Glueing tail light lens?

XP29 · Post by **XP29** » Thu Mar 19, 15 10:10 pm

Hi, I have a tail light lens that has split in two that I want to glue together. Just not sure which glue is best? I obviously want to to be strong but also as invisible as possible. The break is a clean one, as in if I put the two bits together it's hard to see. The other side of the lens has a crack that's barely visible, but I want to glue that incase there is any chance of water ingress. The split is obvious, the crack is near the G.

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Thu Mar 19, 15 10:15 pm

Personally I'd use a super glue with activator.
Glue on one side of lens, then spray the other with activator. Very strong , but instant so you've got to get it right first time !

mustangbooks · Post by **mustangbooks** » Thu Mar 19, 15 10:16 pm

+1 for superglue

XP29 · Post by **XP29** » Thu Mar 19, 15 10:31 pm

Thanks guys. I've been googling but keep ending up on American forums that suggest glues we can't buy here. With it being very visible I want/have to get it right first time.

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Thu Mar 19, 15 10:36 pm

Just go easy on the glue as any over spill will turn white.
Practice on something of similar size if you have to.

autofetish · Post by **autofetish** » Thu Mar 19, 15 10:44 pm

Mix super glue and baking soda

Think this mix drys clear but not 100% so test

Like Bananarama! to a blanket they have a Cyanoacrylate reaction togther

db · Post by db » Fri Mar 20, 15 7:53 am

I've rebuilt a tail light on my BT van which I bust into 17 pieces reversing into a mini skip!
If you get overspill on the outer face of the lens you can easily trim it off with a razor.
For extra strength a bead of araldite along the inside is a good idea.

XP29 · Post by **XP29** » Fri Mar 20, 15 10:32 am

Thanks guys. I have seen a glue in Halfrauds where it's two cylinders in a syringe that mix as its used, it's a small unit so could be good for this.

The stuff that keeps being mentioned on US forums is called "Weld on 16" but doesn't seem to be available here.

I have not had the light apart yet but it looks like the fitting will hold the lens securly.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Mar 20, 15 11:01 am

Super glue is your best bet for the lens.

MrNorm · Post by **MrNorm** » Fri Mar 20, 15 11:42 am

I agree, superglue. I used in on one of the red reflectors in my rear lights and it worked well.

drewcrane · Post by **drewcrane** » Fri Mar 20, 15 6:27 pm

Yea I agree, get someone to hold it, and if you use baking soda it will take off faster, but still leave a white residue ,so take your time ,I have repaired lots of them with super glue,

it will work and leave a small crack but you have no other choice. and you can mix in color ,but you have to be fast.

If you use an accelerator again it will take off fast so make sure you have the parts lined up.

I am surprised yall cant get the good Super Glue I have some dental stuff that is incredibly strong,and comes in a syringe,with a replaceable steel tip,works great every time

Off topic,this guy fixed his guitar with the BS and SG

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Re ... _soda.html

XP29 · Post by **XP29** » Fri Mar 20, 15 9:20 pm

I can get what I think of as regular super glue. I just wanted to ask if there was a better glue for this before I go in and someone says why didn't you use "xxxxx?"

If I can glue it "clean" and get outer overspill off I'm hoping it's going to be unnoticable at first glance and from straight on. But don't think I could ever hide if you look close at an angle. The lens on my car is ok, it's faded and aged. This one I'm trying to fix is a lot better looking, apart from the break. The idea is to have a good spare if I ever need it as getting good used ones is hard! I think repo's can be bought but are $500 plus shipping!