Rubber ? Part Care

[MikeH]

While waiting on various parts to arrive,a and machine work on engine to be done, I'm cleaning the engine bay. My question is, what do you use on things like steering rack boots, firewall grommets, etc; to renew their appearance and to lengthen life. Thanks, Mike

 

[TR4]

I use Tire Shine, by ArmourAll I think, on all rubber parts. It has a UV protectant in it and seems to last a long time. It sure helps keeps the parts in the sun looking great.

 

[LastDeadLast]

UV protectant..... for all those times when the car is on the side of the road with the hood up. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[vagt6]

I use "One Grand" ERV (external rubber & vinyl) dressing. It's simply the best I've encountered for rubber and vinyl. It is NOT shiny, leaves surfaces in the original, new condition. Has UV protection also.

I used it on engine rubber/hoses, tires, and for my MINI's fender and door moldings made out of hard vinyl. It lasts for a relatively long time, I apply it about once a month on my daily driver car.

I purchase mine at https://www.carcareonline.com/howto.aspx, seem to have good prices. Give it a shot, I highly recommend the stuff. I also use their carnauba wax and quick detailer, also very good.

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi,

I'll have to try those "One Grand" products, Mark. They sound good.

I mostly use Mothers products, discovered their red-packaged products some years ago before they got "big" with a ton of advertising by Chip Foose. Their "Preserves" rubber/plastic dressing is also not shiney or slippery, lasts a long time. I use it on cars *and* cameras, where you *really* don't want anything oily or slippery. I've never been a big fan of shiney tires and dashes, anyway.

Mothers has a very complete line of products including a pure carnuba paste wax that gives extra protection if a layer or two is applied after using various cleaners and/or polishing wax. Their chrome polish/protector is excellent and long lasting. Plus, ll their stuff *smells* really, really good, just like Mom's cookin'! I do wish I could get their clay bars individually, separate from the "kit". But, everyone seems to sell "kits only".

The car in the garage (under construction) got Mothers Preserves applied to underhood hoses, tires, etc., about 5-6 months ago. Everything still looks great. It lasts about a month on the rubber/plastic of the daily driver LR that's outside 24/7, and to some degree helps keep dust and dirt from sticking (including brake dust).

Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif.
'62 TR4 CT17602L

 

[TRTEL]

Mike,
As long as your taking the time to coat all the rubber pieces don't forget the out of sight bushings, exhaust hangers etc. Ozone is just as bad for elastomers as UV and gets to everything.
Tom Lains

 

[Bugeye58]

KISS.
Windex!
Laugh if you will, but it's worked for me since about 1966.
Jeff