At JeepRecyclers.com, we previously restored original rubber gaskets for Full Size Jeeps before the aftermarket began reproducing many of them. Today, most common gaskets are available new, but there are still a few original gaskets that are not currently being reproduced, including but not limited to 1974-1983 Cherokee quarter window gaskets.
For those hard-to-find pieces, restoring the original gasket may be the best option if the rubber is still structurally usable. Done correctly, this process can bring a decades-old gasket back to reliable, usable condition.
Below is the exact process we used in-house to restore original Full Size Jeep rubber gaskets.
Step 1: Inspect the Gasket
After removing the gasket, inspect it carefully before attempting restoration.
Look for:
- Tears
- Cracks
- Missing sections
- Brittle areas
- Severe deformation (Although sometimes this can be fixed through the process below)
- Any integrity issues that may prevent the gasket from sealing properly
If the gasket is torn, crumbling, or structurally compromised, it may not be a good candidate for restoration. This process is intended for gaskets that are dirty, dry, or stiff, but still physically intact.
Step 2: Deep Clean the Gasket
We used to run the gasket through our industrial parts washer for approximately 60 minutes.
The goal is to remove 40+ years of dirt, dust, residue, and contaminants from the rubber.
For someone restoring a gasket at home, a dishwasher may possibly work as an alternative, although we have not personally tested this method. Since these gaskets are typically not greasy, oily, or heavily contaminated with salt, they may not harm the dishwasher, but use your own judgment.
If using a dishwasher, we would recommend:
- Running the gasket by itself
- Using a mild detergent
The purpose of this step is simply to get the gasket as clean as possible before conditioning it.
Step 3: Rinse or Steam Out the Cleaning Residue
After the parts washer, we used an industrial steamer to clean out any remaining cleaning solution or residue left behind in the gasket.
If you do not have access to a steamer, you can use:
- Hot water
- A toothbrush
- Mild scrubbing by hand
Work around the entire gasket and clean inside any channels, grooves, or textured areas where residue may be trapped.
Step 4: Blow Out the Gasket
After rinsing or steaming, use compressed air to blow out the gasket.
Focus on:
- Channels
- Corners
- Folds
- Grooves
- Any areas where water may be trapped
Before moving to the next step, make sure all visible dirt, residue, and loose contaminants have been removed.
Step 5: Allow the Gasket to Dry
Let the gasket dry completely before applying conditioner.
This usually takes a couple of hours, depending on temperature and humidity. The gasket should not have trapped water inside it before the conditioning process begins.
Step 6: Condition the Gasket with Armor-All
Once the gasket is clean and dry, we placed it inside a 5-gallon bucket with a lid.
Before putting the gasket in the bucket, we thoroughly coated it with Armor-All.
After spraying the gasket, place it in the bucket, put the lid on, and gently warm the bucket using a heat lamp.
The goal is to warm the gasket enough to help the Armor All absorb into the rubber.
Recommended temperature range:
Approximately 100°F to 150°F
Important safety notes:
- Do not place the heat lamp too close to the bucket.
- Too much heat can melt the bucket or damage the gasket.
- You are not trying to cook the rubber.
- Gentle warmth is all that is needed.
Step 7: Reapply Armor-All Periodically
During the warming process, periodically remove the lid and re-coat the gasket with Armor-All.
We typically sprayed the gasket again every 1 to 2 hours.
This allows the gasket to slowly absorb the conditioner over time.
Our normal conditioning process lasted approximately 8 hours.
Step 8: Hang the Gasket to Dry
After the Armor-All and heat process is complete, remove the gasket from the bucket and hang it at room temperature.
Letting it hang and dry naturally helps the conditioner settle into the rubber.
Once dry, the gasket can be inspected again and prepared for installation.
Important Notes
Armor-All is the only product we personally used for this process. There may be other rubber conditioning products that work as well or better, but we cannot speak from experience on those.
This process does not make a damaged gasket new again. It is intended to clean, soften, and improve the condition of an original gasket that is still structurally usable.
For rare Full Size Jeep gaskets that are not currently reproduced, this process may help extend the life of the original part and make it more suitable for reuse.