Side/Tail light gaskets - Do they best left out!

B

BBLongman

New Member
When refitting the tail lights to my car I discovered that one of them actually fits to the body work more neatly if the gasket that fits between the light body and the wing is left out.

I was a bit perturbed by this at first and cursing myself for not checking the fit before the car was painted (original lights and wings after all) On reflection though I wonder whether the gaskets aren't responsible for trapping moisture and encouraging corrosion of the light bodies. It seems to me that since water can run down behind the light body (as there is no seal around the edge) it might be better without the gasket, the water can run away freely away and with the wing and light protected with some wax both should stay in better condition.

Does this sound like a good idea? (Or should the edge of the light be sealed to the wing? I have some spare tail lights with traces of sealent round the the edge)

BB
 
hi BB,
no the edge of the light should not be sealed to the wing, but i agree with your logic as it definately is a water trap and should be better without it.

ianp6man
 
I suspect the gasket is there to prevent metal to metal contact. If the mazak of the light is in contact with the steel wing electrolytic action will corode the lamp at alarming rates. The self tappers securing the wing going into nylon inserts is another way of insulating the lamp from the wing. The addition of the earth wire from the lamp is an indication that Rover were trying to keep it insulated. I have thrown away the foam gasket on mine and ensure the lamp is insulated by plenty of paint, waxoyl and a thin polythene sheet around the lip the lamp fits over.
 
I hadn't thought about the electrolytic corrosion. I don't know whether I agree that rover had had intended to keep them insulated for that reason, stopping corrosion doesn't seem to have been a major concern during that era!

I certainly agree with you that it is advantagous to keep them electrically seperate though and I'll follow your technique. I think with the front lights I'll put a bead of sealant around the two holes once the lamp body is installed as they are in direct line of fire from the road wheel.
 
hi necpwa,
the light is in contact with the wing all around the outer of the lamp and i have never seen one gone around there. it is always at the back where the gasket is. the front more so than the back as the back as the rear splash panel to prevent water/salt etc being thrown up at it. the front gets it thrown straight at it and holds the water/salt in the gasket and corrodes it.

ianp6man
 
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