[Weatherstripping]Fixing a small crack question
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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[Weatherstripping]Fixing a small crack question
Overall the condition of the weatherstripping on my car isn't too bad, Definetly not the time to replace but i have a small crack in the weatherstripping in a few places and i was wondering if there was something i could try to repair it.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 198
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From: Dead center of Seoul
Re: [Weatherstripping]Fixing a small crack question (Kevin McGrade)
I don't know about repairing them, but definitely put some silicon on all of the weatherstripping...keep them front cracking further.
Some people have posted in the past about using RTV to fix; not sure if this really works...I'd be suspicious though.
-Dave
Some people have posted in the past about using RTV to fix; not sure if this really works...I'd be suspicious though.
-Dave
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 425
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From: Frederick MD
Re: [Weatherstripping]Fixing a small crack question (Kevin McGrade)
I saw a post where someone used black silicone and covered it with saran wrap then closed the door on it and it made a near perfect patch. Might want to do a search on saran wrap (not sure of the spelling)
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 433
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From: Gig Harbor WA
Re: [Weatherstripping]Fixing a small crack question (Kevin McGrade)
I just fixed a few (not so small) tears and cracks in mine using gap-filling superglue, available at the local hobby shop. I also used the accelerator so I didn't have to wait for it to set up.
Apply a little glue in the crack, press it together, squirt carefully with accelerator. Move up the crack and repeat. Try to not get the accelerator on the area you haven't done yet.
The gap-filling cement takes a few seconds, which is good. It gives you time to apply it inside the crack, set the bottle down and then press the crack together, maybe even adjusting the fit of the rubber so it's even. Then the accelerator will weld it instantly so you don't have to keep it in that position.
A hunnert years ago when I worked at the Boeing wind tunnel, I remember making tees out of rubber tubing with that stuff and then inflating them to 20 or 30 lbs. It doesn't work that well on weatherstripping because it's so porous, but it should hold up for a while.
YMMV, ;)
Rich
Apply a little glue in the crack, press it together, squirt carefully with accelerator. Move up the crack and repeat. Try to not get the accelerator on the area you haven't done yet.
The gap-filling cement takes a few seconds, which is good. It gives you time to apply it inside the crack, set the bottle down and then press the crack together, maybe even adjusting the fit of the rubber so it's even. Then the accelerator will weld it instantly so you don't have to keep it in that position.
A hunnert years ago when I worked at the Boeing wind tunnel, I remember making tees out of rubber tubing with that stuff and then inflating them to 20 or 30 lbs. It doesn't work that well on weatherstripping because it's so porous, but it should hold up for a while.
YMMV, ;)
Rich
Le Mans Master
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From: Mississauga, Ontario Corvettes were built to be driven...not trailered
St Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
Re: [Weatherstripping]Fixing a small crack question (Kevin McGrade)
Kevin, if you can get your hands on some polyurathaene (similiar to what the windshield installers use) and squeeze some in a ceramic container. Then dilute it with a little paint thinner...just a bit. it makes working with the stuff a lot easier and you "layer" it on rather than using the goop method. In any event, good luck...
