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Rubber Trim Molding & Weather Seal Conditioner / Protectant?


gmichaelz

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Hello Fellow ToyHome Owners: This morning as I was removing old cracked stubborn decal stripes and the remaining glue residual from my passenger door. I made a simple discovery for another use of ATF. Yes, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

I saturated the old weather cracked decals, let them absorb the ATF, then applied the heat gun. They peeled off much easier. Still stubborn, but easier than without this Pre-Soak. Also, less glue residual remained on the painted surface.

So, while I was waiting for the pre-soak cycle, I applied some ATF onto the dried rubber trim molding around my wing window. Well at first, oxidized black rubber smeared onto the door paint and cloth. But, as I keep soaking and rubbing it cleaned up nicely. After it soaks into the rubber and the surface dries, I will wash it.

For years I have carefully applied brake fluid to my tires and rubber hoses as a conditioner to keep them flexible and pliable. But, brake fluid will also soften paint so I do not use it on rubber which contacts painted surfaces. I am told that the Silicone Brake Fluid will not affect paint. But, is the use of silicone acceptable on the rubber trim molding on these ToyHomes.

My next Project is to attend to all the door and window rubber seals and trim molding on the old 87.

Following are some links to commercial protectant products:

http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=12" target="_blank">http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=12</a>

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Trim_Restorer_High_Shine_Trim_Gel_Forever_Black_p/tvd_108_16.htm" target="_blank">http://www.chemicalguys.com/Trim_Restorer_.../tvd_108_16.htm</a>

http://www.superiorcarcare.net/cleaning-trim-molding.html" target="_blank">http://www.superiorcarcare.net/cleaning-trim-molding.html</a>

http://www.autogeek.net/trim-molding.html" target="_blank">http://www.autogeek.net/trim-molding.html</a>

Does anyone have a favorite rubber conditioning product to prolong the pliability of the exposed rubber trim?

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The purpose of my request about rubber protectant is my glazing lock rubber is beginning to shrink in their window channels, some is beginning to harden. I want to offset purchasing replacement glazing lock if I can.

Seems as though it is quite expensive per foot as the attached forum mentions $5 per foot: http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1737&hl=" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.ph...ic=1737&hl=</a>

Will be trying 3M Rubber Treatment & Tire Dressing, and NAPA Easy Glyd

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