How to care for old rubberized coats?

[fishmeok]

Does anyone have any care/restoration suggestions for old rubberized riding coats? I have an old full-length French coat that is showing very small cracks- almost a crazing effect.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Mark

 

[John in Covina]

Chemicals to the rescue.

Depends on the rubber composition. Most old type rubber breaksdown from exposure to certain chemicals (like smog) and the UV portion of sunlight. There are numerous Automotive chemicals for the protection of rubber and vinyl products like Amorall. One suggestion is to keep the protectorants from any stitching as they are SLIPPERY and can cause the stiching to undo itself.

Some rubber cannot have vaseline on it without a complete breakdown, I saw an old hot water bottle disintergrate because it had gotten some vaseline smeared on it.

If the rubber is cracking it may already be too late, you can slow it but the rubber may have degraded so the loss can't be stopped.

 

[The Wingnut]

ATF works wonders on aged rubber. Spot test it first.

 

[Matt Deckard]

This is a good question, though i'm afraid bad rubber can only be replaced.