Cargo light gasket replacement ?

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Feb 13, 2007 | 07:36 PM

STUDENT

Thread Starter

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Joined: May 2002

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From: KILGORE USA

Cargo light gasket replacement ?

Has anyone here seen a source for the gaskets for the cargo light on a '81 F150. Mine has several cracks and I definately have a leak that I think is the source.
I've seen LMC has the light and it looks like the gasket comes with it, but it's $80 and all I need is the gasket.
Any other suggestions on what material to use if making my own?
Thanks.

Feb 13, 2007 | 08:44 PM

kermmydog

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Western Central NV

I would try sealing it with a silicone. Builders Supplies have it in clear,white, and often in other colors. You might see if your local wrecking yard has one in better condition than yours.
As for a materal I would use a piece of 1/8" rubber or hard foam. What comes to mind is a piece of rubber used as a backing on disc sanders.

Last edited by kermmydog; Feb 13, 2007 at 08:46 PM.

Feb 13, 2007 | 08:59 PM

81-F-150-Explorer

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Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 8,786

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From: Northern California

1980 to 1992 pickups have the same cargo lamp. Should be able to get a good one out of a later model.

Nowhere, not even Ford just has the gasket by itself.

And $80 for that cargo light is robbery In my opinion. It's just a hunk of chrome plated plastic. More work and material for a taillamp assymbly and they are half that price.

But that doesnt take the cake. If you ever have to replace the lens on your Underhood lamp, places want $70 dollars for that lens. I would think $20 was too much for it let alone $70? Would you pay $70 for a clear plastic lens that weighs less than a penny and has the circumfrence of about an Inch and a half? Crazy...

If you cant find a decent gasket you can use black silicone adhesive sealant such as permatex item #81158 / 16B to fill in the cracks and seal it up.

If you do find a good gasket, use silicone lubricant on it from time to time to help keep the gasket fresh and new longer..

hope this helps...

Feb 13, 2007 | 09:08 PM

STUDENT

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: May 2002

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From: KILGORE USA

Thanks for the ideas.
Sorry to remind you of your underhood light lense experiance.

Feb 13, 2007 | 09:21 PM

81-F-150-Explorer

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by STUDENT

Thanks for the ideas.
Sorry to remind you of your underhood light lense experiance.

Naw, no problem

Just know what you are going through, on both items...

BTW my 1981 has a cargo lamp Lens and gasket out of a 1992.

Last edited by 81-F-150-Explorer; Feb 13, 2007 at 09:24 PM.

Feb 13, 2007 | 10:34 PM

reamer

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 3,789

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From: Connecticut

Silicone corrodes steel.
Ever hear of seam sealer? Much better option.

Feb 13, 2007 | 11:17 PM

Piffery1

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Niceville, FL.

I ended making one out of a sheet of silicone rubber using scissors and an Exacto knife. All the ones I found at the junkyards tore apart while trying to remove them.