What is the best way to seal aftermarket head lights?

[thingraylinetah]

What is the best way you guys have found to keep water and condensation out of aftermarket headlights, markers, and rears? I am thinking about getting some strip caulk and putting it in the creases where the lens and back meet then take some silicone caulk and calk over the creases. I am also planning on using dielectric grease on the bulb connections and a little silicone around the bulb socket or I might try a rubber gasket or something.

 

[S33k3r]

Your headlights would need to be vacuum sealed to prevent water/condensation from coating the inside. Any air already in there, especially in humid clients dooms you at the start.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

It possible you have issue with drains. They have to vent to purge condensation out. Otherwise, pulling a vacuum would be a PITA... It would never hold w/ the bulb sockets and you'd have to seal the drains.

You could caulk along the seam where the lens meets the body and check the drains.

Honestly, a lot of the aftermarket stuff has issues like you're experiencing... Especially the inexpensive eBay / Amazon stuff.

If yours are warrantied I'd send them back and or speak with company who makes them.

 

[MassHoe04]

I agree with @Matthew Jeschke and the reasoning behind his first question...

It is tough having it both ways. A seal that works in keeping things out and a seal that will not fail.

Moisture finds its way into a lot of places on a vehicle. The key is making sure we give it a path to escape after it gets in.

Trying to seal lights up 100% might last a little while, but you may see more condensation at some point because there is no way for it to evaporate out of the fixture.

 

[thingraylinetah]

Very informative. I haven't bought the lights yet. I want smoked lights on my gray tahoe. Anyone know what the best brand is to get?

 

[S33k3r]

You could smoke your OEM lights. There's a film method and a spray on method, of which I have researched. Then the condensation would likely be less.

 

[Tonyrodz]

All of my exterior lights are aftermarket. When I got them I ran a bead of silicone around the inside edge, and some dialectic grease on the bulb gaskets. I've had them installed over 5 years and I've never had any moisture issues. My headlights and lower marker lights are made by Spyder.

 

[thingraylinetah]

You got a link to those Tony?

I gotta get me that grille insert what brand is it?

 

[Tonyrodz]

You got a link to those Tony?

I gotta get me that grille insert what brand is it?

The grill is actually an oem HD grill from an 02 HD Silverado--along with the hood. The grill had to be slightly modified to fit without lowering my bumper. If you're interested everything is on my build thread.

EDIT---I made a mistake. They're made by Spec D. Bought them from Amazon.

Instyleparts Clear Lens Headlights Bumper Light Set with Black Housing Made For Chevy Silverado Tahoe Suburban https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IB2RVSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_YANXWS57PYW0MKT21EM5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the page I mentioned them.

Tonyrodz's Tahoe Build Thread

But, since I'm not a fan of chrome, plus there's a corner of the grill that the chrome is lifting, out comes the dip. I thought it was too much black, so I tried a red bow tie. I hated it! Stuck out too much for my liking, like Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. I rocked that for about 2...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[thingraylinetah]

What rear lights do you have?