I would like to somehow freshen up my 40 year old t-top weatherstripping without replacing it. Any suggestions?
Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
GM used to and might still carry a product call silicon emulsion in a small container with a brush in the cap. It was a thin white paste that you brushed on and then let sit and it soaked into the rubbers. I used it on my T-Top seals years ago and it worked great but I haven't checked to see if it's still available.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
Years ago, we used to use hand cleaner. The smooth stuff with lanolin in it, not the gritty go jo. Its a temporary fix at best, but it does tend to soften up the rubber. Its really going to depend on how bad it is, I suppose.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
Corvette Central sells a tube of Weatherstrip Lubricant # 101232 which is a silicone based substance that looks and feels like Vaseline. There is enough in each tube to do all your weatherstrip many times over. It also stops weatherstrip squeaks.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
My 96 Corvette owners manual addresses weatherstripping treatment. It recommends using Delco Remy 1974984 1#D1920 Silicone Dielectric Grease. This tube is small, 14.2 grams and may in stock and available from your local Chevrolet/GM parts counter.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
Another option is readily available silicone-based clear grease that can be found at any pool supply store. It is used to keep o-rings and the like pliable in chlorinated water. Cost is only about $4 per tube. Smear it on, let it soak in overnight, then wipe off the excess.
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
A small tube of the General's silicone grease is expensive...generic brands are available in larger tubes for a fraction of the price. Even when applied sparingly, it left a mess on the car and on you if you brushed against it. I couldn't tell that the grease had any obvious affect on my weatherstrips beyond making them shiny...I suppose the "conditioning" effect was something you believed on faith.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
I have tried the silicone products, and they work to some extent -- but I have grown to prefer Aerospace 303 for routine maintenance. I have not tried it for rejuvenation, though. Just used it to prevent deterioration -- and it works fine for that. It soaks in and leaves no residue to get on cloths.Terry- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
I have tried the silicone products, and they work to some extent -- but I have grown to prefer Aerospace 303 for routine maintenance. I have not tried it for rejuvenation, though. Just used it to prevent deterioration -- and it works fine for that. It soaks in and leaves no residue to get on clothes.
I've got a bottle of that I use on some of my boat and camper "canvas" but haven't yet tried it on a car. I think I'll use my truck as a test bed for it this weekend.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
I have tried the silicone products, and they work to some extent -- but I have grown to prefer Aerospace 303 for routine maintenance. I have not tried it for rejuvenation, though. Just used it to prevent deterioration -- and it works fine for that. It soaks in and leaves no residue to get on cloths.
In one extreme case, I tried a desperate approach on those rubber weatherstrips under the 70s front T-top moldings. Since the moldings were off the car and off the T-tops, I tried brake fluid on them...brake fluid is supposed to be the ultimate rubber preservative. Of course, NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WEATHERSTRIPS ON THE CAR.I came back a couple of months later, and the weatherstrips were just as dry as they ever were; there was no sign the brake fluid was ever applied. Maybe I need to keep applying the brake fluid; it's going somewhere.
Last edited by Chuck S.; April 24, 2008, 12:00 PM.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
You have more cajones than I -- I wouldn't put brake fluid anywhere near the body or paint, unless we are talking about DOT 5 -- but then all the painters in the crowd would have a fit.
I've been using the 303 by the gallon on everything I own -- including the 2008 -- you know how much black plastic is on THAT thing? -- Wheel wells and brake cooling ducts and mud flaps and A-pillars and air splitter -- I'm going to have to buy another gallon soon. It keeps the doors from freezing shut on the daily driver Caprices too. I haven't noticed any residue except where I over-do it and get it on the paint or the windshield.Terry- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
You have more cajones than I -- I wouldn't put brake fluid anywhere near the body or paint, unless we are talking about DOT 5 -- but then all the painters in the crowd would have a fit.
I've been using the 303 by the gallon on everything I own -- including the 2008 -- you know how much black plastic is on THAT thing? -- Wheel wells and brake cooling ducts and mud flaps and A-pillars and air splitter -- I'm going to have to buy another gallon soon. It keeps the doors from freezing shut on the daily driver Caprices too. I haven't noticed any residue except where I over-do it and get it on the paint or the windshield.
I think the trick to avoid the white residue with the 303 is to leave a film, but not to leave it standing wet, if you know what I mean. I may have been overzealous and careless. Yep...I too discovered all that black plastic including that "front plenum cover" under the wipers...it's right on top where the sun shines; I hope it holds up well to UV over the years. Of course, that's potentially more of a problem for me than you.- Top
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Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation
If it's 40 years old, then it's pretty much gone. I doubt you can "restore" weatherstrip once the ozone has gotten to it. GM says never use ANY lubricant with a petroleum base. They only recommend silicon grease.- Top
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