I plan to use some of the original stock windows in My MCI-102 A3 conversion. Right now my windows close and seal nicely. The problem is that they are hard to open. It feels like they are too well sealed or something. Yesterday, I pushed so hard trying to get one open that I actually broke the glass.
There must be some kind of silicone lubricant that will free these windows nicely.
Secondly, the window seals are currently black with some kind of grease or goo. This could be from twenty plus years of dirt, grim, and neglect. But, any suggestions about cleaning the seals before applying the above lubrication solution?
Don't use any lube just soap and water with plenty of air and fresh water, lube attracts dirt and grime
Silicone dry lube spray.....probably. Like Luvr says, though, scrub it out with a grease dissolving detergent and suck the water out with a vac. Rinse and repeat 50 times or so. Consider also that the grime and oil coating may have eaten the rubber or swollen it or mad it sticky. I replaced mine and the windows slid nicely for a few years. Then....crapola again.
Old rubber seals dry out and get hard as a rock. The black "goo" is the decomposed rubber turned to a sticky, oily like, black powder.
The only real solution to old dried out seals is new ones. However, you have to be careful because some of the ones being sold are NOS and also dried out from sitting on the shelf lo many years. Try to find new reproductions if possible, not always easy though. Always ask before buying.
Even if silicone makes them slide easier they still won't seal against water.
Like Gus said....nothing lasts forever.....Many of us have resorted to Viagra. But that is a moot point cause anyone that thinks anything beside luggage lasts forever is to simple to notice a window won't open.
Clean the heck out of it....up side and down....flush the junk you scrub up out of the track, use a stiff bristled brush, with lots of water and detergent. Inspect that seal really really well and you will see the drain and weep holes/slots to vent the water that will go in there weather the seal is new or old. (pun intended).
You can always take the least popular action and replace the rubber, as God intended, after it has served its useful life. Like Gus said: don't get taken and buy rubber that has laid on a shelf for 20 years.
My best wishes for a successful out come and a few laughs along the way.
John