Tail light opinions (Page 1/1)
mrpontiac2004 AUG 30, 08:29 PM

I have an '87 Blue GT with 24k miles. It is a really nice, show winning, almost 100% original car. Near the top left of the driver's tail light a tiny spider got it and made a tiny web / home that was there when I bought the car. from 10 feet it's not noticeable, from 5 feet it looks like delamination, getting closer you can see it's a spider web. As the car is so original, and there are zero other issues with the tail lights, do I leave it as is or do I risk damage to remove the web?

Personally... I waffle back and forth. Some qualified feedback from my fellow Fiero enthusiasts should help me settle.

Thanks in advance,
Sean
IMSA GT AUG 30, 08:47 PM
Leave it alone. To separate the lenses requires you to bend the plastic tabs while trying to release the butyl adhesive that holds the lenses together. Too much risk with replacement lenses being obsolete.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 08-30-2024).]

Patrick AUG 30, 08:53 PM

In a couple of years there should be micro-bots available, that you can send in through a taillight drainage hole to perform their janitorial tasks.
Vintage-Nut AUG 31, 12:07 AM
1st - Your Options:
A) Let It Be
B) Use Acrylic Cement to 'Weld' the 'spider web' {Outside Only}
C) Open the Taillight Assembly to 'Weld' the 'spider web' in the inside so the glue won't damage the smooth external surface
D) Replace the Lenes

2nd - What is Your Interest?
To me, the answer will be different if your concern is financial than an affectionate owner......

------------------------------------

BTW - As an affectionate owner; I was in a similar situation:


When I opened the assemblies mainly to replace the lenes; I found this:




Now, I'm searching the options to 're-chrome' the reflectors....

IF you want to open the assemblies; set them in the sun to warm-up the plastic and soften the butyl seal BEFORE attempting to cautiously to separate the housing hooks from the lens tabs.

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 08-31-2024).]

IMSA GT AUG 31, 01:09 AM

quote
Originally posted by Vintage-Nut:





It's a real spider web, not crazing of the lens.
Vintage-Nut AUG 31, 01:36 AM
IF it is really a 'real' spider web; I agree and "Leave it alone" if Sean is an 'average' guy......


BUT Sean asked feedback without sharing his complete concern.......

The bottom line is "effort and time" to clean the web, and the "risk" is low IF they are warmed-up.

If the web 'bugs' Sean - "Fix It".
Many will say, "Don't Bother It".

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 08-31-2024).]