Altezza Tail lights Sealing Issues

[RideLoudAndFast]

Hey I just bout a pair of matrix racing black altezza tail lights and they should be getting here any day but i’ve heard a lot of stories of moisture getting into them after being installed so i was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions on how to have this not happen...

`Ryan

<small>[ January 09, 2004, 09:45 PM: Message edited by: JDM ]</small>

[rancid420potheadpunk]

i havent had any problems with them

[mitmaks]

you can buy glue and glue around seams, thats where they might leak.

[RideLoudAndFast]

hey i just got the lights, and installed them and the left (drivers) side is lose at the end... it went on the clip but i can pull it off the clip with everything in place and just that end comes lose... any 1 have this problem or know what 2 do?

[Taras]

IF you want a bulletproof solution, go to a Nissan dealer and buy:
-What is called Butyl Rubber Sealant
-Its used in OEM applications to seal headlamp glass to its housing.
-Nissan Dealer Part Number B6553-89915
-Cost about $15-16.

Its a better solution than silicone, but the latter one will be your second choice.

[Taras]

Fixed Title...

[millionflame]

Why the Nissan dealer Taras?

I see that stuff in Canadian Tire all the time.

[atlantamx3]

Yeah, Dont spend $15 on something that only costs $4 or less.

I used Clear RTV Sealant on mine. Its really bulletproof and turns into rubber almost...

I also used it to seal my windhshield on my 1987 Buick and it has held up for years.

<small>[ January 10, 2004, 02:30 PM: Message edited by: atlantamx3 ]</small>

[Taras]

The automotive butyl rubber is just easier to work with, is designed for high temperatures, will not dry out or crack. Other products may not be inferior, but some may still let moisture in are not as elastic (especially with temperature variations), may not be paintable, may be corrosive (silicones?) and may not be UV stable or easy to work with. I think the main difference still is the ability to bond to "fat" plastics. Polycarbonate by its propeties is high in moisture content. Not everything sticks and holds to something like that to last over years. Canadian tire may carry Butyl Rubber Caulking for cheaper. NOt sure of that ones properties. I gess it depends on what Altezzas are made of. May be they have acrylic clear lens? I doubt there will be too much heat produces there either. I just thought to mention where to get the best. I am sure for taillights it will be an overkill and something like Permatex RTV Ultrablack ot GE Slilicone II will work just as good.

[mitmaks]

it should be available at your local auto body supply.

[RideLoudAndFast]

put it around the edge of the whole light? or just at the end where its lose?

[Andrew_Pakula]

So far I think I have been lucky with my Altezza lights, no moisture issues yet and I have had them on my car for almost a year now in which time it has been subjected to a wide variety of tempature ranges and weather conditions.

I am guessing that eventually I will experience the common moisture issues that everyone else seems to be getting. When it happens I'll just seal them up better myself.

[PATDIESEL]

From what I've seen of the tails you need to locate several holes that the manufacturer didn't seal. Look for any holes in the rest that has allready been sealed and touch them up, but you don't want to make a mess by resealing the whole thing.
PS, in my experience the Rubber Sealant is a ****** to work with when compared to silicone. However, JDM is right about the rubber sealant being the right thing to use.

[killerpickle]

umm, check my website in mods > exterior and there is a pic and a few words about sealing altezzas

[Taras]

Originally posted by PATDIESEL:
PS, in my experience the Rubber Sealant is a ****** to work with when compared to silicone. However, JDM is right about the rubber sealant being the right thing to use.

Actually, easier than silicone. I think you may refer to the windshield sealant that is so messy. There is so many kinds, including chewing gum.