tail light seals
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
tail light seals
ok, so arent these supposed to prevent water dripping?
first i ordered flush mount + seals.. they only went half way around, from bolt to bolt...
sent them back, got full seals that go all the way around..
the instructions said take out the tail light, put the seal as far back as you can, and put the tail light back..
water still collects and drips after a wash..
am i missing something, or is this just a waste of money?
first i ordered flush mount + seals.. they only went half way around, from bolt to bolt...
sent them back, got full seals that go all the way around..
the instructions said take out the tail light, put the seal as far back as you can, and put the tail light back..
water still collects and drips after a wash..
am i missing something, or is this just a waste of money?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 4
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
No, you've about got it right. Waste of money. Under ideal conditions, they will somewhat reduce the amount of water weep after a wash, and they look nice, but they don't eliminate the leakage. Taillight seals, IMHO are the most over-hyped, marginally effective mod of all time. Better to just wick the water with a nice microfiber towel pressed firmly on the bottom center of the lens after you wash and forget it.
Last edited by JMc; Feb 19, 2009 at 04:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 2
From: Humble TX
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Mine are completely effective. Are you installing the seal on the lens or around the opening where they are installed? Take out the lenses clean them thoroughly and wipe outside edge of lens itself with alcohol. Apply the seal to the len's edge and reinstall. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota City MN
I did the diy seals. The thread said to put it on the light by the seam if i remember right. In the thread you were advised to lube the seal to get it to fit in the bumper. Even with the lube it was a very tight fit. I can tell you on my personal car, I have no water issue. I did do the flush-mount at the same time, not sure if that helped keep the water out or not. They do not leak and thats a good thing!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
When you have the light out,,take a small drill bit and drill a few holes at the lo point of the lip!! Reduces the water drip out a lot,,doesn't let nearly as much build up in the pocket!!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
after i did one or 2, i tried the other ones by installing it ON the tail light itself- they were too tight and wouldnt go in
these things are useless. $20 for a piece of rubber, and another $10 to ship something that has a nice $1.50 stamp on it LOL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 2
From: Humble TX
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Not sure which vendor you used but I can tell you mine were/are snug, but not to the point I can't install them They are just right and they do work. I know you're already into it for a couple bucks but if you buy them from any vendor on here I've no doubt they will stand behind them fitting. Could always check out HD for a DIY. Good Luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,059
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
[QUOTE=De_Vette;1569012066]Mine are completely effective. QUOTE]
I live on a dirt road and they made a huge difference. I used to have water drip out and had muddy streaks under each taillight. Now I only have mud under the third brake light and license plate.
I live on a dirt road and they made a huge difference. I used to have water drip out and had muddy streaks under each taillight. Now I only have mud under the third brake light and license plate.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Simi Valley CA
I first tried to go by the instructions that came with the seals. 
That didn't work at all . . . just too tight. After messing with it and about giving up, I discovered a much easier way and that was what De Vette was talking about.
I started at the top of the lens where the red lens and the black housing come together. Went around the lens and then cut the end square with a razor blade where it met at the top. Then it just popped in place. Don't know how much water it keeps out, but it gave the lights a finished look instead of having an unsightly gap around the lights.
That didn't work at all . . . just too tight. After messing with it and about giving up, I discovered a much easier way and that was what De Vette was talking about.
I started at the top of the lens where the red lens and the black housing come together. Went around the lens and then cut the end square with a razor blade where it met at the top. Then it just popped in place. Don't know how much water it keeps out, but it gave the lights a finished look instead of having an unsightly gap around the lights.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: Foresters Falls(near Ottawa) Ont
Worked for me!! Drilling a drain hole helps too ... RonJ ...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: LEBANON PA.
Hi There:
No! They are a waste of money! They don't keep the dirt from collecting there as advertised on the non flush mounted lights.You need a drain hole for the water to run out.
robsc501
No! They are a waste of money! They don't keep the dirt from collecting there as advertised on the non flush mounted lights.You need a drain hole for the water to run out.
robsc501
Last edited by robsc501; Feb 19, 2009 at 07:54 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 12
From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Mine are not flush mounted and the seals have worked great for years.
