Advice on Salvaging old rubber seals/weatherstrip....

[BWRex]

I've got a fairly rusty Z,but most of the seals(tail lights,turn/side marker lights,etc.)are in fairly good condition ,and I'd like to reuse most if possible.No dry rotting,but are starting to get a little stiff.The question is,are there any techniques,products,etc, for cleaning,and softening for these rubber pieces without damaging them or drying them out?Any tricks of the trade?Thanks!

[Sparks280zt]

Alot of people spray them with brake cleaner or rub them down with vasoline.

[Zup]

Clean well with "Sem" brand "Prep Sol".

Spray them heavily with PlastiDip. That will seal them up and provide a softer, more resilient surface.

Let dry for a day.

Spray with "Sem" brand Bumper Coating.

 

Works great. Here's a 73 240Z bumper filler that I redid this way.

An "After" on left---And a "Before" on right--in case you couldn't SEE the difference

 

Jim D.

"Zup"

[Pop N Wood]

Silicone grease is made specifically to lubricate and protect rubber items. It also helps them seal. The dielectric grease they sell for plug wire connections is just silicone grease.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Lubricant-Super-Lube-Synthetic/dp/B0000WU87S

[zcarnut]

I glass bead them which really cleans them up and softens the rubber as well. Follow with a healthy application of Armor-All or equivalent.

[MONGO510]

I use Sylglide silicone lubricant. Safe on rubber, Great brake assembly lube.