C1 & C2 Corvettes General C1 Corvette & C2 Corvette Discussion, Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Project Builds, Restorations

Installing Taillights

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-22-2001, 11:04 AM
  #1  
propwash
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
propwash's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Portland Or
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Installing Taillights

First the rubber gaskets does not colapse to a proper fit , should I sand or trim it so the outside edge of the bazel meets the body or just use the old ones that does fit but are hardened.
Also I have seen cars with newer sets of lights that are starting to pit should I silicone them in to keep moisture out?
Old 08-22-2001, 12:41 PM
  #2  
JohnZ
Team Owner

Support Corvetteforum!
 
JohnZ's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Washington Michigan
Posts: 38,899
Received 1,857 Likes on 1,100 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (propwash)

I'd use the old gaskets if they fit better. Pitting starts on the surface, not from the back side - treat the chrome surface lightly with chrome polish, then put 3 or 4 coats of wax on them to seal the surface. Every time you use chrome polish it removes some of the plating, so you only want to do it once; just keep them waxed and they'll last a long time.
Old 08-22-2001, 02:19 PM
  #3  
propwash
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
propwash's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Portland Or
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (JohnZ)

John Z
Sometimes the answers are obvious but this is a nice medium for second opnions
Thanks
Steve
Old 08-22-2001, 03:47 PM
  #4  
67's
Le Mans Master
 
67's's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: POTSDAM NY/Punta Gorda FL
Posts: 7,294
Received 381 Likes on 267 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (JohnZ)

I agree 100% but I don't use any chrome polish, a good wax a couple of times a year, and a heavy coat in the fall that I leave on.

Tom
I'd use the old gaskets if they fit better. Pitting starts on the surface, not from the back side - treat the chrome surface lightly with chrome polish, then put 3 or 4 coats of wax on them to seal the surface. Every time you use chrome polish it removes some of the plating, so you only want to do it once; just keep them waxed and they'll last a long time.
Old 08-22-2001, 09:29 PM
  #5  
Andy B
Racer
 
Andy B's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2001
Location: Annapolis MD
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Installing Taillights (propwash)

At this point, would you agree that the Wilcox/Trim Parts lenses are of good overall quality but the body gaskets just don’t fit worth a darn? I need to make the same decision in the near future and would appreciate your opinion of the parts.
Thanks
Andy B http://vette.20m.com
Old 08-23-2001, 07:52 AM
  #6  
yooperod
Burning Brakes
 
yooperod's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: da up
Posts: 813
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (propwash)

I bought my lights from Corvette Central.(I'm not sure who makes them)
I also used the old gaskets,as the new ones were too thick and Hard.
rod
Old 08-23-2001, 09:48 AM
  #7  
67's
Le Mans Master
 
67's's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: POTSDAM NY/Punta Gorda FL
Posts: 7,294
Received 381 Likes on 267 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (Andy B)

I think the gaskets are all the same.

Tom
Old 08-23-2001, 10:20 AM
  #8  
propwash
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
propwash's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Portland Or
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (sting66ray)

The Lenses and the chrome houseing's are made in the USA and are marked with the GM Restoration tag on the box. The quality appears to be first rate the lenses even are marked 58 (1958). Orrigonally our lenses came off the 1958 chev. Thats why some guys started drilling holes in their Stingrays and made a 3 tail light system to copy the old 58 sedan. Now can someone lead me to a good place to buy a front window, mine has wiper scratches and a little fog in the corners.
And could the forum put the spell check back.
Bottom Line these things are great :chevy


[Modified by propwash, 8:35 AM 8/23/2001]
Old 08-23-2001, 10:31 AM
  #9  
Kid_Again
Melting Slicks
 
Kid_Again's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (propwash)

fwiw.....the rear light gaskets i bought from lics were OK, no need to trim.....re: chrome cleaner.....i've switched to a non-abrasive chrome metal polish (mother's) and it is clearly much more gentle on the finish but as someone else said, anytime you apply polish you remove some finish :yesnod:
Old 08-23-2001, 12:18 PM
  #10  
yooperod
Burning Brakes
 
yooperod's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: da up
Posts: 813
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Re: Installing Taillights (propwash)

If you don't want a # matching windshield. Shop the Auto glass Places in the yellow pages. Where I work we get a break on the price (A good one if dropped off -not installed) the last 64 I was quoted $150. and I also bought a 78 for $135.00.
Shop them all , as prices can vary a lot.
rod.

Get notified of new replies

To Installing Taillights




Quick Reply: Installing Taillights



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:37 AM.