lubricating old window and door seals

mariposa

Just wondering what product is the best for getting older window and door seals flexible again, and preventing further drying...I use plain old armorall protectant on my car, but maybe there is something else that is better...I just love buying special stuff for my van; it seems I can somehow justify spendinging more money for it than my trusted subi Embarassed

_________________
'83 Vanagon (Diesel) converted to a gas 1,8L jetta (most probably) 1993

'91 Subaru Loyale "The Red Baron"

tschroeder0 · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

I just replaced my old window seals, sooooo nice not to have wind noise, money very well spent. Todd

berge13 · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

Where'd ya get 'em?
_________________
"If someone believes in you, well that is just the greatest thing in life..."
Berge;1972
85 WBX GL
Prior:
59 Ragtop
66 Barndoor
71 TinTop Westy
69 Karmann Ghia
62 Bus
83.5 Vanagon

mariposa · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject:

I whish I could buy bran new seals too, but, there are a few other things that are more crucial for now, and I busted my vanbudget a long time ago...
_________________
'83 Vanagon (Diesel) converted to a gas 1,8L jetta (most probably) 1993

'91 Subaru Loyale "The Red Baron"

weatherbill · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:59 am Post subject:

is resealing windows tricky or is it simple for the do it yourselfer
DIYer???

Jamos · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:01 am Post subject:

http://303products.com/

Go for the "aerospace protectant"

I've been using it for years now, and it holds up extremely well. It gets the rubber or plastic back to where it was when it was new, especially if used repeatedly.

I've only read bad things about armorall, and that it will eventually just dry out the rubber or plastic.
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5

mariposa · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:32 pm Post subject:

I was chatting with a guy at the Napa counter and he was suggesting vaseline (?) seems strange to me
_________________
'83 Vanagon (Diesel) converted to a gas 1,8L jetta (most probably) 1993

'91 Subaru Loyale "The Red Baron"

berge13 · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:51 pm Post subject:

Hmmmm, and I thought Vaseline was just for.... Oh, never mind. Shocked

_________________
"If someone believes in you, well that is just the greatest thing in life..."
Berge;1972
85 WBX GL
Prior:
59 Ragtop
66 Barndoor
71 TinTop Westy
69 Karmann Ghia
62 Bus
83.5 Vanagon

mariposa · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject:

oh my!

checked out the "aerospace protectant". I like the name...I"m gonna order some if the shipping isn't too much (nope, you can't buy that stuff up here...sigh)
_________________
'83 Vanagon (Diesel) converted to a gas 1,8L jetta (most probably) 1993

'91 Subaru Loyale "The Red Baron"

RCB · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject:

Does anyone else apply Baby oil to the seals and to the dash board ??

LostMyVWkey · Samba Member Joined: September 04, 2007 Posts: 54

silicone paste. I have used it successfully for the last 20 years. rub it on with the brush and rub in and on the rest of the way and globs back off. It is also good for minor water leaks. Don't use it on the surfaces that contact glass.

bucko · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

If they show any signs of hardening or cracks, replace them. No type of coating/application is going to bring them back.
_________________
Current VW drives: 1984 Westfalia

Past VW drives: 1967 Beetle, 1973 Beetle, 1977 Bus, 1971 Military Type 181

msinabottle · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Buck said it best--

If the rubber's or glass gaskets are dried up and weather checked--

NOTHING is going to reverse the UV damaged rubber.

Save yourself some time, money and aggravation.
There is no miracle rubber restoration product that's going to fill in the cracks in the rubber or get them to swell up back to their factory original, new condition.

It's an physical impossibility.

Replacing the dried up rubber parts is the only way.
_________________
T.K.

mariposa · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys,

I think that I am gonna try the baby oil (cheap-cheap!!!), and save up for some bran new seals...
_________________
'83 Vanagon (Diesel) converted to a gas 1,8L jetta (most probably) 1993

'91 Subaru Loyale "The Red Baron"

bucko · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:08 am Post subject:

Perales · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

As per the Bentley:
"To seal properly, weatherstrips around hood, hatch, windows, doors, etc., must be pliable. Spray with silicone or coat with talcum powder or glycerine to retain flexibility of the rubber and to protect against freezing in the winter."

I am not sure about using silicone since I have heard to keep it far away from vehicles, but I suspect that it might really be the best thing to do any reconditioning, assuming the rubber is not already decomposing. I believe scuba divers are known to use talcum powder on their mask rubber to keep it in shape, but I assume that is more of a preventative thing. Glycerine could be interesting though...?
_________________
-- 1987 Westfalia automatic (Captain Vino)

candyman · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:35 am Post subject:

an old body shop trick is to use ATF. I apply it about once every two years. My seals are still OG and in very supple shape. I also live in a very dry climate. I have used ATF to bring back old ghia dash board covers, rubber mats, you name it. Some will say "oh that ATF petroleum based and that is bad for rubber", well 20 years later and my seals are still like new, you do the math Wink

markz2004 · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:02 am Post subject:

RicoS · Samba Member Joined: December 02, 2006 Posts: 583


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