Rear light cluster foam seals

[Carboy0]

Both the rear light clusters have had moisture droplets in them for months, so I bit the bullet today and changed the rear light foams and rubber seals.

The old rubber seals were a little cracked, but could have been reused at a pinch, but I had bought replacement SOCTFL seals in any case.

The old foam seals were totally shot and despite the lashings of clear sealant a previous owner (P.O.) had used, it was obvious that they had failed particularly along the bottom edge.

Also, the left hand red tail light reflector was composed of aluminium foil glued into the reflector cup, the P.O. clearly liked to keep their costs down.

All the lenses were fine, with just one or two ‘touch’ cracks. At some point I will buy and fit new back plates and reflectors.

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[DJT]

The plastic reflectors were chrome plated, but this falls off with age. It is a long recognised repair to use self-adhesive aluminium foil (as used by refrigeration and HVAC engineers) to improve the light output. Alternatively, use plastic spray primer and chrome spray paint. New replacement reflectors are unobtainable.

[sujitroy]

I haven't had much luck with the new aftermarket foam / rubber gasket. They shrink .

[Carboy0]

Thanks sujitroy I will keep an eye on them then.

[Kithmo]

A bit of a ball ache to cut them out I know, but you can buy rolls of that foam stuff cheap at auto jumbles and make as many as you like.