Cleaning gaskets and grommets, method that has worked well for me Options

[Doug Leggins]

Many 914 owners may never need to deep clean the gaskets and grommets on their car. But, for those who will be cleaning these parts, here is a method that has worked very well for me.

I have used a cleaning product called S.S. Nathans Universal Solution with great success. I buy this cleaner from a guy that I work with. He sells the S.S. Nathan products at car shows around Indiana. The universal solution is a concentrated solution and can be diluted to be suitable for the type of cleaning being done.

Steps that i have followed:
-Give the parts a quick cleaning. pretty much quickly knock off any easily removed paint overspray, adhesive, rust proofing material, road grime, etc.

-Soak the parts overnight in a solution of about 1/3 Universal Solution and 2/3 water

-remove the parts from the cleaner and wipe off the easy to remove paint, glue, grime, etc. The cleaner helps to "lift" the paint and grime off of the parts.

-soak the parts overnight again. remove the parts and spend the required time to clean to your level of satisfaction. I have spent more time than I care to admit scraping off overspray and adhesive mostly using my thumbnail and a small flat screwdriver. But I was able to get the parts to clean up to excellent condition.

It takes some time and effort but I was amazed at how well the parts cleaned up.

Here's a few pics

The gasket on the right was in nearly the same condition as the one on the left before the cleaning