Soft-top window zip lubrication

[Chris.Liles]

Is your soft-top window filthy? Then chances are the dust etc has also got into the zip.

Last night was chilly at 10pm on leaving our N&N so a vote was taken (I lost) & the hood was erected. I struggled to zip-up the window (rear rail was released) so have now decided lubrication of the teeth is again warranted. In the past I have used Vaseline (other petroleum jellies are available) on a cotton bud. I am now wondering if anyone out there has an alternative product they have found to work well please?

[SaphireSpud]

Silcone spray works for me. Regards, John.

[Wheelz]

As he says ^

[trunt]

My Dad was in the Zip business for many years, on the metal zips at least he always used a candle..

but that was probably before that new fangled silicone spray stuff

[Goldstar]

Graphite powder. Locksmiths sell it

[022Dave]

Chris,

This is what I've used successfully for the past few years. Don't use ordinary WD40, as it will stain, and its residue attracts crud. The long nozzle gets lubricant accurately into the zip flaps, which we all know is handy

Dave

IMG_2210.HEIC

[Chris.Liles]

Great advice already guys, very many thanks.

John & Wheelz: I was thinking some sort of silicone spray may be better than Vaseline nowadays.

Trunt: I have used a candle in the past and still do so on woodworking hand saws but difficult to get it into such a tight space.

Goldstar: got some graphite powder but would not trust myself to apply it to the hood since it goes everwhere as soon as I touch it!

Dave: that is just what I needed to know. Reluctant to use normal WD40 for the staining reasons you state, also, whilst good at penetrating I am not sure about long-term lubrication qualities. As you say, getting lube into the flaps is very important. Never heard of this product before so am now about to hit eBay and order some.

Very many thanks to all, especially Dave.

[Goldstar]

Have used that wd product as well and it is good. When I had the locksmith business we sold graphite powder in little puffer bottles to lube locks.

[SaphireSpud]

Graphite, fine in locks but very messy on zips! Dark grey, gets on your fingers! Silicone spray still the best, IMHO. Regards, John.

[Paul Kelley]

+ 1 for WD40 Silicone spray, works well.

[Chris.Liles]

Thanks everyone, I have now ordered WD40 PTFE spray as recommended by Dave. Interestingly I also posted on Triumph Stag Fan Club on Facebook and got similar comments but this thought-provoking advice too: Like a couple of others, possibly try bee's wax, as it is a totally natural product. When I was in the RNLI we used bee's wax on the large zips on our dry suits. The teeth on the zips used to "collect" the wax and opening/closing the zip spread it onto all the teeth. And there's the benefit of no possibility of a liquid/spray getting onto the window itself.

[wilf]

Thanks 022Dave - I once had some "dry ptfe" spray from the vacuum-formers at work some years ago - used it all up and hadn't thought to find an alternative, until you pointed that out.

[022Dave]

Thanks 022Dave - I once had some "dry ptfe" spray from the vacuum-formers at work some years ago - used it all up and hadn't thought to find an alternative, until you pointed that out.

Wilf; I think I bought it in Halfords.

Dave

[KansasCityMilkman]

Could have brought you some last night Chris.

[AJLC]

I have been using this for a few years on rubber seals on Mercedes convertible roof, and door surrounds etc. its called gummi pflege. Google it, not cheap, but unlike silicon sprays it is formulated not to rot or breakdown rubber. it was originally developed by VW for their convertibles so dealers could stop complaints about the soft tops squeaking. Brilliant stuff and works on the rear window zip and on every other rubber seal on the Stag.