Rear lights gasket to body fitting

[Danny Lee]

So today I’ve bee trying to fit the rear lights on my flatfloor…… in previous restorations I’ve cheated and used a very fine u shaped seal….this time I cannot, as I am wanting to make this car as original as possible…cue the problem!
I have several sets of gaskets …even som NOS Lucas ones…..but I cannot get them to fit no matter how I try…. So it means 1 of 2 things:
Either I have got the worst technique in fitting them OR
The gaskets are not fit for purpose.

I’ve tried gluing , spots of superglue , stretching, etc

So I’d like to know how others manage !

[abowie]

They often don't fit, unfortunately.

[andrewh]

Are you aware that there are different gaskets for FHC and OTC? I have built both cars with new gaskets and there can be some patience required but they fit absolutely fine. You may have the wrong gaskets for your body.

Edit: my memory may be playing tricks, the light units are definitely different OTS to FHC, and early FHC reputedly has a different profile light . I cannot say for sure that the rubbers are different as I have memory fog, but a quick look at SNG Barratt website should tell you if the part numbers are the same

[Danny Lee]

Thanks …yes I was aware of the differences ….. I’ll buy some of the latest iteration and scc how they fit!

[Philk]

They often don't fit, unfortunately.

Fully agree. I found I had to do some internal cuts so they then stretched appropriately around the outer edge of the casing

[abowie]

They often don't fit, unfortunately.

Fully agree. I found I had to do some internal cuts

What I do is grind the edge of the light fitting so it fits the body. It's die cast so it won't rust.

I then use superglue and glue the gasket to the light fitting.

I then offer this up to the body. If there are any gaps I use black silicone sealant to fill them.

Annoyingly slow but you usually get an acceptable result.