Sealing Front Headlights

[Sheefa]

Just finishing my refurb of the lenses and then need to seal and fit the lights.

 

Do people use the old sealant and pop them back in the oven or some new stuff? Any tips greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

Greg

[Konrad]

Hi Greg, I used Tiger Seal for at least 4 sets and no condensation etc. I did heat up old headlight cases too to make old sealant soft and just refill empty spots with Tiger seal and then push lenses back.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/U-POL-TIGER-SEAL-BLACK-310ML-SEALANT-/160999373864?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257c4f7c28

Edited April 1, 2013 by Konrad (see edit history)

[Hammer]

I bought some new sealant just in case but did not need it as they sealed up with the old stuff no problems. In fact they sealed back better than before I split them, as one was getting condensation inside but it's cured that. Hope that helps.

[Westy]

Black silicone....worked a treat. No condensation and its cheap.

[Sheefa]

Thanks guys. I have some clear silicone so may try a healthy dose of that when sealing.

[andyou]

if you use silicone you will never get them apart again if needed

id use the same stuff they use to put windscreens in with what ever that is dont know what its called

[tomgeer]

Use windscreen sealant mate

[Delboy52]

Got heavily rained on and then drove home with the lights on. Trying to dry this sucker out in the airing cupboard. Re-sealing time when it's dried out for this one, passenger side has no problems.

http://just.razzi.me/photos/1018448/bcbff84.jpg

[wile e coyote]

What did you use to re seal

[The Raven]

From the look of them id say good thoughts and haribo.

 

Only joking, mine did this hair dryer them the clear it then there will be a tiny spot somewhere that allowed the water in.

[Delboy52]

I have a load of clear silicon sealant that I was going to use but when I dug this thread back out it looks like the ideal stuff is windscreen sealant as it can be melted in the oven should they need re-opening. When I pulled the headlight from the chassis it p**sed all over my leg from the amount of water collected. The drainage route goes directly to the headlights under the bonnet! Champion design there

 

Overnight in the airing cupboard amongst my pants has cured the damp

[Iky]

I think the oem stuff is similar to Butyl tape. Thick goey stuff that never sets fully and softenes with heat.

I used some to stick on the door moisture barrier.

[broomie]

Got heavily rained on and then drove home with the lights on. Trying to dry this sucker out in the airing cupboard. Re-sealing time when it's dried out for this one, passenger side has no problems.

http://just.razzi.me/photos/1018448/bcbff84.jpg

 

take out the high beam bulb, and stuff a pack of silica gel (found in boxes of new shoes etc, look like tea bags) in there for a few days, make sure u dont push it in too far that i falls into the light housing as ur have to strip them apart again to get it out, they will absorb any moisture in the housing, if the fogging comes back, uve got a leak in the seal somewhere.

[Delboy52]

I had a look for some silica gel in the bags but it's been some considerable time since I last bought shoes Airing cupboard has done the trick and all the mist has cleared. No water left in there at all so now I need to re-seal it with something like that window sealant. Apparently salt is a good moisture absorber and baking soda too. If you have a damp car these are meant to be pretty good.

[DaveR]

take out the high beam bulb, and stuff a pack of silica gel (found in boxes of new shoes etc, look like tea bags) in there for a few days, make sure u dont push it in too far that i falls into the light housing as ur have to strip them apart again to get it out, they will absorb any moisture in the housing, if the fogging comes back, uve got a leak in the seal somewhere.

 

Good idea.