Roof rail NOS weatherstriping

[ChevyThunder]

Did a search but came up empty ... I have some NOS roof rail weather striping for a 69 Camaro that I would like to use on my restoration. It is very hard and rolled up as it came out of the box. I do not want to force the weather striping and possibly break or split it . I thought of laying it in the sun to see if that would soften it up and get some pliability back into it .....

Anyone have any experience with this ? Any insight to prep would be appreciated

[SS427]

Try soaking it in hot water for a little while. It works to a slight degree and does soften it a little.

[enio45]

Use very hot water

Also - wipe it down with leather conditioner to soak in to softern it up.....all this will help, but it will never become super soft like nos ones that have been stored in controled environment. Sun helps also - at least to the point you can get it installed...

[Unreal]

I had heard that baby oil works, too. I tried it on an original that had gotten sort of stiff, and it definitely helped, but did not soften it to the point that it was as good as the NOS one I have on the other side.

[ChevyThunder]

Thanks guys
I also received an email recommending rubbing them down with vaseline.... funny .. this came from the guy who sold them to me. I wonder if he is trying to tell me something ?