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Replacing Disintegrating Taillight Gaskets

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  • Replacing Disintegrating Taillight Gaskets

    So I've been getting a leak in the back of my Festiva ever since I purchased it and I finally tracked down the leak to the taillights. Both gaskets were pretty much shot so water was leaking in from the taillights.

    As a fix I tried using some double-sided tape as a new gasket but it didn't seem to help. I think it was just too thin.




    So off went the tape and I cleaned up the contact patch real good and put on some thicker weather sealing foam from Lowe's. Cost about 4 bucks for the huge roll.




    Figured most of the water will obviously be coming down from the roof so I installed the first strip across the top so the water would have to go around the sides.


    This is what it looked like after it was all said and done


    As you can see it is much thicker than the double-sided tape I was using before.


    Then all you gotta do is poke the bolts on the taillight through the holes and tighten everything down. Repeat other side.


    It got dark as I was finishing up so I didn't do a simulated rain test yet, but I'm really hoping this solves my problem. I will report the results as soon as they come in.
    -Rafe-

    Things I have for sale.
    Random Festiva Parts
    Festiva Non-Swoopy Power Drivers Mirror


  • #2
    There are links to the proper solution. Simply cut out tail light gaskets from a set of mouse pads.
    They are inexpensive, just the right size and thickness, plus they are one piece.
    Last edited by bravekozak; 11-09-2012, 09:10 PM.

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    • #3
      Replacing Disintegrating Taillight Gaskets

      They are a $1 at the dollar store.
      1988 Ford Festiva "Sonic" BPT g25mr MS2 standalone ecu, FOTY '11, Best Beater FMV, Fan Favorite FMVI

      1989 Ford Mustang GT 5.slow

      1996 Ford F-150

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      • #4
        I also used the weatherstripping method and it worked great. Cutting the pads off of mice just seems cruel.
        Driving for me is neither a right nor a privilege. Driving is my passion, as it was for the people who invented the automobile, the people who paved the first roads and the people who continue to improve the automobile. Please respect this passion.

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        • #5
          Replacing Disintegrating Taillight Gaskets

          Craft foam is another solution, also available at the dollar store
          -Zack
          Blue '93 GL Auto: White 13" 5 Point Wheels, Full LED Conversion, and an 8" Sub

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          • #6
            Replacing Disintegrating Taillight Gaskets

            Originally posted by Advancedynamix View Post
            I also used the weatherstripping method and it worked great. Cutting the pads off of mice just seems cruel.
            Oh you silly goose!
            1988 Ford Festiva "Sonic" BPT g25mr MS2 standalone ecu, FOTY '11, Best Beater FMV, Fan Favorite FMVI

            1989 Ford Mustang GT 5.slow

            1996 Ford F-150

            Comment


            • #7
              Yeah, I had heard of the mouse pad trick, but that just didn't seem very weather proof. I was gonna stop by Wal-Mart and grab two mouse pads, but figured I'd swing by Lowe's and see if I could find a better weather proof rubber gasket thing and I saw this roll of window stripping stuff and just decided to try it out.
              -Rafe-

              Things I have for sale.
              Random Festiva Parts
              Festiva Non-Swoopy Power Drivers Mirror

              Comment


              • #8
                I've had even mouse pads leak , so I just cleaned everything well and did a real nice clear silicone job! submersible proof
                93 L B6T DD http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=37751
                RIP_90 LuX http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=32249
                RIP 88 LX / B8-MEhttp://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=26398

                RJ

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                • #9
                  I have had the craft foam in use for almost 2 years with no leaks. $.50 a sheet if you lay it out correctly you can get both out of one sheet.
                  Im not driving a Festiva because I'm poor. I drive a Festiva because i want to!

                  Dennis
                  93 L Advancedynamics suspension mod, awaiting B6 swap
                  91 GL B6 sohc, currently in the hands of DAE undergoing top secret work. Soon to be cable G, with stage 3 F1 Kevlar clutch... To be continued
                  93 GL In progress BP/hydro G
                  15 Mitsubishi Mirage daily
                  88 Dakota tow pig

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                  • #10
                    just don't drive in the rain
                    "FLTG4LIFE" @FINALLEVEL , "PBH"
                    89L Silver EFI auto
                    91GL Green Auto DD
                    There ain't no rest for the wicked
                    until we close our eyes for good.
                    I will sleep when I die!
                    I'm a little hunk of tin, nobody knows what shape I'm in. I've got four wheels and a running board, I'm not a Chevy, I'M A FORD!

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by GenevaDirt View Post
                      just don't drive in the rain
                      My car lives outside. That wouldn't help!
                      -Rafe-

                      Things I have for sale.
                      Random Festiva Parts
                      Festiva Non-Swoopy Power Drivers Mirror

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Prafeston View Post
                        My car lives outside. That wouldn't help!
                        big umbrella??
                        "FLTG4LIFE" @FINALLEVEL , "PBH"
                        89L Silver EFI auto
                        91GL Green Auto DD
                        There ain't no rest for the wicked
                        until we close our eyes for good.
                        I will sleep when I die!
                        I'm a little hunk of tin, nobody knows what shape I'm in. I've got four wheels and a running board, I'm not a Chevy, I'M A FORD!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by GenevaDirt View Post
                          big umbrella??
                          LOL. If anyone asks why, just say 'Because dragcar.'
                          White '92 GL 5-speed BP, G series, Aspire/Rio swapped, "Nancy"
                          White '89 LX 5-speed, Aspire swapped, Weber carb
                          1988 LX 5-speed
                          ​​​1993 L 5-speed B8, E series, Aspire/Rio swapped

                          Gone:

                          1986 Chevrolet Sprint 1990 L Plus Auto

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