Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Owner's Manual page 58

Cleaning and Care o f the Vehicle
Paintwork
Do not apply wax if your car is
parked in the sun or if the hood is
still hot. For maximum protection,
the paintwork should be waxed
approximately once every three
months. Use the appropriate
MERCEDES-BENZ Touch-Up S tick
for quick and provisional repairs of
minor paint damage.
Light Alloy Wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a
week with lukewarm water and
autoshampoo. Use an ample supply
of water.
To remove stubborn marks, use
polish or paint cleaner and apply
with buffing cloth or a soft cloth.
Ornamental Moldings
(Chrome-Plated, Aluminium)
For regular cleaning and care of
very dirty chrome-plated parts, use
a chrome cleaner.
Roadster Top
(Rubber-coated Canvas)
Stow only a com pletely dry top in
the storage compartment. If the top
is kept in the storage compartm ent
for a lengthy period, unfold and air
it well with the windows down from
time to time.
Remove bird droppings immedia­
tely. The organic acid swells the
rubber and causes the top to leak.
In general regular spraying or
cleansing with clear water will do.
Wash top only when heavily soiled,
not every time the car is washed.
Caution: Never use any gasoline,
thinner, tar and stain removers or
similar organic solvents to clean
top or rear window.
Dry cleaning:
Brush top (always from front to
rear) with a soft-bristled brush.
Wet cleaning:
Brush the dry top. Wash with a mild
detergent and an ample supply of
lukewarm water by wiping the can­
vas with a soft-bristled brush or a
sponge from front to rear. Then
cleanse thoroughly with clear water.
If only parts of the top have been
washed, wet the entire top at the
end of the proceedings and allow
the unfolded and tightened top to
air-dry. Wipe the rear window with a
cloth soaked with a detergent and
rub dry. Do not use sharp-edged
instruments for the removal of ice
and snow.
Important!
The seams of the top may start to
leak due to improper care and
cleaning, as well as due to usage
over a long period of time. A reseal­
ing of the top seams can be carried
out at every MERCEDES-BENZ ser­
vice station.