"The Heat is On" -- ALERT

there's a product reportedly suitable for speaker surround treatment mentioned in the last "Stereophile - Fine Tunes" June 2002 issue, before Skull left the mag.
"Meguiar's #40 Vinyl & Rubber Conditioner".
Scull also mentions a couple of other alternatives:
One Grand Exterior Rubber Treatment
Sonax Trim Protectant
J-10 then goes on to review the positive effects of treating his car's speakers with the Meguiar's

Check it out if desired; the article is even available online if you don't have the issue anymore.

Bozo, thanks. Subaru, is there any product that could help in maintaining rubber elasticity -- as in speaker cone surrounds? Thanks

Oh man....Armor-All is an AQUAEOUS product containing a monomer that binds a single-molecule layer over vinyl and similar plastics. I don't think there's ANY silicone in it!
The problem with speakers is that some surrounds are made of butyl rubber, for which Armor-All doesn't act as intended.
On vinyl it's great for sealing/protecting the surface.
Silicone mixtures simply COVER surfaces, shining 'em up (tires, etc.). Armor-All shines up vinyl, etc., by returning it to an ultra-smooth surface that reflects light.

Silicone is may not the agent for the drying, I feel it is the solvent. So look at the materials used in the mixture. Frankly I would ask questions about this topic to the speaker designers. They would have a better history in dealing with this topic.

Bozo: so yr point applies to ANY silicone based product -- or is there a particular brand that would be less likely to create problems? Thanks

For those who want to know the product is made from orderless mineral spirits and a mixture of various types of silicone. It will dry out over time. However if you keep applying it the silicone will keep the surface moist and slick. The solvent is used to aid in quick drying of the material when applied.

Tire wet is very similar. Have you ever noticed how your tires look after a few days in the sun? Discolored and faded.

You all are an intelligent bunch you figure it out.

I would suggest using Meguiars Natural shine inside your vehicle. After 3 years managing a detail shop and using numerous products I use this exclusivly.

LOL, LOL, LOL

Are we back to Crisco now?

Be your own judge, but I have been using Armor All on many many things for thirty years and have never noticed any damage. I owned a 1973 240 Z Datsun that still had it's dash without the cracks so many had when I sold it in 1984. I used alot of Amor All on that car. You did have to strap yourself in good though as the seats did get slick. I also have been using it on wood firniture for as many years. (Though I have heard that if I ever want to refinish any of that furniture I may be in trouble, but as of yet no problem.) I have heard that if you use it on something; it is best to continue to use it or that will cause cracking etc..., but I don't know. Like I said: You be the judge. Me: I'm still using. (Armor All that is.)

It's banished...

Many thanks, gentlemen. 6: don't wish to obtrude with obfuscation :^). Cheers!

On a serious note. I don't use Armor All at all, even on my car! Because after a while, the dust stick the surfaces where you apply Armor All. It is terrible! Also, I cannot stand the smell!

Regards

I have been suspicious of Armor All ever since the Stereophile brouhaha years ago regarding using it on CDs (I think Sam recommended this). Now I'm afraid to even use it on my car! Thanks for the correction, Greg.

Gregm, if you show me the idea, I will banish it. LOL