Gaskets for Lights

[karrlot]

My tail and brake lights, along with all 8 flashers, have a foamy material for a gasket that goes between the plastic lens and the metal.

I assume that this is to keep the plastic and metal from banging together, as well as to keep dust and water out. Is this accurate?

All of them are disintegrating because of age. Any clue where I can get some of this material? I found some foamy stuff at the craft store that I used temporarily. The auto parts store has some kind of "make your own gasket" liquid stuff, but I assume this is for engine gaskets.
Any clue where I can get this stuff?

[djdalfaro]

Originally Posted by karrlot

My tail and brake lights, along with all 8 flashers, have a foamy material for a gasket that goes between the plastic lens and the metal.

I assume that this is to keep the plastic and metal from banging together, as well as to keep dust and water out. Is this accurate?

All of them are disintegrating because of age. Any clue where I can get some of this material? I found some foamy stuff at the craft store that I used temporarily. The auto parts store has some kind of "make your own gasket" liquid stuff, but I assume this is for engine gaskets.
Any clue where I can get this stuff?

The stuff I have on my interior strobes looks identical to the stuff I've seen at the craft store, but if you are looking for something a bit more expensive you can always buy "cut your own gasket" sheets from you're local auto parts store.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Originally Posted by karrlot

My tail and brake lights, along with all 8 flashers, have a foamy material for a gasket that goes between the plastic lens and the metal.

I assume that this is to keep the plastic and metal from banging together, as well as to keep dust and water out. Is this accurate?

Yes.

Originally Posted by karrlot

All of them are disintegrating because of age. Any clue where I can get some of this material? I found some foamy stuff at the craft store that I used temporarily. The auto parts store has some kind of "make your own gasket" liquid stuff, but I assume this is for engine gaskets.
Any clue where I can get this stuff?

I would *NOT* use the "make your own gasket" liquid stuff as it will bond somewhat permanently and make changing burned-out bulbs very difficult. Some of the craft-store foam is not UV stabilized and will degrade when exposed to the elements. That said, I am aware of foam that comes in 8x11 sheets that is similar to the foam you seek and is likely the same stuff - it's not expensive and definitely worth a try. If it doesn't leak and doesn't degrade, then I wouldn't worry about it.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by karrlot

My tail and brake lights, along with all 8 flashers, have a foamy material for a gasket that goes between the plastic lens and the metal.

I assume that this is to keep the plastic and metal from banging together, as well as to keep dust and water out. Is this accurate?

All of them are disintegrating because of age. Any clue where I can get some of this material? I found some foamy stuff at the craft store that I used temporarily. The auto parts store has some kind of "make your own gasket" liquid stuff, but I assume this is for engine gaskets.
Any clue where I can get this stuff?

The foam gaskets aren't very good at their job. Maybe try some rubber cut to size and some sealant added.