My gasket around the front windshield is beginning to crack. I want to replace the windshield with a new gl*** but can't afford to right now. I don't want to put a new gasket in until I buy a windshield. Is there such a thing as rubber rejuvenator? Anything that'll make the rubber swell or become more plyable? Just grasping at straws . TP
No, nothing I know of. Once it's dry and cracked, there's not turning back. You might try some brake fluid on a q-tip, but for God's sake, keep it off your paint.
TP, we use glycerene (sp) for our suction cups in the gl*** buzz. Keeps the rubber soft............OLDBEET
Try some neatsfoot oil. It is used on leather, should be available at a horse feed store. It is not a cure all, but will put some oil back into the rubber. Rub it on the rubber every day for several days in a row. Good luck. Thanks, Lyman
well heres something i do to vinyl, if i have an old seat that is so hard you could poke your thumb through it i spray some rattle can paint remover on it and wipe it around and then wipe it off, makes it like new again, no idea what makes it work but it does.
I googled rubber rejuvenation and a site talked about N-Methyl-pyrrodidone. It said it would make the rubber swell. I googled the word and found nothing. Anyone know what it is? Sounds like a meth lab to me. Brake fluid -I used to put on squeaky a-arm bushing but will destroy paint as you said. Neats foot oil -I'll try.I actually have some of that that I keep on my saddles.Good idea. glyserin- I'll give it a try also. I guess the bar type will work. Paint remover- I'm afraid if it got wet and ran off the car it would do it's job I know that a new gasket is the best but I'm just trying to buy a little time. I actually had an old timer[even older than me} tell me to use preperation H. I damn sure have some of that. I guess I'll experiment. Thanks for all the input. TP
When you are ready to buy you new gl*** and rubber give Bob's Cl***ic Auto Gl*** a call, he is great to deal with and an Alliance dealer offering discounts to HAMB alliance mebers.
Use Lestoil, the kitchen cleaner. I have a set of floor mats that would have cracked if I would have bent them. Soaked them for a few days, several coats both sides, and they have been like new for about 3 years now. DON'T get it on paint, it will rip it right off, just like brake fluid. BTW, if you overguess and leave it on the rubber too long it swells up.
A restorer I know beadblasted Rubber. Looked good. Olive oil soften's rubber, I was told. Of course a New gasket keep's the water out. How many times are You willing to take it in & out?
The stuff for softing, and slightly swelling oilseals in engines, have the N-Methyl-Pyrrodidone in it that you mention. Not sure if it will behave in the same manner on weather strip gaskets, might buy you the time your looking for, so it could be worth a shot.
Might try TransX, shouldn't be too dangerous. I've reused old windshield gaskets, cleaning them with lacquer thinner seemed to soften them, would of cracked otherwise. I've also repaired side window gaskets(early Monte Carlo) by cleaning with thinner then making repairs with black silicone, used some wax paper next to the gl*** and closed the door till it dried. Lasted till I got rid of it 9yrs later.
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