 Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I thought that would get your attention.  So I'm gazing at the picture of my bike from the Kootenay Raid and I noticed that the gators are looking a little pasty. Now I know they don't last forever, and that they'll dry up and crack and rot off someday, but should I putting something on them to prolong their life, like Armor-All or something?
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 558
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 558 |
I've always heard rubbing alcohol is good for rubber. I could be wrong and if I am someone will chime in I'm sure.
2008 Speedy, AI removed, DIY airbox destruction with K&N filters, spectres, re-jetted and "custom" rattle can paint job.
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Wouldn't that just dry them out, speeding up the rot?
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Last edited by Zmilin; 07/26/2010 6:08 PM.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
I've had mine on since 2004 and they still look good. I do wipe them down with a rag with some 40 sprayed on it once in a while, a long while
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Whatever floats your boat! But I think Z's got you covered and in the meantime I use Armor-All on my rubbers! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Give 'em a spritz of this once in a while and you'll be good to go without paying a premium price:  Don't forget to stick the spray tube into the bellows vent to lube the insides as well, keeps the folds nice and even.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Well John, what I can tell is that Ralph, one of the guys I've known since high school and who owned and operated an auto upholstery shop for many years until he retired a few years ago, well, every time the name "Armor-All" was mentioned he would scowl(and Ralph always had one heck of a scowl) and call that particular product "crap"!
(...he claimed that the stuff actually increased the rate of drying out vinyl and rubber products, and subsequently led to the quicker rotting of them)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3 |
Two things destroy rubber, UV light and oxygen.
Silicone does two things;
1. Reflects Ultra Violet light
2. Seals the surface, protecting it from oxygen.
Silicone is the key ingredient in Armor All.
If the owner of an upholstery shop disapproves of silicone sprays it may be because they can do a third thing; put upholstery shops out of business…
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Re: Should I lube my gators?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Well Brandon, that last part could be true, alright!  Ralph WAS known to get quite a bit of "return customers"! (...but I always assumed it might've been his "sparkling personality" that was bringin' all those folks back to his shop!!!...remember the "scowl" part I mentioned above?!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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