WARNING: This is potentially a stupid question

I need to replace all the door seals on my W123 300td wagon and I would prefer to use genuine Mercedes seals if possible. Since most of the door seals for W123 wagons are NLA (as of now, only the driver's door seal is available) I've been slowly trying to find nice used ones from junkyard pulls. As I'm sure you all know, most of the junkyard seals are pretty toasted but once in while I find one that is still pretty decent. Although new ones are NLA, I do know that you can still find some new ones on Ebay, etc. but as we all know, they are crazy expensive.

When buying new seals, I know they are covered in that white powder to help keep them from rotting away, so, here's my question...

After collecting all my seals and cleaning them up (it might be months before I install them because I'm waiting until after I repaint the wagon) should I cover them in some sort of white powder to preserve them since they will potentially be sitting around for months? If so, what should I use? Baby powder? Cocaine? Anyone know what was used at the factory?

I think it was simply talc but I'm not sure. For storage I'd keep them out of the sun, out of high heat e.g., an attic or metal shed and coat them liberally with GummiPflege or Aerospace 303.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Yup, as Sugar Bear says, give them a good coat of GummiPflege or Aerospace303 and stick them in a plastic bag or plastic wrap until you are ready to install them. Vegetable or cocoanut oil will work in a pinch. Keep them away from varmints and insects if you go the oil routine.

NO petroleum products! I don't care what claims the manufacturer makes, the soft rubber in the seals WILL harden, or dissolve, using the Armor-all type of "refurbishers/protectants".

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Great, I actually already use 303 on all my seals and all other rubber and vinyl parts. I figured if I'm going to store the seals for a bit, maybe I needed something a little extra but maybe 303 is enough. Thanks!

303 would be good. For long term storage I'd apply it twice allowing a few days in between applications.

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Will do. Thanks!