I have been put up to a bit of a challenge-- a buddy of mine has these Harbor freight driving lights that he mounted facing rearwards (like I did). It's not a problem for me, since I don't go mudding... but he does. And has to dissassemble the light weekly to keep them clean on the inside (yeah-- they leak chunks, not just liquids). I've ttried helping him out by using hot glue, but drastic temp changes caused the glue to shrink and become useless. Does anybody have any ideas as to how to seal these things up better???

FWIW, they are used as anybody would use reverse lights-- that is, not for long periods of time. They're never on for more than a minute--so heat shouldn't be an issue here.


Thanks.

 

Permatex® Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant...comes tube or cartridge.

General-purpose, clear RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -75°F to 400°F (-59°C to 204°C); resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease.

Suggested Applications: Windshields, door frames, electrical connections, vinyl tops, seams and roofs

 

Sweet. Thanks man. That sounds like exactly what I need.

 

RTV is the way to go.

Also, the Loctite company is making a two-part plastic epoxy that is sold at Lowe's. I haven't personally tried this product but, it couldn't hurt!

 

Hey no problem, glad to help. It's a very handy item to keep in your tool box. I have a couple boats.

 

Aside from the internet, is there a store that carries it? Sounds like something I could use in many an application, but I haven't yet found it locally... What type of store would carry it (ie: boating, RV, auto, etc)

Thanks again.

 

Wal-Mart... look in the camper section. It's there.

 

You can also find RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanize) at any home improvement store (Lowe's, Home Depot) and most auto parts stores. If your buddy spends a lot of time under water, you can also find marine grade RTV at boating supply store such as West Marine.

 

SWEET!!! I'll drop by there tonight. (I've decided to do mine, too, since they're the same kind as his... Just in case)

I'm not sure if I'll need the marine grade...but in case I do, thanks for the tip, 2stroked.

 

So I went ahead and got some of the Permatex sealant as described, but rather than getting clear, I went ahead and got the "gasket maker, high temp (up to 650 deg.)" which, unfortunately, is red. But I went ahead and used it. When I get the pics (sorry, I was too excited to take befores) up, don't criticize the job I did. Being Harbor Freight lights, the places where it leaked were around 1/4 inch apart!!! I tried to do only the inside, but it didn't seal it up enough, so I went ahead and did the outside. But, once I'm confident that it has cured (in about a week), I plan on using a rattle can to get the entire light (save for the lens) completely black rather than a faded black.

Or, I may leave it as is, since it almost looks kinda cool...

 

I thought that stuff was, heat cured.

 

Well, I had never heard of the stuff until you guys pointed me to it, and never did any more research on it. I trust you all (especially when several of you say the same thing), and went ahead and got it. On impulse alone, I decided to pay the extra 10 cents to get the high temp stuff. Whether or not this was necessary, I'll never know. But I do know that it's done now...

Eventually, I'll get nicer reverse lights, and I'll get some better lights for the front end, but for now, I've gotta save some $$$ for a brushgard. (I was thinking either Go Rhino! for looks, but more $$$, or FrontierGear for the cost (but sacrificing looks). It's a case of $500 vs. $250, respectively. ) Any advice??? (I know, this is the *wrong* place to ask this, but I figured it couldn't hurt...

 

Well all I know is, that is not the same product I recommened for you to purchase. Trust me.

 

Yes it is, only I opted to get a variant of it-- don't worry, I'm not mad or anything, just stating for the benefit of t=others that if you get the high temp stuff, it's red, not clear.