Headlight Gasket Removal

[Otto Man]

I did a couple searches and didn't find this topic.
Is there a trick to getting that gasket off? Mine separates away in a few areas but in some parts its like glued on. And I am afraid to tug at it too much. Got NOS lenses but no new gaskets.
Perhaps soaking it in hot water???
Chris

[GAboySVO]

Chris,

I'm assuming you took the steel spring clips off? You might soak it is hot soapy water then use a letter opener or butter knife to get the stuck areas. I don't believe Ford used any glue in that area, just gets sticky over time.

[richsvo]

yep....nothing but metal clips on mine
Rich

[Otto Man]

There is definitely glue at all 4 corners on each lamp. Since mine is an early (May ?) 85.5 I am wondering if Ford used glue on the early ones. They're both soaking in a nice hot bubble-bath for the afternoon.
I wonder if just busting up the lamps might help.
I'll post a wanted add over in the Parts Wanted area just to see if any exist.
Chris

[Otto Man]

Well I cut through the glue (no lie...factory, it took an hour after 72 hours soak) and got em off in OK condition. They fit like gloves on the new light buckets.
Would YOU put a sealent or glue on them in stratgic places, or let the clips hold em on?
And what is the prefered rubber treatment? Armoral/Black Chrome or other?
Chris

[bendutro]

'back to black' is good stuff. I would recommend running a bead of silicone or other glue around the headlamp body-lens seam. They are only glued together in the first place and mine (originals) leak a bit. I lost 2 Silverstar bulbs to water getting inside and shattering them until I took the headlights out, glued the seams and replaced them. I didn't use enough though, as one is still getting moisture in it.
Time for round two.

[richsvo]

bendutro,
Drill a couple of small holes in the bottom of the housing...it will let the air circulate, and you will have no more moisture!
Rich

[Otto Man]

FYI
Paul gave me a hint to apply the the sealer and use/insert a vacuum cleaner in the headlight "hole" to suck the the sealer into the crack. Great hint! I did it and we will see how it works.
Not sure if this is needed on the new repo's.
But I did it and I will let you all know!
Chris

[SVOeric]

You need vents to keep the moisture out --

if the headlights are completly sealed, they will sweat inside, and whala -- you have moisture --

your best bet is to equalize the pressure and temp between the inside and outside -- like opening your car window to keep your windshield from fogging.

[Otto Man]

I here you Eric but my original lights always got moisture on the inside after a wash, or the few times I drove it in the rain.
Other cars have "sealed beam" lamps...they don't fog or mist inside! Why can't I seal mine? (Regardless, they are sealed now)Is ther a preferred treatment (lube) to the bulb O-Ring?
The only time my "old" lights got dew on the inside was after a wash. Why?? Somehow moisture gets in. Why not seal these buckets? I guess I'll find out. ...
We can discuss this with a View-Graph presentation next Oct.
But my car sure is shaping up and that's all I care about right now.
BTW...I am curious...do the west coast guys (and gals) drive out to the reunions? Having never been to one I am wondering who all shows up regularly. I can't wait to meet you all!
Anyway...Everyone have a great weekend!
First F1 race of the season "down under" Saturday Night at 9:30 PM EST!!!! Watch it or I'll kick you.
Chris

[Otto Man]

HELP - Headlight Gasket CLIP INSTALL

Man o man....
IS there a trick to getting those things back on????
Bottom middle looks like it'll never "reach" the lip. I've got 2 of 5 on one light and either I'm doing it wrong or these things are just plain TOUGH to get back on.
Chris

[SVOeric]

the sealled beams have gas in them and since the bulb doesn't come out, they hold the gas.

I'm not sure on your clips, it has been a WHILE since I had mine apart, but I don't remember them being that hard to put together.

As far as west coast reunions, we haven't had one.
that doesn't mean at some point we wont.
We have had members from washington, CA, and even canada show up, and hope that trend will continue!