Rear Tail Light Assembly Rebuild

ncseahawk · ncseahawk's Garage

So it started with simply wanting to change out the rubber gasket around the assembly but...

It was gross in there and winter is here anyway. Might as well give this simple project a start.

After getting this backing plate off the wires and interior of the assembly revealed about 1 pound of pebbles and sand.

Wires were slathered in the detritus as well.
So I marked each set.

Next was to ensure the near ends were marked.

Tonite I will work on the gunk and rust on the backing plate and assembly. Tomorrow I will work on re-chroming the interior of the assembly. Does anyone have any experience with the Duplicolor Chrome?

Also, I am thinking about drilling some holes for weight. You would not beleive how heavy this assembly is.

MrPerkles · MrPerkles's Garage

those rear housings are silly heavy ,look foward to your idea on lightening them.I keep thinking about doing something with mine

ShakinJoe · 11-27-2009, 03:30 PM

Rob,

I have not used the duplicolor but have used "chrome" model paint on some items and man it is chrome like. Good luck!!

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06:38 PM

I wen to fiberglass RS taillights. They weigh nothing. Well,very little...

MBAtarga · 11-27-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncseahawk

Also, I am thinking about drilling some holes for weight. You would not beleive how heavy this assembly is.

How many pebbles and how much sand do you think will get in there once you start ADDING holes to what is supposed to be a sealed assembly?

ShakinJoe · 11-27-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

How many pebbles and how much sand do you think will get in there once you start ADDING holes to what is supposed to be a sealed assembly?

+1 here Rob. You will not believe will get in there if you add holes. I have one where the drain tube popped out and it got FILLED with sand and pebbles.

kiwiokie · 11-27-2009, 05:34 PM

I used Duplicolor chrome. Certainly looked better than when I took them off the car

I also painted the outside in POR-15 gloss grey which I hope will be an easier surface to keep clean.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

yup, you want FG housings - too bad nobody in the US makes them for the stock lenses.

DP in Germany made some like that and they are mentioned in an article in this month's Excellence - but I've never seen them here.

ncseahawk · ncseahawk's Garage

Did not get a lot done... or at least not what I was hoping, instead.

Fixed the rear backing plate and painted.

Also re-chromed the interior of the light assembly. Dupli-color Chrome anyway. I think it will be fine. It appeared the original finish was also a painted on chrome finish.

Cleaned and buffed the small plastic reflecting window that goes inside the apparatus. Also had the time to finish up a drivers side block off plate that I had been restoring. That is another project though.

So now two questions or input opportunities.

1. There are already multiple holes in the apparatus, both inside where the bulbs are and in the backing plate. I have found a shrink wrapping poly ethylene that I am considering. Will this be a fire hazard? I may just have to stick with my 7 pound assemblies.

2. Is a glue or adhesive used to bond the rubber like seal around the assembly? What kind?

that is all for this weekend.

MTF

vulcan300 · 11-29-2009, 09:22 PM

In answer to question 2, I'd guess that Wurth contact cement or something similar would help attach the seals to the housing.

For question 1, sealing the holes from the outside with a sheet of clear lexan (sprayed black) might do the trick, and should weigh much less than the metal you'll be removing. The heat from the bulbs won't be high enough to melt it.

J