Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators

[Evan Bottcher]

These front indicators originally appeared to have a rubber gasket, which is now dissolved to nothing.  Same thing in my rear taillight lenses.

What do folk do here to renew?

[Davidm1600]

Hi Even, I havn't had to look into this, and I know from past experience that the usual range of suppliers in the UK seem to stock most of the rubber trims we need for our 105s, but I guess if the parts you need are not yet being re-manufactured, perhaps the only other option is to make your own. 

In the past I have made new rubber gaskets for the rear tail lights of my Fiat AC 124 sport using the old perished ones for templates.  I used a car tyre inner tube, cut it to shape and gasket glue.  It seemed to work perfectly well in my experience, since no water or dust managed to get in. 

Perhaps others might have some better suggestions.

[SimonR]

Clark Rubber stores all have an amazing aray of rubber products and ready made rubber seals which can be used easily "as is" or cut and then shaped to use as gaskets/seals etc. Some of the prices are very cheap too.

[Evan Bottcher]

To be clear - I'm talking about the small thin rubber seal between the light housing and the lens.  Sits in a groove in the housing, must only be 3-4 mm thick.

Simon: thanks that's a good tip.  Will drop in and have a look.

[AikenDrum105]

+1 on the Clark Rubber strips - used them to seal the exact same thing on my old 1750 gtv...  they have  a spongey yellow type which will eventually let water seep through - and another black type which feels more like a door seal, and is waterproof.

[Andrew Bose]

Evan,
I would use a bicycle inner tube as they are the thinnest.

Andrew

[vin sharp]

The kind of rubber that those impact absorbing mats (like kids play mats, kneeling mats for gardening etc) are made of is ideal for its compressability and comformability. You may have to do a bit of surgery with a hobby blade to cut fine strips though, although I have a vague memory of having seen it somewhere in spaghetti-like lengths: maybe an electricians wholesale outlet.

[jg1053]

Hi Evan,

I used "O" rings to make mine up for the Giulia. The use of these and a small amount of silicone have sealed the taillights with no problems. Although not really kosher they work

Jim

[Evan Bottcher]

For the purists, I'm told the material in the front indicators was a thin white rubber.  Black rubber for the rear indicators and reverse light.

[Mr Frog]

i took my originals to clark rubber in cairns and they had a guy there who recommended a specific material (sorry but I forget what it was), then cut them for me and also gave me some gunk in a tube (I'll try to find the name for that, as well) which seals and preserves.  Clark Rubber was generally very helpful.