Expert: Laren Laws - 9/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to reapply a piece of rubber molding on my truck. I went to the Napa store and they sold me a tube of Super weather stripping adhesive. I tried it and it just isn't sticking. That stuff is more like just rubber cement.
What do you suggest? Thank you Jim

ANSWER: Jim, The metal must be thoroughly clean, also the rubber must be clean. You can use wax and grease remover. Jim what color was the super weather strip adhesive? The reason I ask is the only one I have had success with is the black one. Jim you can use a red scotch brite and scuff the area that will be covered and that will help for adhesion. Also use very small amounts of the glue. Let me know if that doesn't work and we can try a different product. Thanks Laren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Laren, it is a light brownish yellow.

One other thing is the molding has a paper backed glue that came on the molding that just acts like it doesn't want to except the adhesive,what could I use to get rid of that glue so I can start over with a clean surface (the paper backed glue won't hold) thank you Jim

Answer
Jim, You will need to use a solvent based cleaner and scrub the paper backed glue off of the moulding,if you cant clean it off you may be better off and purchase a new rubber moulding. without seeing what type of rubber moulding your working with its hard for me to accurately help you. I'm thinking you may need to purchase the double back tape and use that instead of trying to glue the moulding on.Napa should be able to sell you 3m double back tape in several widths. Good luck Jim, Thanks Laren