What is the best way to store weatherstripping??

[79mustangcobra]

I have accumulated a lot of NOS weatherstriping for my Cobra and was wondering what was the best way to store it?

Should I put it in a big plastic bag? Should I Armor All it?

I have spent a lot of money and don't want the stuff to dry rott.

What causes weatherstripping to go bad?

Thanks!!

David

[FoxChassis]

What causes weatherstripping to go bad?
1. Exposure to Ozone - it will eat away at the polymers in the rubber and the rubber will dry out and crack.
2. Non-use - flexing of the rubber during general use brings out oils and waxes in the rubber that protect it against Ozone.
3. Armorall has petro-chemicals and silicone oil in it. They dissolve waxes in the rubber.

[negusm]

For god sakes do NOT use Armor All!

That is the WORST crap EVER put on the market. It is the #1 killer of dash pads and so on. It literally sucks the LIFE out of plastics.

The best way would probably be to oil them up some how...probably something like Meguiars (or Mother's) Vinyl/Rubber protectant and store them in a cool place.

-Mike

[79mustangcobra]

Thank you FoxChassis and Mike!

[rbmead86]

If you have Good Dew Wipes for a '86 Vert. Ill save you the trouble of storing them :D

[Capri50]

good question. I have a small goldmine in NOS WS for the 86 convert. There is alot more to replace than on a coupe/hb.

I do have a set of NOS dew wipes, but I am saving them for wayyy down the road. hard to believe noone has at least replicated the rubber itself, since it easily separates from the metal.

thx mike, I'll have to try some of the mothers product.

http://www.autogeek.net/mo5324.html

[Zap's 85 GT]

I would think the best thing would be cool, dry and dark. I wouldnt put anything on them, especially oily. That would only penetrate the foam rubber and alter its ability to retain its firmness and shape.

[79mustangcobra]

Ok I went to PepBoys today and looked at all their protectants.

Here is what I got. Is it good ot junk?

Black magic pro shine protectant.

It says, "replenishes these surfaces with Trimflex an actual plasticizer which keeps interior flexiable"

Some of you said make sure you use oil. The contents of this stuff says "petroleum solvents" which is oil right?

Thanks and my super hard to find dew wipe$ thank you :)

[FoxChassis]

3. Black Magic pro shine protectant has petro-chemicals in it. They dissolve waxes in the rubber.

[FoxChassis]

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=protectant

303 Aerospace Protectant
"SPF 40 SUNSCREEN" For Your Stuff
Developed for aerospace and aviation applications, 303 is the world's most effective UV screening product. Unlike other "protectant" products, 303 does not contain silicone oils, waxes, glycerin or petroleum distillates. 303 leaves a like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust. Treated stay cleaner longer, reducing maintenance.

[79mustangcobra]

FoxChassis,

Thank you for the link.

Did you see the all vinyl Outside mustang posted on the 303 website?

http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=49

Wow!

Thanks,

David

[s4501]

i actually found a set at gene evans ford for my 85 hard top. 85 bucks a piece.. he said they had some stashed at the warehouse. but thats been 3 years ago. also robstang has rcvd some samples. he said the metal is okay but take the rubber off and put it on your own. the rubber was awesome.