Fix/Clean Old Rubber Coating?

[thr3squared]

I recently acquired a older Yakima roof rack basket from my father-in-law and the rubber coating has deteriorated a bit from sitting in a hot attic for years. To the touch its sticky but nothing comes off on you hands. I washed it down well with soapy water to clean it up and let it dry - no change this morning when I checked it.

Any tips on how to rejuvenate it and get rid of the tacky feeling?

 

[thr3squared]

Would spray-on Plasti Dip work? Anyone with experience know if that works over an existing rubber coating?

 

[Monza Harry]

Sounds like older GM steering wheels, that sticky does come off on your hands though. This is caused by the "plasticizer" migrating out of the "rubber" I usually just wash (many times) with Fantastic (409, Spray 9, Foley, etc. probably similar), and sometimes WD-40. A truly a pain in the @$$ job. This is a maintenance issue, steering wheel will be ok if driven regularly, if not periodical maintenance will be the norm otherwise, your roof rack carrier...? I'm not familiar with your rack though try a small inconspicuous spot first for safety sake. Harry

 

[4xdog]

You're talking about the wire basket? "Basketcase" I think Yakima may have called it back then. They're long out of production, but nothing else is quite the same in today's market. I still have and use mine with their Thule square-bar adapter mounts.

Mine is faded but hasn't gotten sticky anywhere.

I'd guess the coating is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasti-sol coating and was applied by dipping.

My first try would be SuperClean -- the purple stuff or equivalent. That's a super-strong detergent and will really strip a surface clean.

If that didn't do anything I'd start with increasingly stronger solvents, beginning with mineral spirits, then isopropyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, MEK... and I'd be really careful as I got down the list, 'cause some of those will likely attack perfectly good coating on the basket.

Is this one like yours? I ran this on my XJ for a long time.

 

[PWC Repair]

Why not just recoat the whole thing with some rubberized undercoating?

 

[cpttuna]

I recently acquired a older Yakima roof rack basket from my father-in-law and the rubber coating has deteriorated a bit from sitting in a hot attic for years. To the touch its sticky but nothing comes off on you hands. I washed it down well with soapy water to clean it up and let it dry - no change this morning when I checked it.

Any tips on how to rejuvenate it and get rid of the tacky feeling?

wrap in electrical tape

 

[thr3squared]

You're talking about the wire basket? "Basketcase" I think Yakima may have called it back then. They're long out of production, but nothing else is quite the same in today's market. I still have and use mine with their Thule square-bar adapter mounts.

Mine is faded but hasn't gotten sticky anywhere.

I'd guess the coating is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasti-sol coating and was applied by dipping.

My first try would be SuperClean -- the purple stuff or equivalent. That's a super-strong detergent and will really strip a surface clean.

If that didn't do anything I'd start with increasingly stronger solvents, beginning with mineral spirits, then isopropyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, MEK... and I'd be really careful as I got down the list, 'cause some of those will likely attack perfectly good coating on the basket.

Is this one like yours? I ran this on my XJ for a long time.

Yep, that's the exact one. I know its long been discontinued, but like you said its pretty unique in the "minimalist" design which is why I'd like to run it if I can make it work.

I'll try SuperClean - never used it before and go from there.

 

[thr3squared]

Why not just recoat the whole thing with some rubberized undercoating?

I thought about this too. I've used undercoating on bare metal and it worked well, but never on top of another coating. Do you have experience with that application?

 

[thr3squared]

wrap in electrical tape

I'll be up all night wrapping all the little bars. And in the CA summer heat the glue on E-tape will liquify in no time.

 

[gewf631]

I know it might take some time, but how about wrapping the wires with something like paracord or similar? Pretty cheap, lots of color options, durable (UV stable), and easy to handle.
That basket seems to be about 3 feet square, so would be pretty easy to maneuver while watching TV - easy evening project.

 

[4xdog]

Yep, that's the exact one. I know its long been discontinued, but like you said its pretty unique in the "minimalist" design which is why I'd like to run it if I can make it work.

I'll try SuperClean - never used it before and go from there.

The Yakima Basket Case has been out of production for fifteen or more years, I'd guess. They're popular when they come up used for the same reason you and I like ours -- its minimalism. REI still has a page showing it, but it's long since NLA from them.

