Headlight Resealing?

realitycheck3907 · 10-31-2009, 07:57 PM

Hey guys just a quick question. Im sure this has been beat to death, but I just wanted a quick poll of what you guys thought.
When you take your headlights apart and reseal them should you add more silicone or just heat up what is leftover from the factory and just stick them back together?

I just dont want any moisture problems later.
Thanks guys

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2point0 · 10-31-2009, 08:04 PM

There is plenty of goop in there, just be sure to bake it again when you're done to melt the sealant back together. You shouldn't end up losing any of that stuff, so you're not going to need more.

No moisture in mine!

04SilverSTi · 10-31-2009, 08:19 PM

same here 5 years later and no moisture and still lookin pimp

dwf137 · 10-31-2009, 08:43 PM

the stuff that's used from the factory is butyl, not silicone. Silicone fully cures and cannot be re-sealed simply by heating it back up. Butyl can re-seal itself.

I say it all depends on how clean the butyl looks when you open up the headlights. if it looks pretty good, no need to add anything else. If it's uneven or missing pieces, just put a bead of silicone as a backup.

realitycheck3907 · 10-31-2009, 08:44 PM

Awesome thanks guys I'll just take the silicone back that I bought today.
Thanks again thats what I wanted to hear.

Hellzmosthated · 11-01-2009, 05:44 PM

Anybody know a spot that hooks it up with painting your rear tail lights red in So Cal?

mattGT · 11-01-2009, 05:59 PM

I have only reused what was there for both sets of lights I've done and both came out perfect. You can't even tell they've been apart besides the clear/paint.

I use the oven to separate and to re-heat before reassembly. I also take a minute to prepare the butyl since it can string a bit and stretch when you pull the lights apart. I even move some butyl around, stealing a bit from heavy spots for areas that could use a bit more.

10-31-2009, 07:57 PM	#1
realitycheck3907 Scooby Newbie Member#: 227033 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Birmingham, Al Vehicle: 02 WRX	Headlight Resealing? Hey guys just a quick question. Im sure this has been beat to death, but I just wanted a quick poll of what you guys thought. When you take your headlights apart and reseal them should you add more silicone or just heat up what is leftover from the factory and just stick them back together? I just dont want any moisture problems later. Thanks guys * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

11-01-2009, 05:44 PM	#6
Hellzmosthated Scooby Newbie Member#: 228675 Join Date: Nov 2009	Anybody know where I can get my rear taillights painted candy red for my 2010 STI? Anybody know a spot that hooks it up with painting your rear tail lights red in So Cal?

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10-31-2009, 08:04 PM	#2
2point0 Scooby Newbie Member#: 150248 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: San Diego, CA Vehicle: 05 WRX/WRB UTEC Stg 3	There is plenty of goop in there, just be sure to bake it again when you're done to melt the sealant back together. You shouldn't end up losing any of that stuff, so you're not going to need more. No moisture in mine!

10-31-2009, 08:19 PM	#3
04SilverSTi Scooby Newbie Member#: 62439 Join Date: May 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Des Plaines, IL Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi Silver	same here 5 years later and no moisture and still lookin pimp

10-31-2009, 08:43 PM	#4
dwf137 Scooby Newbie Member#: 161333 Join Date: Oct 2007 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: seattle Vehicle: 09 wrx WRB	the stuff that's used from the factory is butyl, not silicone. Silicone fully cures and cannot be re-sealed simply by heating it back up. Butyl can re-seal itself. I say it all depends on how clean the butyl looks when you open up the headlights. if it looks pretty good, no need to add anything else. If it's uneven or missing pieces, just put a bead of silicone as a backup.

10-31-2009, 08:44 PM	#5
realitycheck3907 Scooby Newbie Member#: 227033 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Birmingham, Al Vehicle: 02 WRX	Awesome thanks guys I'll just take the silicone back that I bought today. Thanks again thats what I wanted to hear.

11-01-2009, 05:59 PM	#7
mattGT Scooby Newbie Member#: 97495 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bend, OR Vehicle: 05 LGT SWP	I have only reused what was there for both sets of lights I've done and both came out perfect. You can't even tell they've been apart besides the clear/paint. I use the oven to separate and to re-heat before reassembly. I also take a minute to prepare the butyl since it can string a bit and stretch when you pull the lights apart. I even move some butyl around, stealing a bit from heavy spots for areas that could use a bit more.