Who has replaced tail light gaskets?
 

3 (all) of my SDs get water in the trunk. I initially thought that 1 was caused by the hole under the rear window seal and the other two trunk seal failure. It rained yesterday and I now think that the rear tail light gaskets are the culprits.

Gaskets are easy but I haven't priced them and don't want to spend the $$ unless it fixes the problem. Anyone put new tail light gaskets in with good results?

I prefer to avoid the temptation o be cheap and use silicone.

I've never had the need to change the gaskets. none of mine (6 126's) have leaked... from the tail light that is...

I did this job recently on a 70's Mazda for my daughter. Local private owner Auto parts store had the black gooey stuff on strips. I took enough to regasket the leaking lens all the way around. Cost less than $5, was invisible afterwards and best of all didn't leak. Better than silicone for this job as it is sticky and somewhat stays together and in place.

There are lots of threads on this topic.

Basically, if the water is in the wells, check the tail-light gaskets. If it is in the center of the trunk, like mine, it is the rear window seal. There are exceptions.

reinstall
 

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last year I had to take me back lights out and properly position them back
(cleaned and glycerin polished)

no H2O since ;)


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Mine are all in the wells. The new SD was let go to the point of rust holes. I'll have my bodyman repair properly & may cut up the parts car for patch panels. I'll let him direct towards the best approach.

I tend to buy parts to return to specs and will check gasket prices. I hate rigged stuff that doesn't quite work. My other side is cheap and easily swayed. We'll see what side wins.

I was mainly wondering if new MBZ gaskets would be a long term fix. Many people rig and reinvent what works fine out of the box.

About 12 yrs ago I painted the roof, quarter panels and trunk lid. I also had fron and rear windows out. so since everything was removed, I replaced all gaskets including the tail light gaskets.


I have removed tail lights at PNP, both w126 and W123, and have seen rust under the gasket area. not all that difficult to remove the lights to check once in a while. usually about 6 8mm screws.

The gaskets can`t be all that expensive to purchase.

Charlie

2 yrs ago I tried to remove tail lights from my 300sd donor and even after
spraying,oiling and few voodoo dances around..they snapped due the rust.

be careful

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