Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post in this forum for topics relating to the exterior. This includes body, windows, and accessories

Moderators: GRNSHRK, ron, bfons

Post Reply
francoid

Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by francoid »

Hi all,
I am sure I saw a thread where someone overhauled their rear light assembly, IIRC painting the reflectors with metallic paint. I can't locate it. If someone knows where it is, I'd be grateful.
Thank you
BamaE24

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by BamaE24 »

Would it be this one by chance?
viewtopic.php?t=17592
Looked thru it not too long ago. Shows painted housings.
francoid

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by francoid »

Yes it is! Thank you!
User avatar
dwcains
Posts: 1465
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:01 am
Location: Lutz, FL

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by dwcains »

I did some experimenting on one of my old Alfa's tails several years ago. Believe it, or not, white paint on the reflectors worked better than silver, giving a brighter, more even light thru the lenses. I got the idea because my '92 Alfa has white plastic housings. I also tried shiny aluminum tape, and still, the white looked slightly better.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
francoid

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by francoid »

I am all thumbs. Can't figure how to remove the tail light assembly. Please take mercy upon me and guide me :)
jacko
Posts: 416
Joined: Mon Feb 03, 2014 6:43 pm
Location: DFW Texas

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by jacko »

White paint..... and flat or satin.
Jack
Arlington, Texas. USA

1989 635csi
Automatic
francoid

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by francoid »

So how does one remove these tail light assemblies after removing the lenses? Don't want to damage any of that brittle plastic by trying my way randomly...
ron
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 4569
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:35 am
Location: South Wales U.K.

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by ron »

From inside the boot (trunk) there are 3 8mm. hex. washer nuts on the top and 3 on the bottom. See pics.

Remove these and the whole unit will come out.

Image

Image
They are ALWAYS rustier than you thought!!!!!!
'85 M #228
'87 M #367
'88 High line.
'10 X5
‘84 Alfasud 1.5 ti
francoid

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by francoid »

Thank you. I was being too shy about getting the unit out after removing the bolts. It was so stuck I thought I had missed fasteners or plastic clips. Got them out now. A couple of the bolts were stuck and the entire rod came out, but I figure that should not be a problem.

What a dirty mess in any case. No seals between the lenses and the assembly, that must be why... Anyone figured a way to replicate these seals on the cheap?

Image
ron
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 4569
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:35 am
Location: South Wales U.K.

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by ron »

AFAIK those seals are still available from the dealer cheaply.
They are ALWAYS rustier than you thought!!!!!!
'85 M #228
'87 M #367
'88 High line.
'10 X5
‘84 Alfasud 1.5 ti
rhanley 635csi89
Bigcoupe Contributor
Bigcoupe Contributor
Posts: 323
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2014 12:08 am
Location: Arden, NC 28704

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by rhanley 635csi89 »

Closed cell weather proofing foam can be cut to fit, I haven't tried to used it, however, others state it works fine. This is available in different thickness.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-E ... /100210956

Roger
89 635CSiA (11/88 build)
AlpineWeiss II (218)/Natur(0200)
87 L6 635CSI Sold
87 MB 560SL Sold
francoid

Re: Thread on overhaul of rear light assembly?

Post by francoid »

I don't have much to go by since I have no old seal, any close up picture would help. Thanks!
Post Reply