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

Now remember, my 03 originally came with the 4.8. I now have around 276,000 on it. Other then knock sensors and the dreaded occasional "reduced engine power "I've never had an issue with the motor. Actually ran flawlessly. Never burned oil, but I occasionally have to add some antifreeze. This...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[thingraylinetah]

What rear lights do you have?

 

[thingraylinetah]

The spec d ones were the ones I was interested in.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I bought them off CL used, but they were actually still new. These are the non LED lights with LED bulbs in them.
I'm not really sure of the manufacturer.

 

[thingraylinetah]

Okay,

I think I'm going to go with the spec d front and rear with the black housings and clear lenses. The rears I like the look of the alteeza lights. I'd get better led bulbs for the fronts and rear.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Okay,

I think I'm going to go with the spec d front and rear with the black housings and clear lenses. The rears I like the look of the alteeza lights. I'd get better led bulbs for the fronts and rear.

I also have the LED bulbs in the front. I like them much better then the HIDs. I have the Fleece module--everything comes on with the high beams--lows and fogs.

 

[thingraylinetah]

I'm gonna get that fleece module.

 

[thingraylinetah]

Bet that makes things super bright especially running led's

 

[Tonyrodz]

Bet that makes things super bright especially running led's

No one can ever say they didn't see you.
Goes right in the fuse box under the hood.
Everything lit up.

 

[Tonyrodz]

The module itself isn't very big.

 

[thingraylinetah]

Yeah I have watched some you tube videos on it. It is inexpensive and appears from the you tube videos easy to install.

 

[thingraylinetah]

What led's are you running in your fog lights?