Rubber seals, repairing and keeping in good condtion.

[Z2TT]

Hello,

I have noticed a rubber seal around the window has gone very hard, and is not lined up straight, it is curved and twisted. Is there anyway to get this strip of rubber to be flexible again?

Second Question, any suggestions on how to keep rubber parts in good condition around the car, especially those that are exposed to the sun a lot, to keep them from going hard, or fading in colour.

Thanks.

[Talasas]

Not sure about the first, I've always wanted to know as well as when you own a classic car door seals aren't exactly easy to come by and so many restored cars have them, I don't know how they do it.

The second part I can answer, the best way to protect the plastics, rubbers around the car is to clean them regularly and give them a wipe with some form of plastic conditioner, anything petroleum based that helps keep the oils in the plastic. Stay away from ArmorAll however, it doesn't tend to last as long I've found and have heard (only heard) that it's because ArmorAll brings the oils in the plastic to the surface (to keep them shiny) rather than actually add or protect them.

Good plastic conditioner will do all of that, including sun protection which helps to keep plastics looking good but I don't know just how long you can do that for - whether it will indefinitely is another thing.

[BlueMeanie]

Kerosene works well, I've used it to make hoses more flexible.

[Z2TT]

Thanks Bluemeanie, but would kerosene damage the rubber or cause it to crack?

Talasas do you have any product names for plastic conditioners?

Thanks.

[oldeskewltoy]

http://www.dccarcare.com/wurth.html
http://www.autogeek.net/wurth-rubber-care.html


I've seen many products......... not sure anything can properly "bring back" rubber... but I do know this product is one of the best for orverall maintanence

I replaced my door seals about 5 years back(AE86) I treat the seals once or twice a year... people are amazed when they get in and close my doors....

[PlacentaJuan]

i just use a silicone based lubricant for all rubber and plastic parts.

for repairs we use a silicone rubber or sealant for small repairs (you can smooth it to the shape you want with a finger dipped in soapy water) and for big chunks missing we use a gauze material (just like medical gauze but a big stiffer) with the same sillicone sealant.

this is for aeroplane seals which are the same thing.

[BlueMeanie]

Thanks Bluemeanie, but would kerosene damage the rubber or cause it to crack?
Thanks.

Well, the reason it becomes more flexible is because the kero starts to dissolve the rubber.
Ask your local scientist for a better explanation.
Test it out first and don't leave it in a bucket of the stuff overnight, wipe it on sparingly.