1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 296

Foreign materials such as calciumchloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon aspossible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe forpainted surfacesto remove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemicalfallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your Chevrolet garaged covered or whenever possible. one When you clean the top, put hand underit to support it. Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid spots or rings. Let thesoap remain on the fabric for a few minutes. When top is really dirty, the use a mild foam-type cleaner. Thoroughlyrinse the entire vehicle, then let the top dry indirect sunlight. To protect the convertible top: 0 After you wash the vehicle, make sure the topis completely dry before you lower it. Don't get any cleaner on the vehicle's paintedfinish; it could leavestreaks. If you decide to go through an automaticcar wash, ask the managerif the equipment could damage your top. 0 Cleaning Your Convertible Top Your convertible top shouldbe cleaned often.If you use an automatic car wash, use with waterjets and one hanging cloths. High pressure car washes maycause water toenter your vehicle. When you hand wash the top, it in partial shade. do Use a mild soap, lukewarm water anda soft sponge. A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush can chafe the threads in the fabric. Don't use top detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents. Before entering a car wash, set climate control to the VENT andthe fan control tothe highest speed.This will help to prevent water under high pressure from entering around the convertible top. 6-54 ..