7 replies to this topic

[chris-vxt]

Hi,

I got myself some new acrylic lenses to freshen up my rear lights as both have a couple of small age related fractures in them.

I took the rear light unit off hoping it’ll be a fairly ‘idiot proof’ job but it doesn’t look that simple. I’ve seen the videos of warning them up to soften the old bonding which looks ok but I think the problem will be bonding the new ones on!

There isn’t a natural place the outer acrylic sits on the main light unit. It’s flush in some sides and recessed slightly on other bits.

It kind of has to be bang on! The main unit bolts onto the car with no adjustment and the acrylic has to sit right on the car or it won’t look right.....

Anyone done this or got any tips? I’m thinking of sticking it on then fitting onto the car gently while the bonding is still wet so if the outer acrylic needs to swivel to look right on the car this can be done before it sets. Just feels a bit messy and clumsy this way so open to pointers from anyone who’s done this before!!

Thanks I’m advance

[oblomov]

Although I've never done it myself I think I read somewhere that replacement lenses could be positioned accurately by putting them on the light cluster in situ.  If using Sikaflex or similar it would be safer to mask the bodywork before attempting, but probably not needed if you use something like this:-

https://www.elise-sh...iiif84snbtst1f4

 

 

[chris-vxt]

That definitely looks a cleaner way of doing them. It’s just if that stuff will hold them on. On a headlight it has the wind pushing the lenses on rather that pulling at them as is the case with the rears.

I’d be interested to see if anyone has done this before but maybe the idea of bonding on in situ is best. I guess I could cling film the area up the remove the light unit once set and remove all masking etc.

Thanks for the link

[oblomov]

Do a forum search on Butyl Tape.  Think I got some from EliseParts.

Edited by oblomov, 26 March 2021 - 07:17 PM.

[kmidderigh]

I just did all my lenses and noticed the same with with the rear ones. I think it must be age related shape change as last time i did this 5 years ago i had no problems.

 

Ive always used Loctite SI5980 Black Silicone (Gasket Sealant) to bond the lenses on and its been fine - there is just one part of the rear lense that doesnt naturally sit in place tight in.

 

I guess ideally you would clamp them in place but dont really have the tools for that so was just a bit more generous with the sealant in that part of the lense and seemed to be fine.

[Lee37vernon]

100% use butyl tape. Sikaflex will crack the lenses eventually and it's a bitch to change again. Maybe pack the rear section of the light unit away from the body with a couple of 2mm washers then fit the lenses in situ. Should give you enough room for fingers to guide the edges of the lense and gauge an even gap around it.

Edited by Lee37vernon, 15 May 2021 - 07:06 AM.

[chris-vxt]

The butyl tape sounds easier but when I was looking originally for tips I found some people saying they lost a rear lense using it.....

Maybe the silicone is a good in between! More permanent than the tape yet not as permanent that tough windscreen bond.

Really good idea spacing it out to fit/ line up!! Thanks!!

[aquilaproejct]

Butyl tape if put on right works a treat. Survives 40 degree temps here fine.