how to get the life back into my rubber

Post by **Onne** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 8:53 pm

I have removed the gearbox crossmember, and I found two wee rubber blocks. These are still very nice and soft, but a bit wrinkly. What is the best way to clean them and get them ready for the next 50 years?

I don't intend to replace them, since modern rubber is of poorer quality.

Onne

Post by **Scott** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:18 pm

How about a bit of a scrub with a stiff brush ?
Maybe give them a bit of a soak in soapy water (fairy liquid ?) first.

Make sure the rubber isn't coming away from the plates & they should be OK to use by the sounds of it

.

Post by **Willie** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 11:12 pm

ONNE...see under 'General Discussion'.....Clutch Judder. if yours are too soft
due to their age you could be heading for Rogers symptoms?

Post by **Onne** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 2:39 pm

And I wouldn't want that. How can I determine if they are too soft?

Post by **Cam** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:34 pm

Well, if they feel 'plastic like' then they are probably too hard. A lot of the modern replacement ones are like this. They won't be too soft. Like Scott says, if they are still attached to the plates and they have not started to break up then they should be fine.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 8:52 pm

I believe frosts do a product to revitalise rubber.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 9:53 pm

As mentioned already - once they have started to part company from the plates they need replacing.

I don't intend to replace them, since modern rubber is of poorer quality.

Not all new parts are rubbish!! (although a fair % are).
Modern 'rubber' is better however you get what you pay for. The cheap nasty parts that are purchased by many suppliers are such poor quality materials I can't understand why they sell them to the public instead of reject them back to the manufacturer!

On the whole I have to say I'm happy with mosty of the parts I buy, but that happy feeling is spoiled by a handful of shoddy parts.

Post by **Onne** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:14 pm

The old rubber feels good, is all in one piece, and i don't actually know if I can get replacement rubbers for the sidevalve

Post by **minor_hickup** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:19 pm

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=9004

says it fills small cracks although it is for window rubbers

Post by **Cam** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:22 pm

Onne, yes the engine & gearbox mounting rubbers for the sidevalve are available.

Post by **Onne** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:22 pm

cheers for that. I might give a similar product a go

Post by **minor_hickup** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:25 pm

Yeah i thought about a tin but its at Frost's usual prices (not that i'm implying anything)

Post by **Onne** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 11:04 pm

Well, frost isn't an option for me, since I live in Holland, but they do seem to be steeply priced

Post by **Cam** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 12:01 am

What is wrong with the rubbers to warrant treatment/replacement? Or are you being madly overcautious again, Onne?

Post by **Onne** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:49 am

Of course I am. I want to know now, if I should replace, saves a horrible job for the future, all the gear is out now

Post by **Cam** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:44 am

It's a great job! and an excuse to work on your lowlight.

Mind you, you will probably be elbow deep into your next project by then.

Post by **Onne** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:27 pm

Probably yes. I'll stick to the old ones. I don't yet know what I want for the next project. LCV sounds nice...

Post by **Cam** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:52 pm

Split-screen one though of course!

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:11 pm

Don't you dare! If you see one, it's MINE!