I'm a fan of SuperClean. It's great on (real) rubber, where it cleans oxidation down to fresh surface, and I keep a spray bottle in the kitchen where it's the most convenient grease-cutter ever. It's strong -- harsh, even on some surfaces -- so check an inconspicuous place first.

If you can't get the "sticky" removed, and as what might be a last resort, maybe bedliner, either DIY like Raptor Liner or a shop, like Line-X, might be an option.

Do you have the clips to attach it to your rack? I think Yakima might still sell that hardware kit...

 

[thr3squared]

The Yakima Basket Case has been out of production for fifteen or more years, I'd guess. They're popular when they come up used for the same reason you and I like ours -- its minimalism. REI still has a page showing it, but it's long since NLA from them.

I'm a fan of SuperClean. It's great on (real) rubber, where it cleans oxidation down to fresh surface, and I keep a spray bottle in the kitchen where it's the most convenient grease-cutter ever. It's strong -- harsh, even on some surfaces -- so check an inconspicuous place first.

If you can't get the "sticky" removed, and as what might be a last resort, maybe bedliner, either DIY like Raptor Liner or a shop, like Line-X, might be an option.

Do you have the clips to attach it to your rack? I think Yakima might still sell that hardware kit...

I'll try SuperClean on the bottom surface first and see how it goes. Spray on and then wipe it down?

I thought about bedliner and I have had good experience with LineX. I just wonder if it will spray on too thick and then the clips will be difficult to attach.

Yes I do have the clips, and they're is great shape.

 

[4xdog]

I'll try SuperClean on the bottom surface first and see how it goes. Spray on and then wipe it down?...

Yep. Spray on. scrub, and rinse. If it seems too strong you might dilute it, say 50:50 with water, although that really cuts its effectiveness a lot.

 

[PWC Repair]

I thought about this too. I've used undercoating on bare metal and it worked well, but never on top of another coating. Do you have experience with that application?

Yes, I have used it in fenderwells and undercarriages right over existing undercoating of unknown brand or composition. Just scrape any loose stuff off, and respray. I use the SEM brand. It comes in various sheens and textures.

 

[cpttuna]

is there hose big enough to slip over the tubing?????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[nadogail]

How about the Brush On Electrical Tape that comes in a can? I have seen it in both Red and Black.

 

[no704]

Handle dip or flex seal

 

[thr3squared]

Yep. Spray on. scrub, and rinse. If it seems too strong you might dilute it, say 50:50 with water, although that really cuts its effectiveness a lot.

Had some time this weekend and tried SuperClean (didn't dilute it). Unfortunately no luck but it was worth a shot.

Now time to pick out a new coating.

 

[thr3squared]

How about the Brush On Electrical Tape that comes in a can? I have seen it in both Red and Black.

This what you are referring to?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AXNOD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[thr3squared]

Yes, I have used it in fenderwells and undercarriages right over existing undercoating of unknown brand or composition. Just scrape any loose stuff off, and respray. I use the SEM brand. It comes in various sheens and textures.

So I am between trying undercoating or bedliner.

I like that you've had success with undercoating going over previous coatings well, but wonder how that will handle UV from being on the roof of my truck?

 

[rustyjames]

First I would try wiping it with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. If they don't work lacquer thinner.

 

[thr3squared]

First I would try wiping it with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. If they don't work lacquer thinner.

Worth a try. I can test that in a less visible spot

 

[Zeke]

I think I'd send this off to the powder coater. If it's worth having, it's worth the cost.

 

[lilredex]

You could try "Rubber Renew". Used it on my planer rollers.

https://www.mgchemicals.com/products/electronics-maintenance/specialized-cleaners/rubber-renue/

 

[thr3squared]

I think I'd send this off to the powder coater. If it's worth having, it's worth the cost.

Honestly I hadn't even considered that. As long as their sandblast prep will take all the rubber off that could work.

 

[PWC Repair]

So I am between trying undercoating or bedliner.

I like that you've had success with undercoating going over previous coatings well, but wonder how that will handle UV from being on the roof of my truck?

I don't know but black usually does well with UV. You could probably e-mail the Co to find out.

 

[thr3squared]

Just thought I’d share - I decided to give Super Clean one last try before making this a bigger project….AND IT WORKED!!

Hosed it down with water, sprayed on heavily and use the abrasive side of a sponge to really scrub. Rinsed off and let it dry. The “sticky” went away. We’ll see if it lasts, but for now I’m pretty happy with it!