Rubber restoration.....truck or tractor...

banjoman09 · Apr 4, 2018

Has anyone had experience with "hardened rubber parts"...that have set too long or been on the shelf too long? Im trying to figure out how to - if I can - soften an elbow specially made for a fuel tank...no longer available....is there a formula for this? Thanks.

FBH44 · Apr 4, 2018

I have softened up stiff oxidized old black rubber window trim on my old chevy '77 truck 4x4, with 3 or 4 applications of PB Blaster. But I don't know about fuel line, that might be hazardous.

grizz02 · Apr 4, 2018

I'm not sure I would even try , if it is a fuel line the risk that it would crack and bust is to great, I had a car that sat for years got it running and the rubber line to the carb cracked spraying fuel on the dist. car burst into flames and burnt to the ground. also made it into local paper that was kinda cool🔥🔥🔥

in-too-deep · Apr 4, 2018

x2 on PB Blaster.

Mike M · Apr 4, 2018

Fuel resistant rubber not sure ? But on soft weatherstrip types don't get Fluid Film on them ! It will really swell them up all out of shape.

banjoman09 · Apr 4, 2018

I guess I should clarify ; "an oval shaped rubber grommet for a fuel tube thru the side of a truck"...not for gas....made 5o yrs ago- one of those NOS parts. Maybe theres a liquid to soak it in? Thanks.

Steve@Advance · Apr 4, 2018

Try wiping it down with brake fluid.

Maybe cautiously soak it, but only if wiping doesn't work, and only for a short time.

rustyfarmall · Apr 4, 2018

Maybe just soak it in hot water?

Crazy Horse · Apr 4, 2018

If you find something to actually restore/refurbish rubber (and not just appear fresh and new), get a patent on it and get rich. Otherwise, I suggest you follow any of the suggestions here on the forum, one is likely as good as the other.

Grandpa's Fords · Apr 4, 2018

(quoted from post at 11:27:57 04/04/18)
Maybe just soak it in hot water?

I used to soak previously used asphalt race car tires in the swimming pool for the week between races, Would get another heat cycle out of them. That was in the summer with water about 80 degrees.
They would get pliable again, non synthetic rubber tires got so hard that you couldn't stretch enough to dismount 3 days after using.
I'd definitely try hot water. Or if you know somebody that races they may have rubber treatments I know they make them.
I think the molecules just get all excited 8)

Michael Soldan · Apr 4, 2018

Well , heres my contribution. Hot water as in boiling will soften rubber. I restored a couple of old Massey Ferguson Ski Whiz snowmobiles and the headlights were retained by rubber inserts that had hardened, boiling them in water softened them and made them pliable enough to install, they did harden afterwards. I would try glycerin and apply it to the rubber to keep it soft, also silicon spray may help. I use silicon spray on the window rubber of my truck and car, the windows slide up and down much easier when this is applied and it also seems to soften the rubber, I use it on the door seals as well.softening a 50 year old rubber part is not an easy task,but if it were mine I would try this.

Old weldor · Apr 4, 2018

There is a tire mounting rubber lube called RuGlide. I've been told it helps soften old rubber!

banjoman09 · Apr 4, 2018

Sounds like a plan....I will try these tips! Since they dont make this piece anymore- I have to atleast try. Thanks!

Old weldor · Apr 4, 2018

There is a tire mounting rubber lube called RuGlide. I've been told it helps soften old rubber!

4play · Apr 4, 2018

Use google search "how to soften hard rubber". Seems there are a few methods mentioned with positive results.

banjoman09 · Apr 5, 2018

Will do...and thanks!

Rubber restoration.....truck or tractor...

banjoman09

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FBH44

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in-too-deep

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Mike M

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