[ARC5] Rubber shocks, the manufacture thereof

[Michael Tauson]

I recently acquired some GF/RU shock mounts (for which specific sets I
don't yet know, not that it makes a lot of difference; the tags are
obstructed by layers of paint) which have rubber that is, in a word,
icky.  The years have not been good to it and the most polite term I
can thing of for it is malformed.  Some of the more descriptive terms
that came to mind would not pass muster here.

I'm cheap.  Living on a VA disability pension hasn't helped that.  I
also like to make things.  As a result, if I had a good shock rubber
(or at least a decent one), I can make the ones I need and all would
be happy again.  (Okay, maybe not all.)  There are, however, two
problems.  The first is the acquisition of a rubber to use as a
master.  The second is what material to use for the new shocks.  So
far, the choices I see are the RTV silicone rubber usually used for
making molds and liquid latex.  I'm sure there are others but none I
can see at the moment.

Any thoughts/assistance would be gratefully accepted.  Oh, and if I
get good enough at it, I may even be able to create rubbers for other
people's saggy shocks.  Such a deal!

BEst regards,

Michael, WH7HG