Fitting tail lights

[obscene]

My understanding is that the rear tail lights are meant to be a snug fit. Is there a trick though to get them all the way in when re-installing? I'm afraid to break something by pushing too hard or tapping with a hammer.

Thanks!

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Are you talking about the taillight lenses? They are a snug fit, but it's important to not over tighten the screws as it can crack the lenses. Are you using an OE replacement or aftermarket?

Pelican Technical Article: Lens Replacement - 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89)

[DRACO A5OG]

You have to make certain there are plastic washers in between the lens and the light assembly at the screws.

If it is not there you will fracture the lens. Go snug and 1/8th. Go slowly, does not take much to break these lenses.

If the front tip is sticking out the assembly may need to be pushed in a bit ( tightened ) to make the lens flush with the body or the rubber seal needs to be seated properly.

[canamfan]

Forgive me if I'm incorrect, but I was under the impression that the little plastic washers go between the screw heads and lens?

[DRACO A5OG]

That is what I thought at first, but the plastic washer actually help keep the screw in place as you fit the lens on to the assembly, it also acts as a buffer so the lens is less stressed by the tightening of the screws.

On my old lens, I lost one, and that screw hole fractured when I tightened it.

[obscene]

Sorry, asking about the assembly and not the lens. Basically I want to get the housing in deep enough so that the lens sits flush with the body.

[75 911s]

Don't tap with a hammer.

Remove the housing as far as you can with the harness still intact. Clean debris away from the housing and lower body area.

The middle of the arc is a tight fit and I found that if I angled the housing in, it would seat properly. If you get it stuck, pull it out and angle slightly differenlty. It should slide into place unless there has been damage to that area from an impact.

When the housing is properly in place, install the three housing screws. Rotate them counterclockwise until they pop into the thread, then turn clockwise and do not tighten until all three are in place.

Once they are all snug, then you can hand tighten them down. Use a proper large screwdriver with the right size tip.

The screws will bottom out in a sense. That's when you know you've hit the end of the captive nut on the inside. Obviously don't tighten beyond that or you'll strip the captive nut.

If the housing is not in far enough, is something on the inside blocking it? The harness? The Driver's side on some models has the euro Harness for the rear fog lamp.

There is also a small rubber strip along the bottom edge. Ensure that it is in place and not obstructing the housing in some way.