doc s

The rubber stripping on the roof (between the two retractable convertible sections) of my '02 SC430 is beginning to look old and worn. where the stripping ends it's beginning to curl upward for maybe just a quarter of an inch. has anyone experienced this? is there a lubcricant to put on the rubber to make it last longer? has anyone had it replaced?
a beautiful day back here in the DC area. the Rolling Thunder Bikers congregated just around the corner from us here in Northern VA at the local Harley Dealer. What a sight. Heard them all weekend.

tfischer

Aerospace 303 Protectant.

We have been talking (so to speak) for years here about how useful this stuff is to protect against deterioration of rubber and vinyl parts, especially gaskets. I apply it to all the gaskets in this car, and there are plenty. Put it on the wheels, too. Also, it's the best stuff out there to apply to the top of the dash. It leaves a nice, non-shinny, matt finish, and protects the dash from harmful UV rays.

Highly recommended.

Available at lots of places, but NOT the average car parts store (eg: Autozone) because it's not specifically an automotive product. Google it and get some.

landcrusin

yeah i agree this is about the best product on the market.been using it for about 4 years now.very good on rubber,plastic,dashes. ect.

doc s

thanks.Going to pick some up tomorrrow at a boat shop in Mannassas.a big help.

SC430GA

I just started using Aerospace 303 a couple of months ago, thanks to info from this site.
What about applying it on the leather instead of conditioner for UV protection?
Did anyone try it?

tfischer

303 states that it will not harm leather and will protect it from UV, but it is not a leather "conditioner."

I would not substitute it for a conditioner. I use Zaino "Leather in a Bottle" which has an excellent reputation among detailers and is filled with smooth and good smelling creams and oils which keep the leather soft and supple. It also has UV protection. I think most high end conditioners have UV protection, so I have never felt the need to add 303 on top of that.

doc s

Thanks for the advice. Used it today and the results are excellent. Great recommendation.

tfischer

303 is a way of life if you like to take good care of your car.

Use it at least twice a year on all the gaskets -- in the roof, around the doors, hood and trunk.

Use it more often if you drive the car a lot, and, as mentioned, it's the best thing ever for the dash in any convertible, as UV rays eventually bleach out and speed deterioration of that plastic stuff that dashboards are made of.

It's also recommended for the sidewalls of your tires to keep the rubber from breaking down.

I use it as a salad dressing, too.

Yummy!