiful,
but it had been a huge amount of work.  Several years later, the top had
begun to fade, and I read on the list about someone who recommended painting
the top with a product whose name I cannot now recall.  The product's main
purpose was as an additive to paints to make the paint spread evenly.  I
bought a can at a marine outfitter - I think West Marine.  After washing the
top, I painted it with this stuff.  It was incredible.  The top looked
better than after I had done all the work several years before.  Somehow, I
felt almost like I was cheating.  Well, I'd like to cheat again, but can't
remember how.  One of those dreaded senior moments.  Does anyone know the
name of this product?  I've tried unsuccessfully to find it in the archives.

Tom LaLanne