Replacing Old Rope Gaskets

Most older signals used cloth or braided rope gaskets to seal lens doors. Most of the time they are in pretty rough condition or missing when it comes time to restore a signal. Braided rope of various styles can be obtained at most hobby and fabric stores. I have found for practical purposes the regular ¼ inch three plat rope found at Michael's Crafts is inexpensive, works pretty well and comes in assorted colors. After the gasket channel is completely cleared out and the signal body is cleaned and repainted, I cut the rope to length, spray a little auto upholstery tack adhesive into the gasket channel, and end up with a functional and waterproof seal. If I end up painting the rope seal to match the body, I'll apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the rope gasket after the paint has cured and before closing the door on the gasket. (Note: I used a lime yellow signal in this feature to better show off the gasket. The gasket material is very close in color to conventional yellow signals.) Damaged or missing rope gasket. Braided rope material. This roll is nearly "School Bus Yellow." Set into the gasket channel. Secured with spray tack adhesive. Finished product. Many types of old rope gaskets were impregnated with asbestos. Asbestos dust can be hazardous if inhaled and is linked to a cancer called mesothelioma. It is always best to work outdoors, wear a proper fitting dust mask and wet down old rope gaskets prior to removing them and when cleaning out gasket channels. Clean up dust and debris and don't leave bits of old rope gasket laying about where children and pets might find them and play with them. If you don't wish to use craft cord as a replacement gasket, commercial rope gasket material can be obtained on-line from McMaster-Carr Supply. Go to http://www.mcmaster.com and type ROPE GASKET in the "Find Products" box. (Thanks to signal collector Ryan from Detroit for the McMaster-Carr link.) Continue to Restoring Rubber Gaskets Return to Signal Restoration Tips Page Return to Signals Page