Doors freeze shut. HELP !

[BlazerLT]

What the ****, Vasoline is not a solvent for cripes sake.

It won't eat door seals at all.

Been using it for years and it doesn't wear off like the sprays do in a month.

One application lasts a year.

[ February 10, 2006, 04:05 PM: Message edited by: BlazerLT ]

 

[keval85]

I agree with BLAZERLT.I too have used vasoline on my door seals and never had them destroyed,sheeze if you can smear on a baby,s *** it should be safe enough for door rubbers

 

[Tosh]

Vasoline would be alright, except I find it just traps too much grit. I believe repellants are better.

 

[BlazerLT]

Sprays might last a week or two or even a month.

A thin layer will not trap anything, I am talking a thin transparent layer, nothing thicker.

The spray stuff washes off really easily.

 

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Use Motorcraft Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound (XG-3-A). Meets Ford material specification ESB-M1C171-B. Great stuff to use on door seals, caliper pins, caliper boots, and as a dielectric grease (tons of applications). Buy it at your local Ford or Mercury dealer. This is a "must have" product.

 

[AndyH]

Johnd: Zymol® Seal Softseal Conditioner is available here:
http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/CARE/POR_CARE_Zymol5_pg3.htm

Soft seals, those around doors, hoods and trunk lids, present a number of problems. They are constantly being flexed and crushed while being subjected to hostile environments. Zymol Seal is derived from glycerin, a natural plant anti-oxidizing agent. Seal notably prolongs the useful life of rubber seals by releasing trapped solvents and restoring original moisture. Note: A properly treated seal will feel like a dog’s nose. Contains Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Glycerl Stearate (derived from Glycerin), Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Cocoamide (derived from coconut oil).

This may or may not be the same product you have (I have a bottle of the same...smells very fruity, comes in a clear plastic bottle), but I think this product will perform the same.

 

[Dave H]

StressSolutions said, "...I suspect that you could use some of the sex lubes, too."

The KY Brand "Warming Ultra Gel" may be particularly valuable in this instance, and not just for its lubricity. However, I doubt it gets warm enough to prevent freezing.

In all seriousness, most modern car's door seals are not rubber as we think of it anymore. They are made from EPDM, which lasts much longer. The product I recommend (and use) is 303 Protectant. They have some nice info on EPDM and rubber on their site, 303products.com . And 303 lasts a long time on door seals if applied and allowed to penetrate (I'm going on 2 years). I even spent 3 weeks in Ohio over Christmas with freezing, wet weather, and my doors didn't even think of freezing shut.
303 is also the best product I've used to prevent sun damage to all of your vinyl and rubber. And it leaves about as matte a finish as you can get on your dash so it doesn't create dangerous glare (if you like the "bling-bling" shine, this won't give it to you).

Only problem with 303 is finding a local distibutor. Most RV centers carry it, as 303 products are popular with them because of its protection and durability on stored RV's. Their site should also have a locator, and you may still be able to get free samples that would be enough for door weather strips.

One tip with 303 is that a little goes a long way. And buffing it after it has set for ten minutes actually "sets" it in, resulting in even better durability.

Hope this helps (and no, I don't work for 303, I enjoy using their products).

Dave

 

[seotaji]

dielectric silicone grease found at any car parts store.

 

[seotaji]

i've used 303 on all the weatherstripping, doesn't last very long. silicone grease has been better, but slightly messier.

i'm going to try the zymol stuff.