Taking apart Tail Lights

[xxjoeyxxeb]

Hey guys,

I got my tailights out, and going to clean them up and all. I heard you can put the light assembly into a hot bath to peel apart the lens from the housing. But I was wondering what type of glue or substance do you use to put them back together?

Thanks,

Joe

[EScanlon]

I used plain old silicone.

Be careful when you remove the little sheet metal nuts holding onto the chrome trim center piece. If you're not careful, you'll ruin the little legs and won't be able to put it back on properly.

E

[xxjoeyxxeb]

what kind of silicone? something like this? http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1440458197.1142101862@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfkaddhfdkgjkicgelceffdfgidgim.0&MID=9876

[EScanlon]

I used the Aquarium Silicone, just because that's what I had on hand.

The main thing was that I wanted to SEAL the edge. Just about any kind of clear adhesive would do the job.

E

[hls30.com]

I used weatherstip cement, it doesn't dry out, and will let you take the lenses off again if need be-I am sure correclt applied silicone would do the same...

Will

The edges aren't inview when the assembly is reinstalled in the car.

[EScanlon]

Weather strip adhesive and silicone each have their points.

Where weather strip adhesive is more forgiving in disassembly, it's not as good at waterproofing.

Where Silicone is great at waterproofing, it can be a literal "B!ch!@#" to cut past it before it gives up that last tiny strand of strength that allows you to finally......remove the lens.

But, I'd already finished the light assy. and here in the N.W. I was more concerned about the constant dampness and was interested in keeping out moss and stuff.

E