Rear window molding aging succefful fixes??? - Honda Prelude Forum

aneurysm · 05-13-2005, 08:36 AM

Ive got a 95 Si and just like every other prelude (5th gens included) the rear window gasket/molding on the exterior looks like $hit due to age. I just had the body shop take a look at it and they said that sanding it would not be possible. He said that it would break down the plastic too much or something like that.

Anyways, what have some of you done to reverse this aging, ASIDE from buying new windows that come with the new gaskets?

thanks-

brad

red92s · 05-13-2005, 11:50 PM

I stripped and repainted mine

aneurysm · 05-14-2005, 11:36 PM

are there any FAQs for this procedure? If not, would you mind giving me some tips on how to make it turn out good?

brad

KB798 · 05-16-2005, 09:35 AM

I masked off the edges and just spraypainted it with Rust-O-Leum.

petern101 · 05-16-2005, 10:32 AM

wow i have had the same problem but mine looks like its rusted.....i'll try the latter fix

divebomb80 · 05-17-2005, 11:47 PM

There's 2 things you can do...either one or both, I recommend doing both to maintain suggestion 1:

1. Strip the molding with steel wool, mask the area out and paint it with Honda Black trim paint (which you can get at most auto shops).

2. Apply Mothers Back to Black once a week or everytime you wash. You can use Mothers Back to Black and some Vaseline too to restore the softness in the rubber.

Btw, the above is tried and tested on my '93 lude...all the best!

KB798 · 05-18-2005, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divebomb80

2. Apply Mothers Back to Black once a week or everytime you wash. You can use Mothers Back to Black and some Vaseline too to restore the softness in the rubber.

Hm...I've always wondered what Mothers Back to Black was like. How do you like it?

divebomb80 · 05-19-2005, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KB798

Hm...I've always wondered what Mothers Back to Black was like. How do you like it?

I love it

. It's excellent on the dried up, faded, moldy seals. It gives the rubber moldings a nice healthy sheen but it's not a temporary sheen, it eventually clears out the dirt and brings the rubber back to life. If you haven't tried it...I recommend you do. The only itty bitty problem I have with it, is applying it. I use a cloth to apply it and sometimes it get on the paint/glass and has an ugly mark esp after washing

. Don't worry though, it's not permanent/damaging and can be wiped off even after a few days.

KB798 · 05-19-2005, 12:55 PM

How long does it last?

aneurysm · 05-25-2005, 12:47 AM

thanks so much for the tips!! I started this project tonight and so far its going very well. I spent time masking off the entire area meticulously and sanded it down with 3M medium, then fine, and finally fine steel wool...and its now ready to paint.

Ill get some pics up once its all done. Thanks so much for the pointers!!!

brad

KB798 · 05-25-2005, 12:58 AM

When you paint make sure to use thin, even layers of paint. Use the spraypaint as if you were sweeping the floor with a broom so that you don't get any "alligator skin" spots.

LudemanDan · 05-26-2005, 12:46 AM

I don't think you'd have to replace the window. I got a quote for just the seal for my last Prelude from Honda and it was like $80. Which is definitely a good reason to DIY! But you might want to unscrew it first (there are screws beneath the rubber part). I don't know how weird it is to remove it, I've never done it.

Dan

Jacques · 05-26-2005, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KB798

How long does it last?

Depending on how much rain it's exposed to, mine normally lasts about a week. 2 weeks if it's sunny.

Rachel