Installing Taillights
#1
Burning Brakes
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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?
Also I have seen cars with newer sets of lights that are starting to pit should I silicone them in to keep moisture out?
#2
Team Owner
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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.
#4
Le Mans Master
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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
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.
#5
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
Thanks
Andy B http://vette.20m.com
#6
Burning Brakes
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
I also used the old gaskets,as the new ones were too thick and Hard.
rod
#8
Burning Brakes
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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]
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]
#9
Melting Slicks
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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:
#10
Burning Brakes
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.
Shop them all , as prices can vary a lot.
rod.