Front blinker/running lights restoration

[Z Excellence]

Now that I have some new gaskets for my front blinkers on my 280Z is there any product that I can put on to replace that dull reflective mirror paper behind the lens? Is there a name for that stuff? Its about an inch wide four inches long and needs to tolerate the heat from the bulb. Thanks

[EScanlon]

Just off your description of mirror paper, (I haven't disassembled a 280Z turn signal that had that) why not try "Speed Tape".

"Speed Tape" is basically metal adhesive tape. If you get the right stuff you can even give it a nice shine by polishing/buffing it's surface. Even if you were to keep the light on for hours, it wouldn't be affected by heat.

FWIW

E

[TomoHawk]

I have a roll of that foil tape stuff. I put a strip of it in my front turn signals a couple years ago.

I got it at the DIY store, in the isle with the heating stuff. I think they use it like duct tape.

[Ed]

You can also try white paint. Here is a link to thetaillights that I did. Before and after.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=15248&cat=500&ppuser=1052

[TomoHawk]

What kind of paint? Engine paint?

[Obewon]

Here's what I did to fix mine. I didn't get any feedback from other members on my solution but here's the thread.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24266&highlight=parking+light+refurb

[hls30.com]

Obewon,

That solution is fast, cheep and effective-no wonder I didn't think of it!

Great idea!-the only worry I would have is if the OEM gasket has been proven to leak, we need a better answer there too.

Will

PS. You have the makings of a valuable technical article...

[Obewon]

Thanks Will. The gasket is not the problem. In the bottom, center, of the parking light lens there is a small "U" shape cut out of the plastic. Glued over that is a small square of felt. I can only guess this is to let condensation or moisture out. But driving in the rain at any speed would also let moisture in. I just got a new set of parking lenses and I'm seriously thinking of removing the felt square and sealing the "U" cutout with clear RTV to keep any moisture out. Any thoughts?

[mlc240z]

i bought one of those generic side mirror replacement sheets (about $10).

plastic backed with reflective mirror silvering.

did same template fabrication, used heat gun lightly to give it a curve.

attached with epoxy. seems to do the job.

replaced the felt with store bought felt pads cut to size. figured they'd build up condensation without them.

i like the aluminum can idea tho.

very ingenious and will hold the shape better than the plastic.

[hls30.com]

... I just got a new set of parking lenses and I'm seriously thinking of removing the felt square and sealing the "U" cutout with clear RTV to keep any moisture out. Any thoughts?

The small volume of the assemblyand the temperature range of he area-due to the added heat of the light bulb could present a problem with completely sealing the area. I think there needs to be a vent, but maybe in the area of the socket it would not leak or draw water in bad weather.

Will

[Zak's Z]

OBEWAN, good idea...I'll keep that in mind when I fix my old markers. Thanks.

Zak

[Obewon]

Will, you're right. There needs to be a vent but, it could sure be in a better place. I'll have to give that some more thought. And thanks Zak for the feedback.

Z Excellence, any of this stuff helping you out?