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Spec-d Tail light gasket build and moisture removal!

TyphoonFiST

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#1
Ok so this is for all those on the fence or with moisture issues in the Spec-d tail light assemblies!

Tail light removal

Tools needed

1/4 inch wratchet or 3/8 whatever you go that will accommodate a T-25 torx bit... tamper proof or non tamper proof. Doesn't matter....remove the top and bottom bolts from the tail lamp assembly.


Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

Remove all old Spec-d gasket material from both housings adhesive remover..this will get messy so wear rubbers...I mean gloves ya sicko! The High density foam can be gotten from Amazon..... buy it before you do anything also.

Here....

Black Self-stick Adhesive 10" x 10" EVA High Density Foam Sheets (5 Pack) 3mm by Strong Back Crafts- for canoe & kayak seats & traction pads, dog traction for cars, scrapbooking, arm & wrist rests https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0736HZTZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YgwhBbX92VJ8G

Cut gaskets to your liking to cover the back Hole Spec-d has so kindly given to you that is as gaping as a black hole! I fashioned two separate gaskets and cut a cross into them and pulled the wiring through the new found holes created...how often do you get to create a new hole/slit! For pulling wires through! I rotated the gasket each 45° - 60°so it creates an opposite gasket so it fits not right on top of one another....sordove like a double seal. This is all done while a 7 month old vizla named Kody is licking your arms! This is a must purchase for this project also! He was 1k worth every penny!



Now comes the moisture removal part....here is what I did to remove the moisture. I installed my old tail lights while I did this...you will need

1 plastic Tote

1 bag of desiccant moisture removal bags...can be gotten on Amazon also....here

10 Gram Pack of 50 "Dry&Dry" Premium Silica Gel Packets Desiccant - Rechargeable Paper(FDA Compliant) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYJP4S2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tUChBbYARW6WT

Time 1-2 days depending on moisture in your climate for removal. I took both lamps and put the dessicant bags inside the housings and the outside and closed the tote....left it alone and let it do its thing! The will suck any moisture out of the housings! The more the better! Do this and check on them to see if the removal is complete and the housing is dry before install and new gasket install! You are now moisture free and ready to play again. I have been through multiple washes friction...touchless...hand wash...foam wash etc. You get the point and still no water in my housings! Works great if you follow my steps....PM me if needed! But first you must go buy a set from Ron @ Whoosh!

Go get some! They are great!

https://whoosh-motorsports.myshopif...ning-ford-fiesta-led-tail-lights-smoked-color
 


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Intuit

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So, it's been a few years since I've installed these. One side was factory Spec-D, the other was patched similar to (see additional tips below) how TyphoonFiST directed us. It did not fog. The factory side eventually did fog. Thanks for the tip @TyphoonFiST. 👍👍

Additional Tips:
* The Spec-D grommets don't really fit the Fiesta; can leak. Compensate by adding a silicon o-ring (see photo).
I used 25.7x3.5 (R-20) from this kit. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FD1QQCT/ Just press the grommet in and it'll be firmly locked into place. The white stuff is silicon paste. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077PD43P8/
* There's a plastic standoff in the center. I cut this off. (they'll snap-off as try to cut them)
* From cover material, cut a few small bits and attached them just inside the borders. They served as anchor points for more firmly holding the cover down.
* Covered the breather hole gap at the bottom of the border.
* OVERsized my cut-outs and added a short vertical slit going up from the bottom; fed my wires into the slit.
* Added an overhang around where the wires exit; redirects water.
* Folded over the top of the OVERsized cut-out to help redirect water away from borders.
* Put your resistor behind the light, top quadrant, side of the vehicle. (see photo)

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Finally got around to replacing the stock Spec-D tail lights with some LED 1156 compatible that I bought almost two years ago.
https://www.fiestastforum.com/threa...le-turn-signal-mod-improves-visibility.27864/
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1632490986256.png
This has been mounted for a few years now; still there. Surfaces were prepped with 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
1632491275896.png
 


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Intuit

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#5
Oh, to help the weak adhesive on the high-density foam, I used some cyanoacrylate glue I had laying around. Careful, that stuff can be dangerous.
 


Intuit

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#6
==========================================
Finally got around to replacing the stock Spec-D tail reverse with some LED 1156 compatible that I bought almost two years ago.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0751BJMB9/
Due to wwaayy better daytime visibility, with a very simple wiring change, I was considering making the reverse light a yellow turn-sig but there's no easy way to make the yellow turn-sig, white. A workaround will require some additional thought. There are amber/white switchback LEDs but they operate on a slightly modified 1157 socket.
https://www.amazon.com/Grandview-BAY15D-Switchback-Signal-6000-6500K/dp/B01D2WKM1O/ (note: sockets can be bought - but will the lock-notches match???)
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It appears they do.
https://www.fiestastforum.com/threa...le-turn-signal-mod-improves-visibility.27864/
 


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