Hello-people.I am the new owner of 1980 Malibu wagon . Although the car has low miles ,some of the weatherstrips are in bad shape. And as it goes, they don't make replacements for all of them. My question is, " what product can I use to bring my weatherstips back to life" ? I don't think armor all is best for this , but let me hear what you have done in attempt to condition and stimulate Your Weatherstrips that are not replaceable. THANKS.
Armor All may actually make things worse! Silicone spray helps a lot. Rock Auto has some weatherstripping, usually just for the front doors, but check them out, maybe the'll have what you need.
I use Mcguires vinyl and leather conditioners and cleaners. But there are other products, like for the marine industry for boat tops and such. Need to stay away from silicone if you have intentions to do any painting around the door jambs.
Your local Napa may have a product called 303 protectant which is really good for this kind of re-conditioning, it's a bit pricey but I swear by it. Andy is right as well the Mequires works very well too, both products don't leave behind that greasy residue. My experience with 303 is good because it really lasts and on tires you get a new rubber look without all the shiney stuff.
You guys that suggested Maguyers products is probably a great way to go. I did plan on replaceing what I can. That goes for the door seals, which they DO sell. My problem is the rear door area weatherstrip. As luck would have it, The one that looks like it leaks is the one NoOne makes replacements for. ( I heard of useing the weatherstrip out of a 90's Caravan , but I'm not too optomistic ) So Looks like first the Maguire's then off to the Salvage yard. But any other suggestions are welcome.
If you're looking for the tailgate seal, I think they're made from unobtanium. Good luck in the salvage yards, you never know WHAT you'll find there. You CAN buy 'o' section foam witherstrip from a number of auto parts retailers. I'll probably have to go that route for the rear doors on my '77 Buick. The moulded replacement front door weather strip with clips is a bit over $70.00. It's worth it for a no hassle install...
The product you want to recondition seals is Gummi Phlege, its a specialty product originally developed by BMW for the seals on their cars. I had a BMW convertible that always leaked at the header seal. The bimmer guys turned me on to this stuff and after one application no more leaks. It's amazing stuff and a little goes a long way so buy a bottle and it will probably last you forever. http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...tion=1Z Gummi Pflege Rubber Protection 100 ml
years ago when i was fixing my wagon noone made the rear side window glass seals on my wagon. i cut a 1" piece from aparts car i had and took itto the turkeyrunin daytona where restoration sprecialities had the correct extrusion or close enough by the foot . i used an exacto knofe and miter box to cut the anglesand black rtv silicone to seal the corners. nobody in 10+ yrs has been able to tell. about 3 yrs ago they started to reproduce them so i bought a set. one thingi might suggest is find as many guys as you can who need the seals you need and then contact steele rubber as anything can be remade if they can make a profit. funny thing when i was lookingfor theseal i found a guy in hemmings who said he could make it .but it wouldbe expensive . his example was a set for a clamshell wagon $1800
sounds good . now if I could only find that product " gummi phlege " in the USA. Guess if the UK is where I have to go then so be it. Thanks
Clean first... Before applying any product, clean the seal thoroughly first. I know someone who swears by Dawn dish soap. I personally use Brillo steel wool pads with the blue cleaner in the center to clean the rubber. It helps get rid of oxidation and other build up including paint overspray leaving a surface that takes your protectant of choice all the better. For what its worth, I use 303 as well. It is the product of choice for upholstery for boats, and leaves a beautiful, natural looking and feeling surface. Best of luck with the restoration!
