I am hoping somebody on here has tried something similar or knows about rubber...

I have been trying to make a new rubber piece for my datsun with mixed results.
Here are some links to my build diary with what I have done.
My build diary - Rubber part 1.
My build diary - Rubber part 2

At first I thought things were going well, But my part is starting to flatten out.
Any sugestions on what to try would be great.
Thank you in advance, Beetwenty.

Go Bee!
I was wondering about this as mine are in similar or worse condition.
Put me down for a set once you nail it, until then I will be available for words of encouragement, wish I could offer more helpful advice but Its strange medium...wouldn't have thought you could do what you've done to it for starters.
Awesome blog...bookmarked

Thanks, I had my doubts about rubber also, as once it is vulcanised it is pretty much set.
But I want one of those covers... so Im giving it my best.
The stock part looks thinner in spots, it looks like it was made with a technique something like what im trying.
I guess I have a steep learning curve ahead if im to get this right.

could you try thin plastic sheeting instead if it didnt work and mould it in your jig with a bit of heat??

I was thinking of that as a plan B.
Or looking into other materials like vinyl, ect.
I had a mate suggest leather as an alternative.
If I can do it in rubber it would prefer it, as it will look proper.
Thank you for the idea.
Please keep the ideas coming, Im open to suggestions.

I am trying 3mm neoprene at the moment.
It is much harder to stretch on my jig.
I think it will take a few days to wind it down. (I don't want to tear the rubber, Its under alot of tension at about 3/4 of what I want to stretch it out to)

I wonder how silicone would hold up.
Maybe in addition to rubber merchants see what your nearest casting suppliers have to say about the properties of some of their mold making materials/techniques

I like the idea of silicone.

If I decide to ask someone who knows alot about rubbers I will take a trip up to brisbane.
They have a school for injection moulding and things of that nature.
It is called partec. I will just have to finish work early one day.

I will try to learn what I can before I bother to take time off work and go to partec.
I have already had a good chat with the owner of a rubber store near my house, He was very helpfull.
He has given me a few types of rubber to try for free, What a champ.
Neoprene has had the best results from what he gave me so far.
I have also had a talk the guys in the factory next to my work, They make and use injection moulds.
If I use rubber They suggested that I heat the rubber as much as I can and to leave it in the jig for as long as possible.

What about tyre retreading rubber?

It is uncured to start, they mould the tyre and then heat cure it in a steam oven.

Maybe your local tyre retreader could help out with supplies, advice etc.?

Thank you, very much. I think you may have hit the nail on the head.
It looks like I need to find unvulcanised rubber.
I think that puts me one step closer to success.

from my experience stretching rubber doesn't work real well, i'd try make a plaster mould of the original, stick some rubber over the mould and then use an oven to heat it up. i've used that method with plastics and what not but haven't done it with rubber so may or may not work but i'd try it

edit - how thick is the rubber your using?