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Posted by: Krieger Nov 27 2012, 02:50 PM

I have a brand new OEM targa seal that has been sitting in a bag for a couple of years. It's got this whitish layer on it. It doesn't really come off that well. What can I use to safely remove it without harming the rubber?

Posted by: jstill Nov 27 2012, 02:53 PM

Most likley it is mold release powder which should be inert. I bet a few wipes with tire bleaching stuff will remove it. Course that stuff eats a little rubber every time but the strip shouldn't see much daylight so I don't see the harm.

Best of luck. js

Posted by: nathansnathan Nov 27 2012, 02:54 PM

I bet if you rubbed it with glycerin, it would clean it off and be good for the seal, too. VW service manual says to use glycerin to rejuvenated the rubber.-that's what I would try.

Posted by: SirAndy Nov 27 2012, 03:07 PM

Posted by: tod914 Nov 27 2012, 03:23 PM

I've used Wurth Citrus Degreaser and Griots Rubber Prep in the past, with very good success.

Posted by: Krieger Nov 27 2012, 04:32 PM

Thanks guys. I'll try the glycerine

Posted by: tod914 Nov 28 2012, 04:14 PM

Andy let me know how that works out for you. I haven't tried that yet.

Posted by: JawjaPorsche Nov 28 2012, 04:48 PM

Excuse my ignorance but where do you get glycerine?

There are not stupid questions but only stupid people!

Posted by: rfuerst911sc Nov 28 2012, 05:03 PM

I believe most any local drug store sells it. And most grocery stores.

Posted by: Gint Nov 28 2012, 09:51 PM

I had to search the last time I went looking for it. Found it at a Walgreen's finally.

Posted by: 9146986 Nov 28 2012, 10:08 PM

Silicone spray does pretty good too

Posted by: Krieger Nov 28 2012, 11:03 PM

I bought the glycerine at Rite Aid for $6. The store manager new right where to find it, but had no idea what it was for. I told him I didn't either, but that I was using it on the rubbers for my Porsche. The look on his face...anyway mixed results. The seal I am using it on is the long u shaped piece that goes up both A pillars and across the top where the front of the roof sits on. The seal is one of the most recent OEM production. The pieces that travel up the A pillar are of a different type of rubber than the piece that goes across the top. This center section is very much like the rubber for the window scrapers. The glycerine did a great job on that piece across the top. For the parts going up the A pillars it did just okay. So what to do now...

Posted by: Dasnowman Nov 29 2012, 02:30 AM

+1 works great on helping slide them in place and keep them conditioned from drying out!

Posted by: rwilner Nov 29 2012, 01:05 PM

I use http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html on all my rubber trim, for the 914 and now my 911. I am very happy with it. It made my bumper tops look great.

Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 29 2012, 03:16 PM

I use Aerospace 303 when I clean these before I ship. It works fine and adds a sacrificial coating to the rubber.

Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 29 2012, 04:09 PM

Y'all are failing to point out to the OP that if there is 'white crap' on it, it's not a new rubber.

Posted by: Krieger Nov 29 2012, 05:40 PM

It was new when I purchased it two years ago then let it sit in its OEM bag and rot

Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 30 2012, 07:34 PM

Allways best to clean off before installation.
By the way, I bet you didn't know that many rubbers are cured with SALT.

While part of the process is washing, there allways seems to be some residue.
-Mark

Posted by: Krieger Nov 30 2012, 07:51 PM

Salt on my rubber

Posted by: Pat Garvey Nov 30 2012, 07:58 PM

You're correct, silicone spray is good.....for anything that doesn't get near paint!

I use it on the window cranks of my sunroom, but learned many years ago NOT to let it anywhere near painted surfaces. The ions of silicaone will seep through any layers of paint. OK, unless you need to respray a panel down the road - sinks in & stays there. Ask me how I know.

Posted by: scotty b Nov 30 2012, 09:56 PM