How Do You Clean a Fiberglass Truck Topper? – If you want to make your truck functional and versatile, buying a fiberglass truck topper is the best thing to do. If you are planning to go on adventure or camping, your truck topper will come in handy.
With time, you may realize that your truck topper has started to fade in color in certain places. It may also eventually wear and tear. This will all happen much quicker if you don’t take good care of it.
With the right type of care, your fiberglass truck topper can still look good even after using it for several years.
When toppers are manufactured, a high grade fiberglass material is used for the build, followed by a paint job to complete the finish. This is why it needs some regular form of maintenance and care.
This is a very good Truck Topper & Car Cleaning Kit.
Here is a great UV Sun Protectant for Your Truck Topper.
But how do you clean a fiberglass truck topper?
Read on to learn more with our cleaning tips.
For more information about Tonneau Truck Bed Covers (Ford F150 specifically), check out our Ford F150 Tonneau Truck Bed Cover page.
Tips on How Do You Clean a Fiberglass Truck Topper?
- Clean the Truck Regularly
While this might seem like a no brainer, most truck owners assume that washing your fiberglass truck toper is not important. However, when washing it you need to be gentle so you don’t damage it.
You should know that during the first 30 days of the topper getting painted, the color of the paint is still settling down. Because of this, any aggressive cleaning may cause bad damage to the paint.
- Avoid Using Any Chemicals While Washing Your Topper
Before using any type of chemical solution to clean your topper, allow the paint to dry for at least 60 days. This will give the paint to dry to help avoid any issues. You should also not use a wet cloth to wipe it at this early paint drying stage as this can end up damaging the paint job as well.
If you want to remove any type of sticky substance or snow from the topper’s surface, make sure to use a soft brush.If you do decide to use some sort of cleaner or protectant, make sure that they don’t have any type of petrochemicals that may damage the truck’s topper.
- Lubricating the Truck Topper
After cleaning your fiberglass truck topper, make sure to lubricate all of the moving parts (like door jams) with grease. These lubricants are suitable because they will prevent any grime build-up.
However, while doing this avoid using lubricants on the gas struts and shafts. If need be, use only water to clean them.
- Regularly Inspect The Fiberglas Truck Topper
You should always inspect the fasteners to confirm whether they are tight on not. Since they are constantly being manipulated, they are likely to get lose.
- Park the Truck Cautiously
Avoid parking your car under a tree. Trees are known for dropping sap and other things that may prove hard to remove when cleaning time comes around.
How to Remove Fiberglass Truck Topper to Clean
- Start by putting reference marks on the base to allow for easier re-installation. This way you will know how to put the truck topper back on the truck once you are done cleaning.
- Disconnect the interior wiring and the brake.
- Remove any fasteners that may be there.
- Call for help so the other person can assist you to lift it up.
- Check to see if the lights are working.
- Simply reverse the steps to reinstall
Why You Need Routine Inspection
After each time out with your truck, you need to properly inspect it to make sure that the cover is working well. By checking regularly, you can help prevent or catch any major issues before they happen.
Thorough Cleaning
To thoroughly clean your fiberglass truck topper, you should invest in a really good truck topper cleaning kit. Make sure to select one that is meant for the fiberglass build. Instead of a brush, you need to consider using a soft cloth to help avoid damaging the fiberglass body or the paint of the topper.
Take a look below for a good Truck Topper & Car Cleaning Kit.
What to Do After Your Inspection
After every inspection, make sure you double check the fastening of the hardware. This should also be done after washing the fiberglass truck topper. The mounting hardware and the clips may cause severe damage to the cap if you don’t secure them well.
To aid in smooth operation of your truck topper, close the cover well each time. You should also continuously lubricate it so that it can remain in good working shape throughout the life of it. You should do this every time you want to slide it in.
Use the Best UV Protectant for Your Truck Topper
Although this might not seem necessary it’s very important if you want your fiberglass truck topper to remain well. By using adequate protection, you’ll shield it from any UV rays.
Since there are several protectants in the market, choose the right one. You should also avoid parking your truck in direct sunlight.
Have a look below at one of the most popular Truck Topper & Car UV Sun Protectants out there.
Choosing the Right Truck Topper
If you are looking for the right truck topper that’s easy to clean there are some considerations that you should take into account.
No matter what, you need to make sure that you do not compromise the quality of the topper for a lower price. A good quality fiberglass truck topper will give you an easy time when it comes to cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to wash my fiberglass truck topper?
You should not wash or paint your truck topper within the first 90 days. After that, you are allowed to wash it using mild soap, water, and a sponge. You should also apply the recommended paste wax at least twice a year.
If you require a deep cleaning due to oxidation, use products meant for fiberglass restoration. These products are readily available in most outlets.
Why should I wait for 90 days before waxing my truck topper?
This period is to allow the paint to fully harden and cure so it may not come out or fqde. This is also good for truck paint jobs in general. If waxing is not used well, it may end up affecting the paint in a negative way.
What kind of maintenance should I use for my truck topper?
In the first week of operation, you need to check whether the clamps are tight. You should also do this every 6 months. Next, you need to clean the truck and sliding windows regularly so that you are able to remove any dust and dirt.
Additionally, go ahead and apply some dry silicone to the truck topper to help provide you with good operation. Finally, you should lubricate the lever arms and push buttons after every 6 months using grease.
Wrapping Up
As some of the best materials for truck toppers, fiberglass needs proper care for it to last long. Failure to do this could mean a shorter life span for the topper, as well as leaks and other issues. So, the question then remains “how do you clean a fiberglass truck topper”? You should understand all the guidelines, carry out regular inspections, and clean it using the right chemicals.
If you are not sure about the chemicals, use clean water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. Happy cleaning. Tip: Are Leer Truck Caps Waterproof?