Rusty tail light housing internal reflector, what paint to use?

[ErrorMargin]

My taillights have significant rust on the reflector for the turn signal, any suggestions on how to deal with the rust? See the picture below.

I have ideas ranging from using a wire brush or maybe a small wire wheel to make the best of it and then paint, to using rust converter and then paint, to sending it out for blasting (not sure if the housing would stand up to that) and then paint.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what paint to use? I see that both Rustoleum and Krylon have mirror paint options in rattle cans. Has anyone tried those? Any thoughts on durability?

Would gloss white paint be better or more durable? I think I've seen that some of the euro lights are internally white rather than silver, why is that?

Also, where do I get the internal gaskets that separate the different sections of the housing? I don't see a part number for these in the PET.

[917_Langheck]

Those are not internal gaskets; that's dumdum compound. You can substitute with a rope caulk.

The white used to be silvered but that coating has since departed, leaving the base layer exposed.

[WMichelsen]

My tail light assemblies are completely original. Both have gaskets on both internal baffles. It doesn't look like putty, but rather flexible channel. Since I'm replacing the outer seal, I'd like to replace those inner ones, as well. Interested in what others have used.

[rowingone]

treat the rust with Corroseal then paint with any of the chrome or mirror spray cans. buy some gasket material and make you own gaskets to fit.

[ErrorMargin]

Originally Posted by WMichelsen

... Since I'm replacing the outer seal, I'd like to replace those inner ones, as well. Interested in what others have used.

Greasy Fingers used something like this (see the video linked below: https://www.amazon.com/QWORK-Feet-EPDM-Rubber-Strip/dp/B094JHWZZV/

I need to measure the thickness of the housing dividers to be sure the above Amazon link is the right size.

https://youtu.be/O4TOAuZaGfI?t=647

[Saadi996tt]

I had mine taken out when I sent the car in for paint and body work, the pot metal material was really beat up over time and the reflective paint or material was completely worn out. I had them powder coated and they came out great in my opinion. I also upgraded all the light to Spokeworks LED while I was at it.




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[TimT]

treat the rust

There is no rust on those taillight housing...they are not ferrous.. They are some sort of pot metal, possibly magnesium

Clean the corrosion with scotchbrite discs, or glass bead, then apply a chrome like paint.

[spoke]

This is a rear light housing from a Triumph TR6. The owner used reflective tape to cover all the non-shiny reflectors. One of the best solutions I've seen which doesn't require much work.