How To: C15a Wire-3 restoration

[Grant Bowker]

From the felts that Bob Carriere bought years ago from Dirk, there is a strip of rubber with felt laminated to each side. It is quite possible that plain felt strips could work but I have no experience with this. I suggest caution when Bob says to thin the oil you soak the felt in before installation with acetone - I don't know but can imagine the acetone attacking the rubber layer.
If anyone plans to make their own seals of pure felt, keep in mind that there are multiple grades of industrial felt (variable hardness and absorbency) some better than others for holding lubricant or resisting rubbing.... I also suggest using a factory (or cut to the same standard) edge against the ball and any rougher cut edge in the groove of the housing. Smoothest edge against the ball for a better seal. Alternately, if you can get the exact thickness needed and cut strips off a sheet, put the thickness perpendicular to the ball and neither cut face acting to seal on the ball. These are suggestions based on thought, not experience.