Joel Dressner VELO551@aol.com wrote on Saturday, September 07, 2002 3:10 PM
<snip>
> I am interested in finding out the best way to care for and preserve gum
> brake hoods. Any suggestions on which products to use?
I have built rubber powered model airplanes since the '50s and it is common to coat the rubber bands with Castor Oil to improve the life of the bands and allow them to be wound far more tightly than if they were not treated. I have been using castor oil on my hoods for twenty five plus years with good success. Try it on a pair of marginal hoods and determine for yourself whether or not you feel that this adds life to them. It will temporarily make your hoods slippery so wipe off the excess(the smell is odd, but not necessarily a show stopper). BTW I have used this product on all brands of hoods with equal results.
Regards,
Jim Narlesky
San Jose, CA