FT: Frame (Twin) Removing and fitting footrest rubbers

[druridge]

Like Steve P my Number 1 go to for stiff/tight rubber is immersion in boiling water to soften up the rubber. Works on footpeg rubbers, petrol pipes etc. I've been told the hot water leaves 'old' rubber improved even after its cooled down.

 

[vibrac]

The modern stuff they call rubber needs improvement. It seems to be full of loose carbon when I wash my small production run car the water leaves streaks of black on the paintwork from the light fitting rubbers and the front winker mounts on my XBR are cracking away but rubber items on my original 52 trophy were in good condition as are some original Vincent items like tank rubbers that came with some asbestos copper washers so were from way back what happened to rubber mixes after 1960?

 

[BigEd]

The modern stuff they call rubber needs improvement. It seems to be full of loose carbon when I wash my small production run car the water leaves streaks of black on the paintwork from the light fitting rubbers and the front winker mounts on my XBR are cracking away but rubber items on my original 52 trophy were in good condition as are some original Vincent items like tank rubbers that came with some asbestos copper washers so were from way back what happened to rubber mixes after 1960?

I am guessing that carbon is a relativly inexpensive bulking agent to add to the mix of many synthetic rubber and plastic components. I was not altogether surprised to find that my multi meter between the black plastic body of (an Indian made) headlamp switch I found a small but never the less real conact path.

 

[TouringGodet]

My John Bull kickstart rubber has lasted 60 years, and from my fathers stuff I have one of those rubber spark plug carriers that I believe is natural rubber, even the large o ring shaped band that holds it closed is still working after 60 years.

 

[Texas John]

Eddy, For items made from natural rubber (latex) which is almost clear and becomes off-white when heated (vulcanized), including tires and footrests, it is typically the addition of carbon that vastly improves the longevity of the rubber; it also gives the rubber its typical black color. As you observed, it also can make it somewhat conductive to electricity. It also tends not to last as well as synthetic rubber compounds when exposed to sun, chemicals, and the atmosphere.