New Gaskets for Tail Lamp Bulbs

[TomoHawk]

While cleaning the connections and sockets for the tail lamps, I noticed that the foam gaskets were worn out, dried up, crumbly, or missing, so I decided to make some new ones.



The hardware store didn't have any closed-cell foam that is about 5mm thick, so I browsed the craft store, and found a sheet of 3mm foam.

I cut a strip the width of the gasket diameter, and glued it using spray glue to make a 6mm double-layer.



I tried to cut one gasket by hand using a sharp knife and scissors, but it didn't look right,



so I got a brass pipe fitting from the home improvement store that has the same diameter as the gasket I.D. It was slightly too large, so I created a cutting edge by careful grinding and sanding.


The brass cutter was then used to cut the inside hole of the gasket,



and the outer shape was cut using scissors.



The gasket, being slightly thicker than the original, fit snugly around the socket, and was not difficult to install. I will use a wider strip for the next set of gaskets I make, so I can get an even width of the ring.

I think I will use the same foam to create gaskets for other lamps, like the front turn signals, and probably some other uses within the vehicle.

ThxZ

[dhp123166]

I use rubber o-rings purchased in quantity from any hardware store.

It saves me time and effort and they probably will last longer than foam material...

[TomoHawk]

The foam material is the correct thing for the tail lamps, and the foam I used will last longer than what was originally provided on the car. O-rings require a groove or a channel to get a proper seal, so they will not work in this case.