restoring old light lens gaskets - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**6t727t2** · 11-18-2019, 10:49 AM

Anyone tried to soften up the old gaskets, which are far superior to thin re-pop gaskets?

Andy4639 · 11-18-2019, 11:08 AM

I haven't ever restored one but would be interested in if some one has.

I use Dow Corning 111 on them when I take them a part and put back together. Seems to work pretty good on keeping water out of them.

Just idea:
I haven't tried this though,

You might try going to a hardware store and buying some rope that would fit in the gasket area and coat it with the DC 111 and it would soak up the water. I know rope type material was used years ago for gasket.

**RodnRudy** · 11-18-2019, 03:49 PM

Another idea is to go to a fabric store and look for the foam piping they use when they make trim, like what is used to make fender welt etc. They have it in different diameters and usually sell it by the foot. Jo- Ann Fabrics is a store in my area that handles the piping. Or you might try an upholstery shop.

**HO455** · 11-18-2019, 06:34 PM

I have soaked window gaskets in dishwashing soap for a week with good results. It may work for those. WD-40 is good for vinyl's it may work too.
For a replacement I would try some PTFE Sealant cord.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/danco-ptfe-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

**LockDoc** · 11-18-2019, 07:42 PM

-
Replace it with Rope Caulk:

3/16"
https://www.acehardware.com/departme...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

1/4":

https://www.menards.com/main/hardwar...2582940251.htm

LockDoc

tdangle · 11-18-2019, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
Replace it with Rope Caulk:

3/16"
https://www.acehardware.com/departme...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

1/4":

https://www.menards.com/main/hardwar...2582940251.htm

LockDoc

Great idea!!

70LonghornCST · 11-18-2019, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

I have soaked window gaskets in dishwashing soap for a week with good results. It may work for those. WD-40 is good for vinyl's it may work too.
For a replacement I would try some PTFE Sealant cord.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/danco-ptfe-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

I just did the "dish soap method" this last week; it works well. As long as the gasket is not cracked up and falling apart, then the gasket's integrity should still be intact. The gasket is a petroleum-based product of some sort, so soaking it hot water and dish soap for a few hours won't hurt the gasket. Change the hot water every so often to keep the gasket hot/warm as it soaks. After at least an hour, start cleaning and the crud will come right off. You may need to scrape it off at first to get the goop to start coming off of the gasket. Most of the oils come off as well. If you use a petroleum based solvent to remove any further stains or discoloring on the gasket, be careful; as you're liable to dissolve the the gasket itself.

**Smitty** · 11-18-2019, 09:23 PM

I purchases Soft Seal 9342. Tail light lens gaskets and they were as thick as the original. Got mine from Jegs who say they are out of stock. But the Soft Seal sight said they have 2. SS-9342.

11-18-2019, 10:49 AM	#1
6t727t2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 6,428	restoring old light lens gaskets Anyone tried to soften up the old gaskets, which are far superior to thin re-pop gaskets? Attached Images

11-18-2019, 11:08 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: restoring old light lens gaskets I haven't ever restored one but would be interested in if some one has. I use Dow Corning 111 on them when I take them a part and put back together. Seems to work pretty good on keeping water out of them. Just idea: I haven't tried this though, You might try going to a hardware store and buying some rope that would fit in the gasket area and coat it with the DC 111 and it would soak up the water. I know rope type material was used years ago for gasket. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-18-2019, 03:49 PM	#3
RodnRudy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Palestine In Posts: 931	Re: restoring old light lens gaskets Another idea is to go to a fabric store and look for the foam piping they use when they make trim, like what is used to make fender welt etc. They have it in different diameters and usually sell it by the foot. Jo- Ann Fabrics is a store in my area that handles the piping. Or you might try an upholstery shop. __________________ Phil "Money is only a tool to create and achieve what you want most in life" PayPal: rodnrudy@comcast.net

11-18-2019, 06:34 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,269	Re: restoring old light lens gaskets I have soaked window gaskets in dishwashing soap for a week with good results. It may work for those. WD-40 is good for vinyl's it may work too. For a replacement I would try some PTFE Sealant cord. https://www.lowes.com/pd/danco-ptfe-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

11-18-2019, 07:42 PM	#5
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,633	Re: restoring old light lens gaskets - Replace it with Rope Caulk: 3/16" https://www.acehardware.com/departme...E&gclsrc=aw.ds 1/4": https://www.menards.com/main/hardwar...2582940251.htm LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-18-2019, 09:23 PM	#8
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Spring Valley, Ca. Posts: 1,124	Re: restoring old light lens gaskets I purchases Soft Seal 9342. Tail light lens gaskets and they were as thick as the original. Got mine from Jegs who say they are out of stock. But the Soft Seal sight said they have 2. SS-9342. __________________ Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca.

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