Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I'm doing some additional clean up following a paint job on my 1940 160 Club Sedan. The old (and original) running board rubber now looks a little shabby against the newly painted body and I'm thinking of ways to freshen it up a bit. While the rubber is still in remarkable shape, there are a few cracked, chipped and missing areas. Has anyone tried applying liquid rubber to fill in gaps or cracks (something like FlexSeal or equivalents). If so, I'd be interested in hearing about what was used and how that worked out. Obviously, I don't want to worsen the appearance or apply something that will not hold up. Just trying to hold off an ultimate rubber replacement project as long as possible. Thanks for any insights.

Well, anything new will look new from being shiny instead of matte from degradation. So, weigh that in your mental picture. Otherwise, it's a question of how well you can apply it. Given my experience with things like RTV and casting silicone, the answer is "not as well as you might hope".

Not that it will help missing pieces, I use Black Magic Tire Wet on my 1940 110. First use Murphy's oil soap and a scrub brush to get them clean. After letting them dry I apply the tire wet with an 1 1/2 inch paint brush working it in all of the ridges and valleys. I would work it in with an old Terry cloth towel on the first treatment. Let it dry a couple of days and hit it with a second coat. Wipe it with a towel again if you want a dull finish or just let it dry for a shiny one. The product is good for the rubber and after several application you can get it looking the way you want it. I buy the Tire Wet at Advance Auto but I'm sure you can get it anywhere.
Jim Long

since u have missing pieces, what i do ,i go to walmart get that truck bed liner coating
they have a couple different brands , thats thick enough to make it level with ur rubber that is on ur running boards,and u can brush it in any cracks or use a squeegee then use the the black magic