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Wed Aug 21, 2002 9:44 pm

I'm replacing the rubber seal between the glass and the frame on my safaris and was told to 'lube up' the seal when sliding the glass back into the frame. A friend said not to lube it with soapy water because the soap continues to ooze out over a long period of time when cleaning the windows. I heard that Windex works as a substitute. Anyone had experience doing this?

Thanks,

Doug

Wed Aug 21, 2002 11:09 pm

I've used vasaline to install stationary windows...they slide right in! It also keeps the seals from rotting out as quick...Peace.

Wed Aug 21, 2002 11:43 pm

Silacone spray works sweet and doesn't damage anything and far as paint and seals go. I love that stuff.

Thu Aug 22, 2002 9:58 am

Silicone soak into the paint and can be a problem if you ever have to repaint.

Thu Aug 22, 2002 1:23 pm

Windex...I've always used it and had no problem. It evaporates and leaves nothing.

Fri Aug 23, 2002 6:29 pm

Windex contains ammonia, which isn't good.

Fri Aug 23, 2002 6:59 pm

Silicone is the better choice, it only messes with the a paint job if people don't know how to properly prep a car for paint.
I.E. washing thouroughly with hot soapy water and wiping all surfaces with wax /grease remover pryor to spraying any primer or color coat......

Sat Aug 24, 2002 3:21 am

Soap and water is the best choice.

Silicone is almost impossible to remove. In the electronic industry silicone is banned from some manufacturing sites because once it comes in contact with something it can never be cleaned 100%.

Vaseline is not good because it will degrade the rubber over time. Vaseline in a petroleum based material and is not good for natural rubber. That's why you are not supposed to use vaseline with condoms.

Windex contains ammonia and is also not good for rubber, but it evaporates pretty quick. If you use windex to wash your windows, you are bound to get it on the rubber anyway.

A little soap and water is the best. Soap is basically a surfactant (wetting agent). Put just enough soap in with the water to make it slippery. When the rubber is in, you can wash away the residue and the rubber is not hurt.

My 2 cents.

Sat Aug 24, 2002 11:16 am

I've always used soap and water for the job.

Sun Aug 25, 2002 6:07 am

I had some trouble getting the last inch of the frame together with soap and water. The frame kept gripping the seal and sliding it, making it bunch up and impossible to close the gap in the frame. I took it apart one last time and sprayed it with Armorall. It slid together with no problem.

Doug

Tue Aug 27, 2002 7:36 pm

i use simple green whenever installing seals. ez to apply, stays slippery, washes away nice. vaseline degrades rubber. i don't know about silicone. it is hard to get off. i guess armorall makes sense too.

Wed Aug 28, 2002 5:44 am

If any of you guys read a VW manual, It recommends Glycerine. pick it up from the chemist. Why it best no idea. but if the book VW book says it , i do it.

Tue Oct 01, 2002 12:31 pm

i have always used white gojo. it works and i have never had a problem with it