restoring rubber around windows

[dads longhorn]

I have a 1971 longhorn unrestored and I'm cleaning it up. Part of the cleaning includes the rubber on the outside around the windows, gas fill cap, etc. The rubber is in great condition but has dry spots that are discolored, and keeps the rubber from being a nice plain black. I tried two things this weekend to clean it up 1) scraping off the discolored dry rubber w/ razor blade. works but leaves uneven color streaks. 2) bug and tar remover. petroleum based solvent, not sure it works too well.

So, I need suggestions on cleaning the rubber up. I think chemicals have the best potential. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Indyuke]

I've had good results wiping it down real well with denatured alcohol and then rubbing it with tire black or some other rubber treatment solution. Comes out looking very nice.

[sameyrasmea72]

I have always used enamel reducer. It will look brandnew and even softens it up. I am sure someone will tell you it may not be wise to use it, but I have been doing it for 20 years and never had a problem.

[dads longhorn]

thanks for the info. I'll try both and see what happens. I assume enamel reducer is the same as paint thinner. Then I'll use a good quality rubber treatment, not armour all, i heard it actually dries out rubber.

[ctandc]

Google 'Lestoil'

Last I knew you could buy it at Lowe's and other store.

Soak the rubber pieces for a day or two in this stuff. I know guys restoring cars where the rubber pieces aren't reproduced and this stuff supposedly worked wonders.

[john]

I have used sil-glyde for years. made for rubber parts, works good.

Amazon.com: NAPA Sil-Glyde Silicone Lubricating...

[dads longhorn]

OK, so I'm a bit slow, but I finally got around to cleaning the rubber around the windshield and it came out very well. I followed your advice and used isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol found in my bathroom closet) and a kitchen sponge with that plastic "wool" fabric on it to scrub with, and elbow grease. Then Meguires vinyl and rubber treatment. There's probably easier ways but I paid nothing for the cleaner , already had it and the sponge, so it was an inexpensive fix.
First pic, before cleaning ,second pic during the process, and last pic...ALL CLEAN and looking good.
On to the next cleaning project.