Weatherstrip Rejuvenation

[Jack C.]

I would like to somehow freshen up my 40 year old t-top weatherstripping without replacing it. Any suggestions?

[Greg L.]

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.

[Michael M.]

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.

[William G.]

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.

[Jim T.]

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.

[Mike B.]

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.

[Chuck S.]

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.

I tried the General's silicone grease recommendation on my 87, and I was underwhelmed by the result.

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.

[Terry M.]

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.

[Patrick H.]

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.

Thanks for that tip.
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.

Patrick

[Bill S.]

Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation

quick and easy solution for me has been lemon pledge. you can also use brake fluid to soften and remove hardend rubber. these are just things i have done test first.

[Chuck S.]

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.

That's also what I use, Terry, however, I am finding I'm getting some white residue on the weatherstrips in some areas...maybe I'm applying too much. The residue can be removed by reapplying a little more Aerospace 303, and rubbing. I think preventing deterioration is the only effective approach...once the damage is done, I really don't think there is anything that will bring the rubber back to life.

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.

[Terry M.]

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.

[Chuck S.]

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.

My theory was those weatherstrips were concealed under the molding...any residual brake fluid would be minimal after wiping dry, and paint damage, if any, would be under concealed under the installed molding.

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.

[Jack C.]

Re: Weatherstrip Rejuvenation

Thanks for the tips.

[Ken A.]

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.