The Ford Barn

36 CS · 04-02-2016, 12:06 AM

I have an old [new] trunk rubber gasket for a 36 trunk back trunk. It has minor damage with small indentations. Anyway to restore rubber seals , I would like to use this one if possible. Thanks 36 CS.

oz40 · 04-02-2016, 02:51 AM

Hi CS,,
an old school trick used in long days gone by,, to restore/freshen up old perished rubbers and hardness was to bring to a boil a pot of water with added amount(s) of vaseline., turn down the temp then immerse the rubber and turn up again to a small simmer for a period till you determine if good for you and then turn off the heat and let sit till cooled off.

This process would soften up the old rubbers and bring back some life to them, and somewhat allow the rubber to retain its elasticity.
It possibly could get rid of those indents you have in the rubber..
What have you got to loose,, you wont damage the rubber and vaseline is cheap

Kahuna · 04-02-2016, 05:31 AM

Flood the part with Silicone Spray. It will revitalize the rubber to as good a condition as possible

GB SISSON · 04-02-2016, 10:39 AM

I have repaired a lot of windshield rubber with a product called sikaflex. It's a one part polyurethane adhesive sealant. It comes in a caulking tube and is very common in boat building and repair. I clean where I want to fill with lacquer thinner then apply it with a custom shaped spreader cut from a tupperware lid, or if you're married, a plastic coffee can top. You would want the 241 product and make sure it's black because it comes in a few other colors.

Pete · 04-02-2016, 02:00 PM

Soak it in bleach. The longer the soak, the softer it gets.

petehoovie · 04-02-2016, 02:09 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

When I stored my rubber hip-boots after duck hunting season I would always wipe them with DOT 3 brake fluid to preserve the rubber. I think DOT 5 would work even better....

V8COOPMAN · 04-02-2016, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petehoovie

When I stored my rubber hip-boots after duck hunting season I would always wipe them with DOT 3 brake fluid to preserve the rubber. I think DOT 5 would work even better....

Wouldn't that tend to contaminate the duck pond the next time you go duck-shootin'? DD

petehoovie · 04-02-2016, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Wouldn't that tend to contaminate the duck pond the next time you go duck-shootin'? DD

No....

04-02-2016, 12:06 AM	#1
36 CS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gulf Coast of Alabama Posts: 147	Rubber restoration I have an old [new] trunk rubber gasket for a 36 trunk back trunk. It has minor damage with small indentations. Anyway to restore rubber seals , I would like to use this one if possible. Thanks 36 CS.

04-02-2016, 02:51 AM	#2
oz40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Paradise - Australia Posts: 306	Re: Rubber restoration Hi CS,, an old school trick used in long days gone by,, to restore/freshen up old perished rubbers and hardness was to bring to a boil a pot of water with added amount(s) of vaseline., turn down the temp then immerse the rubber and turn up again to a small simmer for a period till you determine if good for you and then turn off the heat and let sit till cooled off. This process would soften up the old rubbers and bring back some life to them, and somewhat allow the rubber to retain its elasticity. It possibly could get rid of those indents you have in the rubber.. What have you got to loose,, you wont damage the rubber and vaseline is cheap

04-02-2016, 05:31 AM	#3
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Rubber restoration Flood the part with Silicone Spray. It will revitalize the rubber to as good a condition as possible

04-02-2016, 10:39 AM	#4
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,911	Re: Rubber restoration I have repaired a lot of windshield rubber with a product called sikaflex. It's a one part polyurethane adhesive sealant. It comes in a caulking tube and is very common in boat building and repair. I clean where I want to fill with lacquer thinner then apply it with a custom shaped spreader cut from a tupperware lid, or if you're married, a plastic coffee can top. You would want the 241 product and make sure it's black because it comes in a few other colors. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

04-02-2016, 02:00 PM	#5
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,403	Re: Rubber restoration Soak it in bleach. The longer the soak, the softer it gets.

04-02-2016, 02:09 PM	#6
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,063	Re: Rubber restoration Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) When I stored my rubber hip-boots after duck hunting season I would always wipe them with DOT 3 brake fluid to preserve the rubber. I think DOT 5 would work even better.... __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode