My wife has a 2003 RSX Type-S that is almost always parked outside. The sun is starting to cause the black outer seal at the bottom of the driver's window to deteriorate. I've seen this called "belt weatherstripping" or "belt seal" in various places. It's not in bad shape yet, but she wants me to "do something about it" before it does deteriorate like the one on our 1988 RX-7 has.

Does anyone know if there's something you can do to, say, lubricate the rubber so it doesn't crack and deteriorate? Or am I better off just replacing it as a preventive measure? If you recommend replacement, is it a difficult process to do myself such that I should just take it to the Acura dealer? (I do not have a picture of its current condition but I could take one tomorrow if that would help someone comment.)

Thanks in advance. BTW, in case it's unclear, the piece I'm referring to is the black rubber strip on the outside of the door that runs along the bottom of the window.

 

Following up with pictures taken this morning to clarify which black piece I mean.

 

To me it's more trouble than it's worth trying to refinish the b molding. Bc it's tedious, plus it's hard to get the paint to stick. I would just replace it... but they're $50 ea.

It's not hard to remove n replace if you know how or have a service manual. A pita if you don't know how. Someone with experience it's a 15 min job. No experience 2.0 hours.

Basically you need to remove the:

Door panel
Mirror
Belt molding- usually one fastener at the back.
Molding will come off straight up with fastener removed-starting from the rear.

If you can grab the molding at the back then just remove the mirror (unlikely).

If you are repainting and break the clips while removing the molding... the clips are replaceable. They do sell them... (3pcs).

 

I can talk you through it just provide a wide pic of the whole door panel (inner).

 

Thanks. I'll talk to my wife about it since it's her car and I'll follow up.