BEST product to use on auto weatherstripping

[AEHaas]

Actually I feel the best thing to do is leave your vinyl and rubber alone. Over time all the "protectants" dissolve the very product you are trying to protect.

This is hard to do as we all think that doing somthing to the trim or rubber is better than leaving it alone - not always the case.

aehaas

 

[dmproske]

The right rear door on my GMC extended cab squeeks like the banshees while driving. I took it to the dealer and they wiped some grease looking stuff, i assume silicone on the trim. It stopped squeeking for 6 months or so.

I would leave it alone but I cannot tolorate that squeek.

 

['Tard]

303 protectant will tame those banshees.
The dealership probably used a silcone grease.

 

[MRags00Max]

I use Zymol interior/rubber protectant for all my cars.It works exceptionally well on all the rubber seals around the doors,trunk,etc....
It leaves a nice satin look and allows the rubber to be flexible and prevents cracking.I usually buy it at walmart for $6.00 for 16oz. Sometimes a store called Ocean State Job Lot here in Connecticut sells it for $3.99 (when in stock).I recommend it. You really can't beat the price.I just bought a 6 bottle case.

 

[vad]

Lexol Vinylex

Works well on rubber and vinyl. Offer long lasting low gloss UV protection.

 

[Alex P.]

quote:

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Originally posted by VaderSS:
My Impala's manual recommends the application of Silicone Grease once a year. I use the little clear dielectric grease tubes available at any parts store for spark plug boots. First I clean the strips with armor-all wipes, then apply the grease with my finger, going as thin as possible, uses two tubes. The strips in both my 86k '96 Impala and my 166k '93 Ciera still look and feel like new.

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Yeah, my '00 Impala says to use silicone grease and specifically recommends dielectric grease. It works wonders on weatherstripping and door seals. So I don't buy the whole "silicone will destroy the rubber" bit. I think it depends on the product, a plain dielectric grease has never caused me any problems. I apply it by hand sparingly and then rub it in with a lint free cloth or even a shop towel to get a light even coat.

 

[Crashbox]

Hmmm... if silicone dielectric grease works well, how about DOT 5 brake fluid? I actually used this stuff every 6 months or so to keep the seat belt tensioner/latch behaving in my mom's old '75 Dart.

 

[Alex P.]

LOL, interesting thought. But if I was aiming for something that thin, I might as well use a spraycan of silicone, which I do on occasion, but not generally for seals. Besides, you don't want people accidentally buying the wrong brake fluid because the guy behind the counter insisted that you needed DOT 3.

The grease seems to last longer, anyway. My trunk was notorious for sticking after sitting in the sun for hours, but it has been problem-free since I rubbed it down with dielectric grease. I use more dielectric grease on rubber door seals than I do for any electrical connections. Who'da thunk it?

 

[saturnsc2]

what's the difference between 303 & armor all?

 

[Crashbox]

quote:

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Originally posted by saturnsc2:
what's the difference between 303 & armor all?

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IMO, night and day.

I've found the 303 to renew dashpads, rubber trim, etc. without the chrome shine that Armor-All and others produce; rather, they look just plain new. It's also my understanding that its UV and oxidation protection is quite superior to what else is available but that's just basically hearsay from me for now since I'm a new user of 303 myself. However, you probably will not be disappointed if you use 303!

 

[saturnsc2]

quote:

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Originally posted by Crashbox:

quote:

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Originally posted by saturnsc2:
what's the difference between 303 & armor all?

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IMO, night and day.

I've found the 303 to renew dashpads, rubber trim, etc. without the chrome shine that Armor-All and others produce; rather, they look just plain new. It's also my understanding that its UV and oxidation protection is quite superior to what else is available but that's just basically hearsay from me for now since I'm a new user of 303 myself. However, you probably will not be disappointed if you use 303!

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maybe i'll try some. i always used armor-all. i used it for over 20 years & it always did a good job. someone else here said it will crack weatherstripping, but so far for me, i seen no evidence that it's harmful to rubber & i used it on many cars. i always thought 303 & armor all were similar formula...

 

[obbop]

303 Aerospace Protectant is nifty keen stuff.

You betcha'.

 

[HammerDown]

quote:

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Originally posted by GMBoy:
If you use Armor all or similiar products on your weatherstrips they will very quickly crack and disinegrate!

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Thats just pure BS!

I've used the above product on both my 88 Ford PU and 81 Vette since new. Never any sign of cracking etc.

 

[Russell]

I find that Aerospace 303 is really good stuff to use on the interior, especially the dash. As I understand it has a very high level of UV protection with low gloss.

I suspect it will be helpful for weatherstipping. However, I doubt if it will maintain or restore softness like dedicated products like BMWs Gummi Pfledge which is no longer awailable. It is a jelly like substance to seems to soak into rubber and makes it very soft and plyable.

Wish I could find it somewhere.

BTW current Armorall is water based. I heard it used to be solvent based.

 

[Russell]

Forgot to add. You can get 303 at boat store and outdoor gear stores in larger communities.

 

[Alex P.]

I've heard that the original BMW Gummi Pflege was silicone based, is this not true? Although agian, I've never had problems with using silicone on door seals at least. Apparentely BMW wasn't making enough profit off the Gummi, because I've been told they now sell this new stuff that is like 40 bucks and comes in a tube half the size.

 

[Russell]

Alex. Correct BMW has some new stuff that is very high priced. As for Gummi being Silicone based I do not know. Need to check it out. Thanks for the heads up.