go to your local library and read up on the subject......i was almost to the point of building a small foundry in my back yard at one point in my life just to form some pieces off of an old restoration project i had going at the time. and figured if i got good enough, i could cast other small items for other enthusiast. but i do remember checking out several book on casting rubber, so i know they are out there, and that way, at least when you do talk, if you do, you will have some knowlege on the subject. then you can start your post by sayin,...." i know a LITTLE about this field"...lol
good luck with it.......