Removing the rubber overlays from touring footboards

[terryotoole]

Would anyone have any information on how to soften the rubber tits on the floor boards for removal from the metal.  Mine have been on so long that they are extremely brittle.  I would like to use the rubber on another set of floor boards.  Any and all help would be appreciated.  Thanks, Terry

[texaskatfish]

Well Terry.............my first thought is if they are old enough to be brittle they're likely to be breaking / dying pretty soon anyways......I'm currently on my 2nd set after 141,000 miles & 10 years............if ya really really want to remove em w/o destroying them perhumps some dish soap might help?

HTH

[harleyjt]

Spray silicone is what I use to facilitate removal and installation.  However, I doubt seriously that you are going to be able to remove, much less install them again if the mounting bulbs are brittle.  Even if you do happen to get them removed, I seriously doubt you'll ever get them back on without destroying them.  The rubber only seems to last me about 5 to 6 yrs then it starts cracking and falling apart.
jt

[moosemush]

You could try soaking them in denatured alcohol. It may soften them up a bit for removal but as stated they may be too far gone.

[ongrade]

They're only $16 list and about $12.50 from Lakeshore why waste time on them?

[Dennis The Menace]

I would use vaseline or similar mineral-based lube--if they are true rubber, I wouldnt use a chemical-based lube on them.  It would also help with getting them out of the plate, as they would be greased up pretty good.

[FSG]

They're only $16 list and about $12.50 from Lakeshore why waste time on them?

  but then I've never had any problems pushing them out with a screwdriver

[Breeze]

I use some lube, then a flat screwdriver to push an edge in, kinda like you would mount a tire.  Once you get some edges slipped past the metal they go easy.

[HarleyHiwayMan]

I put a little water in a bit of dish washing liquid, slippery. And as mentioned, use a screwdriver to get the edge started