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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Singing Land Cruiser on April 13, 2009, 07:54:01 AM

Title: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Singing Land Cruiser on April 13, 2009, 07:54:01 AM
Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
We are doing the "Poor Man" window skinning job on our 87 MCI , 102a3. Now, as to the look. We are thinking of painting the Black frames But we would also need to paint the rubber seals. Do's and Don'ts Please. All the Best, M&C
Pictures=  http://singinglandcruiser.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Tenor on April 13, 2009, 08:59:12 AM
Dont!  It will crack and flake off and could dry up the seals.  Tape them off first.

Good luck!

Glenn
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Jeremy on April 13, 2009, 11:38:34 AM
I would think black tyre paint (as used by car dealers) would do the job without causing any problems

Jeremy
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Ray D on April 13, 2009, 03:59:39 PM
I have done it several times with no problems, in fact, the stripes on my bus go over the rubber and glass both.  I forget what the primer is called, but go to any reputable car paint store and they will know what you need.

Ray D
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Chopper Scott on April 13, 2009, 07:13:59 PM
Body shops paint flexible bumper covers on vehicles all the time. They add some kind of additive to make the paint more flexible. In fact I have seen interior panels and seats painted with great results. But keep in mind that they are not bare rubber. In other words.... I don't know  :) Later
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Hobie on April 13, 2009, 07:27:58 PM
Rubber Dye.   Dyeing black is easy as you are not trying to color match.  Found at large body shop supply or internet.  Not cheap, but it goes far.   Remember to clean the surface very well with thinner and a red scotch bright pad to give it a little tooth.  Good Luck.
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: PP on April 13, 2009, 07:35:34 PM
I did my rubber bumper rails with the black rubber dye. It cost me $40/pint but as it turns out that is a lifetime supply. Did 80' of bumpers and the four rubber blocks front and back. Will
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Singing Land Cruiser on April 14, 2009, 06:27:07 AM
Thank all of you for your posts on this thread. Christi and I want to paint the rubber seals White so they will blend. Right now the "Poor Man" skins look like picture frames. What do you think? See pic's at http://singinglandcruiser.blogspot.com/
Thanks, M&C
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: PP on April 14, 2009, 09:02:10 AM
M&C,
When I was shopping around for something to reblacken my siderails, one of the options the supply shop offered was a special paint formulated for plastic and rubber. I didn't want to paint my rails, I wanted them to look natural and new so I opted for the dye. But there are paints out there just for what you're considering. Hope this helps, Will
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Dallas on April 14, 2009, 10:02:45 AM
You might try Krylon Fusion.. it's made for plastic, vinyl and other stuff. I used some on a chunk of rubber on my dash board a couple years ago and it hasn't cracked or flaked off yet, but then it isn't exposed to wind and rain, only the heat of the sun.


Good Luck.

Dallas
Title: Re: Can you paint the rubber around the windows?
Post by: Airbag on April 14, 2009, 08:17:11 PM
Rubber trim just accents your bus. I will clean rubber with a little lacquer thinner on a rag then treat it with armor all or pledge. Remember the seals don't work when they get hard and painting them only hardens them.

Wipe a tire with lacquer thinner and it will look brand new. Old salesman trick.