Posted By: LimeliteAero
weatherstripping restoration - 04/14/13 03:09 PM
I actually don't need restoration just something to make my door seals look fresh/new.
I just cleaned them up and they look very nice, I was just wondering if anyone had proven methods that will darken them up or make them look newer. They don't have any splits or cracks and are very supple so its just a matter of appearance.
Posted By: flypaper
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/14/13 03:15 PM
i was thinking along the same lines for my car.
most of my stuff is ok but weathered a bit.
i have already wasted enough time
in my life making repop parts fit properly..
Posted By: MattMPA
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/15/13 02:26 AM
I'd use 303 protectant. I'd avoid any product that contains petroleum products. 303 is recommended by more makers of vinyl, etc than any other.
Dave...if you need it...I have it.
Posted By: Crazy68Dart
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/15/13 11:35 AM
I did the same with mine, reused. I cleaned with simple green to get all the dirt and grime off then when over them a few times with a vinyl/rubber conditioner. Nothing fancy, something from one of the parts stores.
I did replace most of the little 'L' clips as some broken when removed. Got them from rtspecialties.
Posted By: LimeliteAero
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/15/13 01:10 PM
Thanks Matt & Crazy,
I did the Simple Green dance and they came up very good but I was looking to try and darken them up a little.
Matt, I knew not to use any petroleum based products. Does the 303 do anything for the rubber other than make it shiny? Can I use it on a vinyl top too?
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/15/13 02:29 PM
Ive used 303 only once on my tonneau cover on my truck and it left grayish / black streaks on the side of my truck. For keeping the gaskets dark and pliable, I would use some kind of a vinyl / rubber cleaner and conditioner like Meguiars number 40.
Posted By: MattMPA
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/17/13 12:18 PM
Some folks report that 303 streaks...but it's because it was used incorrectly. 303 needs to be "buffed" with a dry cloth to avoid streaking and enhance longevity. (Dirty streaks are often from too much product, no buffing, and a dirty surface to start.)
303 will darken the surface, and protect it better than any other product...plus it's water based which is safer than a silicone product.
For the record, Meguair's #40 contains silicone.
I assume the car got a new vinyl top? Don't dress it with anything. It shouldn't be shiny anyhow. It's a huge area to dress and folks tend to apply too much to the top..and then all kinds of dust, pollen, etc stick to it. On my cars with new vinyl tops, I've never used a dressing.
You are welcome to look at my top, try 303, etc...just gimme a ring.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/17/13 09:57 PM
Interesting about the Meguiars #40. It usualy washes off with water as a good rain storm comes and it is off my truck tires. I would have imagined if it had silicone in it, that it would have beaded the water off. Now the Black Magic Tire Wet has ruined my tire brushes since that will transfer to ANYTHING and not wash off!
Posted By: Gavin
Re: weatherstripping restoration - 04/18/13 07:46 PM
Yes 303 - transformed my dashpad...and not shiny if you wipe/buff it off
