rubber cleaning and maintenance
06-10-2015, 11:10 PM
#1
rubber cleaning and maintenance
So, what do folks use to clean the rubber seals around windows, the removable top, the rear hatch, etc? I'm sure the summer sun deteriorates them quickly without proper care. Thanks for the advice...
Pops
Pops
06-11-2015, 01:38 AM
#2
Intermediate
I just watched a video the other day on this. In it they used a Chevrolet product just called weatherstrip treatment. They said the key when using it is to apply it with the applicator, but then rub it in to the rubber with your fingers to get better absorption. I just bought an 07 C6 today so will be visiting our local Chevy dealer soon.
06-11-2015, 06:01 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
I seem to be one of the very few lucky people who got an owner's manual when I bought my car. It says:
BTW, Dielectric Silicone Grease is NOT silicone spray lubricant and it is available at electronics stores like Radio Shack at much less cost than what GM charges.
Coated Moldings
These moldings are around the hatch opening in the rear area.
• When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge or soft lint-free cloth dampened with water.
• When heavily soiled, use warm soapy water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather frequent application may be required. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 443.
Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada 992887).
These moldings are around the hatch opening in the rear area.
• When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge or soft lint-free cloth dampened with water.
• When heavily soiled, use warm soapy water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather frequent application may be required. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 443.
Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada 992887).
06-11-2015, 09:15 AM
#4
Pro
The GM weatherstrip lube is around $60 per ounce. Crazy expensive! Lots of us here including myself use 303 Aerospace.
06-11-2015, 09:29 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Procedure for caring for new rubber. This also works great for rejuvenating older, sun-damaged rubber. It made the seals on my 2000 FRC look darn near new. As long as the seal is not actually cracked or disintegrating, the below steps will bring it back to life.
1) wash the seals/rubber with car wash soap & water to remove top layer of dirt.
2) Clean the rubber & seals with Simple Green (other products may work, but this stuff is cheap and versatile). Clean it gently with a light-colored cloth till the black crap quits coming off! At this point the rubber should look awesome.
3) Wash again with straight water to remove all Simple Green (it'll damage the rubber if left on there too long)
4) treat with dielectric silicone grease (3oz tube is $5 on Amazon) or Aerospace 303.
Tips:
-I usually stick with the 303 as it has a very good reputation for protecting against UV.
-Repeat above process every 4-8 weeks for a car stored outside.
-You *should* be able to skip step 2 (cleaning with Simple Green) on subsequent car cleanings. Step 2 is the 'nuclear option' for dirty tired old seals; or seals in good condition but contaminated with years of 'care care product residue'
-Above process works great on most plastic interiors: steering wheels, panels, dash, etc. Do not use dielectric grease, stick to the 303. My 15yr old Vette interior looks 18mo old with this process.
good luck!
1) wash the seals/rubber with car wash soap & water to remove top layer of dirt.
2) Clean the rubber & seals with Simple Green (other products may work, but this stuff is cheap and versatile). Clean it gently with a light-colored cloth till the black crap quits coming off! At this point the rubber should look awesome.
3) Wash again with straight water to remove all Simple Green (it'll damage the rubber if left on there too long)
4) treat with dielectric silicone grease (3oz tube is $5 on Amazon) or Aerospace 303.
Tips:
-I usually stick with the 303 as it has a very good reputation for protecting against UV.
-Repeat above process every 4-8 weeks for a car stored outside.
-You *should* be able to skip step 2 (cleaning with Simple Green) on subsequent car cleanings. Step 2 is the 'nuclear option' for dirty tired old seals; or seals in good condition but contaminated with years of 'care care product residue'
-Above process works great on most plastic interiors: steering wheels, panels, dash, etc. Do not use dielectric grease, stick to the 303. My 15yr old Vette interior looks 18mo old with this process.
good luck!
06-12-2015, 09:46 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
I've had really good luck using GummiPflege http://tinyurl.com/pxypnos
It is a silicone-based product that comes in a non-aerosol applicator. I like it better than silicone grease because grease doesn't seem to soak into the rubber easily. It requires lots of wiping to keep it from smearing on windows, etc. YMMV, of course.
It is a silicone-based product that comes in a non-aerosol applicator. I like it better than silicone grease because grease doesn't seem to soak into the rubber easily. It requires lots of wiping to keep it from smearing on windows, etc. YMMV, of course.
06-15-2015, 05:28 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
