Author Topic: Best Glue for tail lights?  (Read 2608 times)

Shvegel

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Best Glue for tail lights?
« on: August 18, 2020, 01:44:00 »
Hi,
I am gluing my taillight lenses to the reflectors tomorrow.  I am thinking a light bead of Silicone sealer should do the trick.  Does anyone else have any ideas?

wwheeler

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2020, 04:01:53 »
While silicone is a good sealer and gap filler, its adhesion and tensile properties aren't great. So if the lens doesn't fit well, don't expect the silicone to keep it from pulling apart.

There might be some clear epoxies, but I would be afraid of them turning yellow with age. There is the new line of UV glues. I have not used any of them, but maybe worth a look.  https://www.bestreviews.guide/uv-glues

I would think that my be something I would look at seriously.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

Shvegel

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2020, 09:26:06 »
Wallace,
I actually just used some UV glue at work.  Although i really like the stuff I think the viscosity is too thin for this application.  I used the thickest grade of the stuff and it still flows quite a bit.

GM

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2020, 14:47:54 »
I’m a fan of this - https://notaglue.com/
Gary
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(98 from the end of production)
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wwheeler

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2020, 15:06:35 »
Not sure if you have had any fillings on your teeth lately, but they use a UV cured filler. I need to check UV glues out further.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

Shvegel

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2020, 19:24:09 »
I went with Permatex Ultra Grey Silicone.  It fills the gaps well and this morning I couldn’t pull the lens off the reflector.

wwheeler

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2020, 21:58:25 »
Ultra grey is better than clear aquarium silicone for sure. I guess the grey color wouldn’t be an issue. You couldn’t use that for the lens to the chrome frame could you?
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

Shvegel

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Re: Best Glue for tail lights?
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2020, 23:28:20 »
The lens doesn't seal to the frame only the reflector.  i had an issue with the old ones that were electronically welded leaking at the seam and getting the bulbs and circuit boards wet.  In this application adhesion isn't too much of an issue as the joint is under compression.