I did a cursory search and didn't turn up anything of value. If this is covered I do apologize.

 

I recently stripped my hatch for the paintshop. I discovered that the tail light gaskets are very dry rotted and pretty much disintegrated in my hand. I have a pretty good idea this is going to be a "make it myself" type replacement part, which begs the question:

 

What are you guys cutting your gaskets from for this type of thing, and where would I find it?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Dan

I tried to make my own gaskets once for my coupe. They leaked like crazy. What really sealed it up was using dum dum (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Automotive-MMM8578-Strip-Black/dp/B000PEZ1L4) made by 3m. I just mushed together my own gasket and pressed the lights back on. No leaks yet and its been like that for almost a year. A good amount of new cars use this method of sealing tail lights.

I agree - use the adhesive goo (butyl rubber if I'm not mistaken) - that's what Subaru uses on the Legacy's and up. Makes them a BASTARD to remove but seals real nice. This stuff (which is a continuous roll unlike the strips that Hatsub listed above):

 

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=butyl+rubber+glass&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&prmd=ivs&resnum=3&biw=1736&bih=775&wrapid=tlif12898383797921&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=14561228223044447659&ei=WF_hTLbvGYOWsgP3s9m3Cg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CG8Q8wIwBQ#

 

Which I've even used to seal "glue-in" windsheilds..... it's GOOD stuff.

 

BTW - Butyl Rubber is used in the manufacture of chewing gum..... so you are quite literally sticking your lights on with gum.

 

GD

Edited November 15, 201015 yr by GeneralDisorder

Sweet! Thanks for the info guys. Once I get them back on this time, I don't see any reason for me to ever take them off, barring some unforeseen carnage.

 

I'll keep you posted as to my progress.

 

Thanks again,

 

Dan