Weatherstrip repair?

[jrp]

For the most part, the weatherstrip in my '96 is in pretty good condition - nice and supple, still has a smooth finish. I have however run across a couple cracks which I missed before I bought the car. They appear to be due to wear/fatigue more so than degradation.

Is there any kind of filler or silicone adhesive I could use on these cracks to keep them from getting worse? So far, I haven't seen the car leak at all, and the condition everywhere else is good enough that I feel OK with a quickie repair rather than replacement right now.

Thanks,
jrp

 

[Rabbit]

I would buy some black RTV. Open up the crack & using a cotton swab, dipped in lacquer thinner, clean the area. Spread the crack, insert some RTV, after it closes, scrape the excess with a razor blade. It worked for me, but then what do I know?????????

 

[jrp]

but then what do I know?????????

Sounds to me like you know of something that works, Rabbit. Your solution is pretty much what I had in mind. I was just making sure I don't end up using something that doesn't stick or something that will melt the surrounding area.

Thanks for the help - now I have a project for my day off tomorrow.

 

[Rabbit]

After the RTV has cured you can clean the remaining weatherstripping by using a cloth moistened in lacquer thinner, not too wet. I use a silicone/dielectric grease called Sylglyde, got it at a Napa parts store. Put on a light coat & remove the excess with a cloth. You'll find the w/s has a think skin covering it. Can't think of the right word, but anyway don't rub too hard.

I've been doing it this way for about 8 years now & my w/s is like new.

Have fun

P.S. The word I was hunting for was "membrane".

 

[froggy47]

I did that repair to my 96 & it's pretty good, but, on the top of the windshield I would put a pretty liberal amount of syl glyde. My repairs "stuck" together & ripped out again.

The finished rtv is pretty thin & "sticky" even when it dries.

If you grease it up good it'll probably not stick & rip.

 

[Sone]

Hey Rabbit ---wanted to jump in and say THANKS for the previous posts. I was going to replace some weatherstripping on my 93, but tried your suggestions... and wow it worked great. I would say that you saved me a few hundred or so. Thanks...

:BOW

Sone

 

[jrp]

Thanks for the testimonial, Sone. It's good to hear another opinion. I should have thought of RTV to begin with since it was a staple in my father's garage, but I never knew it came in colors other than white.

 

[kingman]

RTV???????????????

Hi

By the way what does RTV stand for????????????


Alan

 

[JonM]

Very scientific acronym


RTV=Room Temperature Vaulcanizing

 

[dmrodco]

Great Tip Thanks !

 

[kingman]

I

Is there a brand name? Look my questions might seem odd but when l went to buy Dawn to take of the wax before l used the Zaino method, l found maybe 4 different kinds of Dawn sold.

Thanks

Alan

 

[JonM]

Permatex by Loctite is good

I

Is there a brand name? Look my questions might seem odd but when l went to buy Dawn to take of the wax before l used the Zaino method, l found maybe 4 different kinds of Dawn sold.

Thanks

Alan