A way to bring back dry hard rubber trim?

[jkubica]

Hi All
The lower rubber side trim on my '85 300td is so hard and stiff I'm not sure I can remove and re-install it without damage. Are there any rubber treatments that would help make it pliable again? It doesn't look bad - just hard.

Thanks,

Joseph

[JoeVal]

First and foremost do not use a solvents and alcohols based product. Next, no silicones, nor ptfe (teflon) -they offer no UV degradation protection-.

Zymöl Detail Wax is your ticket: Aerodynamic components made of PVC, polypropylene, polyurethane, or ABS are painted with a vinyl flex agent primer for flexibility. Environmental contaminants attack and deplete this primer and the part dries up and becomes brittle. This oil based product restores moisture and cures hard to seal the paint.

Hope this works for you. JV

[jkubica]

Originally Posted by JoeVal

First and foremost do not use a solvents and alcohols based product. Next, no silicones, nor ptfe (teflon) -they offer no UV degradation protection-.

Zymöl Detail Wax is your ticket: Aerodynamic components made of PVC, polypropylene, polyurethane, or ABS are painted with a vinyl flex agent primer for flexibility. Environmental contaminants attack and deplete this primer and the part dries up and becomes brittle. This oil based product restores moisture and cures hard to seal the paint.

Hope this works for you. JV

Hi
Thank you very much!
Joseph

[Runninrebel211]

I use Meguiar's NXT Tech Protectant. It has UVA-UVB to protect it and it conditions it as well. Lasts for a long time too.

[ByByeAmericanPie]

If it is already damaged, I have seen some restoration using a product one of our members sent to me called Race Glaze. But as others have stated, a good UV protectant from the start is the best. Something like 303, Vinylex or Adam's VRT are all good choices as they offer superior UV protection.

[ttdang123]

Hi

This stuff works very good for me. Just one bottle (not cheap) will go a long way

Good Luck

[Mark Essman]

+1. Gummi Pflege rules!!!!

[ttdang123]

Here is a link on Ebay for more inf

EINSZETT GUMMI PFLEGE RUBBER CONDITIONER - NEW!!!!:eBay Motors (item 270454298876 end time Oct-09-09 12:05:10 PDT)

[backinblack05]

I have used Adam's Vinyl, Rubber, and Tire dressing and was very happy with the results!

[roncor]

Originally Posted by JoeVal

First and foremost do not use a solvents and alcohols based product. Next, no silicones, nor ptfe (teflon) -they offer no UV degradation protection-.

Zymöl Detail Wax is your ticket: Aerodynamic components made of PVC, polypropylene, polyurethane, or ABS are painted with a vinyl flex agent primer for flexibility. Environmental contaminants attack and deplete this primer and the part dries up and becomes brittle. .....

The above Zymol product is for flexible, painted surfaces - not rubber. Here is the Zymol product that will do the job properly:

Zymol Quantity Two - 803 at AutoAnything

It is expensive, but a great product.