Rubber mat restoration

[NutmegCT]

Good morning all.

I have rubber trunk and floor mats in my 1958 Mercedes. Actually in pretty good condition, but getting a bit "aged" looking. Can't imagine why ... :laugh:

After washing them, what do you recommend doing to preserve them, and get them a bit darker (blacker) and easier to bend (less stiff)?

Thanks.

Tom

Example:

Close up:

 

[Brooklands]

There was a time I would have used ArmorAll, but I am sure that others have found newer and better products now.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks Dave. I *think* I read a few posts here over the years, saying that things like ArmorAll make the surface shiny for a while, but actually dry out the rubber in the long run. Like some "tire blackeners".

Tom

 

[Brooklands]

Probably true...I never used to keep my cars long enough to see how they held up, racking up about 20K to 30K a year on the car running my business. Two or three years and the car was gone.

 

[elrey]

Good question. I have used Meguiars Back to Black with limited success and it left no discernible odor. It takes many applications rubbed in well. My experience has led me to believe that once rubber is tired there is not much to do. I have used many products and either they smell strongly, ruin the rubber, leave an unsightly streaked gloss or fail to do much at all. I look forward to the responses from our resident experts.

 

[DrEntropy]

Try an initial treatment with Armor-All followed with multiple applications of glycerine.

 

[CinneaghTR]

As recommended by my favorite mechanic and detailer (two separate people), I've used Meguiar's 40 for rejuvenating rubber and have had good results. YMMV

Meguiar's #40

 

[BigGreen]

I would try PoorboysWorld NaturalLook first to soften things up
Then wash off and apply PoorboysWorld TrimRestorer
The TR works great on tires too

When both are hard to find try AutoGlym Vinyl & Rubber care

Hans

 

[PAUL161]

Believe it or not, Turtle Wax makes a product for restoring rubber and vinyl products. I've used it to restore the new look on MG consoles. It works on black rubber bumpers also. It's clear in color, but deepens the black color. Amoral will prematurely dry out tires and cause hairline cracks. It's very over rated in my book and always has been! Shows what extensive advertising can do.

Put this stuff on the 72 console to restore the look in 06 and it still looks like new!