Alfa Pages

bobbber · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:51 am Post subject: Window Rubber

Hi All,

The rubber surrounding the windows has gone grey, and I want to make it black again!

Is there some trick to this? I've tried those various 'back to black' and 'black it up again' products, which are ok for about a week. Then it's 'back to grey'.

Any suggestions?!

Thanks!

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

lee16v · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:28 pm Post subject:

Bob,
Have you tried....................cooking oil?( i haven't lost the plot. Yet)
Obviously use it very sparingly as you don't want to smell like mccains in the summer sun Wink

It tends to soak in to rubber and should last longer than the other stuff but test a small area first as it may not have the blackening effect if your rubbers are really grey

bobbber · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:56 pm Post subject:

Heatwave tomorrow Lee.... I'll FRY!

You SURE about that one!? You used it on yours? (your car that is!)

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

lee16v · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:09 pm Post subject:

Yeh i've used it on the plastics but not on the rubber, hence me saying test a bit first. But do remember a little goes a hell of a way. You've got nowt to lose Very Happy

bobbber · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:24 pm Post subject:

Hey.... I see Johnboy's doing it!!!!! :

So I'll try it too.

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

johnboy · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:02 am Post subject:

RFlower · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 3:37 pm Post subject:

I have used glycerine to soften and restore windscreen rubbers for re-use. I don't remember who suggested it, but it does seem to have the desired result, brings back the blackness to some extent, and I think it's less aggressive than cooking oil (smells better too). I think diesel might do more harm than good.
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Dick Flower, Nr. Carcassonne. '94 Trofeo 1.4 ie (F), '93 Imola 1.3/1.4 ie (now for breaking) (F), '91 1.7 ie (GB)(spare car), '86 Sprint 1.5 QV (F). '87 VW Syncro camper (F), '73 NSU Ro80 (F), '99 Fiat Seicento (F)

Ken McCarthy · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:56 pm Post subject:

I have used petroleum jelly (called Vaseline here) on plastic bumpers but I don't know about rubber.
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Ken McCarthy - 16V Sprint

bobbber · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 9:15 am Post subject:

Yes Ken,

It's called that here too.

One window rubber with each then!!!! I'll find out which is best!

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

Vecchio Alfisti · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 3:10 pm Post subject:

I think that most petroleum products will attack rubber. The more refined the petroleum and the more pure ie more latex in the rubber the more devasting the attack. For years we have had to use vegeatable oil for brake fluid. So as a general rule Vaseline and Diesel are unlikely to be good. Brake fluid and Canola oil should not do any harm. Watch your paint work.
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Alfa 33 1.7 QF I think maybe now I m not so sure

lee16v · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 4:33 pm Post subject:

Applying brake fluid to your rubbers millimeters from the paint work is best for those with iron balls Laughing

bobbber · Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 10:59 am Post subject:

Lee,

You win!

I've tried all sorts of stuff on those rubbers - but cooking oil is the best.

Thanks!

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

lee16v · Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject:

I read that tip in some motoring mag years ago......glad to share the knowledge!!!