Non silicone lubricant needed

[DAVA390]

Ok, all enginners,chemists and Bill Roosa, gather round. I have a tale and some questions.
My Faithful, bought brand new 1981 Diesel Rabbit is at the end of it`s time here on Earth. I guess they just don`t build `em like they used to...I needed a small car to commute to work but the admirals policy of "1 in ,1 out " of the driveway kept me from the 72 Corvettes I`ve craved. (I`ve wanted a convertible for a long time.)Now ,gas prices do. For fun I`ve bought a 2009 VW Eos convertible, a hardtop droptop.So far,29,30 mpg on hiway commute.Definite cool factor with my kids and grandkids,Admiral,not so much!
The owners manual goes into painful detail about the care and feeding of the various rubber gaskets, seals,mouldings etc. associated with the top parts. Internet reading is frightening with tales of leaks,sqeaks rattles etc. Recommended to lubricate rubber seals with Vw part # XYZ to keep seals in top shape.Normally I shy away from dealer supllies but I`m a little anal about the toys ,decidedto get the vw part.
Visit to dealer reveals Lub not available. The kid at the parts counter says car companies will often get commercial products and repackage and sell as their own.,he thinks VW is leaning toward 3m products now.
The Owners manual was very insistent (Lots of bold type) that seal lubricant be silicone and Acid free.
Before I wander into the local Advance Auto and spend the afternoon squinting at fine print,any suggestions or hints out there? Dave Coughlin, (Eos in driveway)

 

[waternwaves]

silicone lubricants will go through clearcoat and paints.

silicone lubricants are not necessary for the exterior surfaces of a vehicle.

The auto manufacturers are unlikely to tell you what kind of elastomers they use in each location/application. UV protectantants, plasticizers, etc. would make the components and the cars last longer. They would sell fewer cars.

The simple reason manufacturers use silicone materials is ......cheap cost, and it sticks around a long time, since it is not particularly volatile. In direct sunlight it has good performance. Few automotive applications in the car need the high and low temp performance of Silicone adhesives, sealants and elastomers but they do need the UV resistance.

most of the larger plastic pieces in a car are marked as to the material type.
but the coatings on them preclude the use of silicone products.

 

[DAVA390]

Thanks for the explanation, appreciate it.

 

[monkeybars]

Armorall, best all purpose uv and rubber-plastic treatment ever made been around for thirty years now most copied product out there for rubber-plastic

 

[Copasetic]

I would recommend using a good silicone grease that they recommend. The primary reason being that silicone will lubricate the part without being absorbed by the rubber and softening it. You can probably use silicone grease or spray on most rubber or plastics. It's also good on electrical connectors to keep them from corroding.

Armorall is good on PVC of dashboards and other interior coverings where it replaces the plasticizers that slowly leave (and collect on the inside of your windshield) but don't expect it to be a good lubricant for seals.

 

[DAVA390]

Copasetic, the book recomends AGAINST a silicone product. During my research, i found that the recomended lubricant is apparently Dupont Krytox 105 GPL. This is also sold by General Motors. I ordered some from GM , a tiny Maybe (1.5 ounce) bottle arrived for $56.00 ! I subsequently contacted a chemist friend who was able to obtain some for better than half that price,but i had to buy an aprox 12,14 O.Z. bottle. Have enough now for years, hope I don`t total the car!! Thanks all for suggestions and replies. Dave

 

[DAVA390]

I just realized my original posting was poorly worded. I must have implied manufactorer wanted a siicone lube that is acid free,reality it said silicone free and acid free. Sorry if I confused everyone.