Thanks: 0
Likes: 0
Dislikes: 0
-
Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
On my C5 Corvette the weather stripping around the windshield and back glass is a hard rubber, shiny, nonporous material. It has an oxidized look to it now from the Texas sun. Is there a procedure to help restore this at least somewhat until I can get around to replacing them? Since it isn't porous it doesn't seem to take to rubber and vinyl protectant well and if I get compound on them the oxidization seems to just collect it so I haven't tried really polishing it with compound.
Thanks.
-
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Let me know, I've got the same problem.
-
Super Member
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Originally Posted by sinking
On my C5 Corvette the weather stripping around the windshield and back glass is a hard rubber, shiny, nonporous material. It has an oxidized look to it now from the Texas sun. Is there a procedure to help restore this at least somewhat until I can get around to replacing them? Since it isn't porous it doesn't seem to take to rubber and vinyl protectant well and if I get compound on them the oxidization seems to just collect it so I haven't tried really polishing it with compound.
Thanks.
That "hard rubber" is probably made of EPDM...a "synthetic rubber". GM recommends using Dielectric Silicone Grease [GM US Part No. 12345579 (from my Corvette owner's manual, pg. 444)]
Dielectric silicone grease ( not really "grease") is a synthetic (man-made) lubricant ideal for synthetic (man-made) EPDM rubber.
I just apply a very light coating...wait a few minutes...gently wipe away excess...repeat as necessary. It also helps reduce some "squeaks", sometimes.
You can buy dielectric silicone grease, tube or spray version at most auto parts supply stores.
Bob
"Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
~Joaquin de Setanti
-
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Originally Posted by FUNX725
That "hard rubber" is probably made of EPDM...a "synthetic rubber". GM recommends using Dielectric Silicone Grease [GM US Part No. 12345579 (from my Corvette owner's manual, pg. 444)]
Dielectric silicone grease ( not really "grease") is a synthetic (man-made) lubricant ideal for synthetic (man-made) EPDM rubber.
I just apply a very light coating...wait a few minutes...gently wipe away excess...repeat as necessary.
You can buy dielectric silicone grease, tube or spray version at most auto parts supply stores.
Bob
I have dielectric grease so I will give that a try tonight. Do you think that will help restore the look or just prevent it from getting worse?
-
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Originally Posted by FUNX725
That "hard rubber" is probably made of EPDM...a "synthetic rubber". GM recommends using Dielectric Silicone Grease [GM US Part No. 12345579 (from my Corvette owner's manual, pg. 444)]
Dielectric silicone grease ( not really "grease") is a synthetic (man-made) lubricant ideal for synthetic (man-made) EPDM rubber.
I just apply a very light coating...wait a few minutes...gently wipe away excess...repeat as necessary.
Yeah, but...that may be a good way to protect the trim (and really old school, I remember a Dow Corning rep telling me to use DC 7 on my tires 30 years ago...I still have the tube), but it's a greasy mess and won't do anything about the damaged outer layer that the OP (and me) are complaining about.
PS Corvette owner's manuals have 444+ pages? Well, reason #24 why I don't have a Corvette...my attention span is too short to get through the owner's manual...now what were we talking about again?
-
Super Member
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Originally Posted by sinking
I have dielectric grease so I will give that a try tonight. Do you think that will help restore the look or just prevent it from getting worse?
The look of EPDM is not as "dark" (for a better lack of terms) as natural rubber. EPDM is very UV resistant and is not supposed to degrade (become totally oxidized/usefulness totally gone) for up to 15-20 years, even without any maintenance. Therefore, IMO... Using the proper lubricant should enhance/lengthen EPDM's expected life-expectancy-cycle. Don't know how "dark" you want to go, though.
Hope this was helpful.
Bob
"Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
~Joaquin de Setanti
-
Super Member
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Do you have a picture?
If its not porous and is what I think it is polish it with optimum poliseal.
:dancebanana:
Sky's the Limit Car Care
-
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Originally Posted by CEE DOG
Do you have a picture?
If its what I think it is polish it with optimum poliseal.
Of the oxidation or the material?
I was trying to find one online before I posted the thread but came up empty.
-
Super Member
Re: Any way to restore oxidized weatherstripping?
Originally Posted by sinking
Of the oxidation or the material?
I was trying to find one online before I posted the thread but came up empty.
The material
:dancebanana:
Sky's the Limit Car Care
-
Super Member
Similar Threads
-
By westlake10 in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 7
Last Post: 02-25-2020, 06:49 PM
-
By Shark Politur in forum Show N' Shine
Replies: 60
Last Post: 03-24-2018, 08:45 AM
-
By Eldorado2k in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 22
Last Post: 12-18-2015, 05:58 PM
-
By fr0mastaj in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 11
Last Post: 07-02-2012, 06:46 AM
-
By WRAPT C5Z06 in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 11
Last Post: 02-10-2011, 11:01 PM
Members who have read this thread: 0
There are no members to list at the moment.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
31 |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|
Bookmarks