How to soften rubber mat?

stallerl

stallerl

Senior Member
I did a search but didn't find any posts that suggested what to use to soften large rubber pieces such as floor mats. The mats in my '29 Tudor look as they are kind of new but have been sitting for a while and are flexible but will crack if I try to fold or roll them. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can apply to soften them up? Spray ATF and let it soak into the rubber? Is there a commercial product I can buy that might work? Thanks
 
I've heard that ATF will soften it. BUT I've used Lestoil and I know that works. I did a pair of floor mats about 6-7 years ago that would have cracked if folded. The mats have stayed soft and flexible. Brush it on heavily several times a day and let it soak in. Watch carefully as you can turn the mat to Jello if it soaks too long. Rinse it off when happy. Lestoil is an old cleaning agent I get at a good old fashion grocery store, has an industrial smell to it. It will also clean your tires the best you ever saw too. I do small rubber parts in it, but you have to be carefull. Differant rubber reacts differantly. Some will blow up 3 times in size and turn to something the consitancy of snot!
 
OK Lestoil it'll be. I'll go out later and try to find some and brush it on one of the mats. It's no big deal if the mats are too old and beyond getting soft again as I can buy new ones for under a 100 bucks. But I thought I'd try and save the ones I have just for kicks. Thanks for the tips!
 
my uncle years ago wiped his rubber around windshield and others with brake fluid so they wouldnt crack
 
A question which will forever haunt me if not asked ...what is the problem with a floor mat which lays flat?

I guess nothing is wrong with a mat that will be laying flat. The mats in my car are dry to the point that they are not really black any longer but more of a deep brown. They are so dry that when I want to remove them, for any reason, they develop small cracks. I know of products that will revive the black color but was not aware of something that would soften them. Now I do...
I guess if I wasn't ever going to move the mats I could use a blacking product and call it done but I want them to look and feel better then they now do. So, I'm going to give Lestoil in a day or two.
 
Automatic transmission stop leak does a good job of softening seals. It might expand the rubber a bit, but it might work. I would try it out on a small test piece first.
 
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