Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 105/115 Series (105 Coupe/Spider/Berlina) => Topic started by: Evan Bottcher on January 28, 2011, 12:17:53 PM

Title: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: Evan Bottcher on January 28, 2011, 12:17:53 PM
These front indicators originally appeared to have a rubber gasket, which is now dissolved to nothing.  Same thing in my rear taillight lenses.

What do folk do here to renew?
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: Davidm1600 on January 28, 2011, 12:50:48 PM
Hi Even, I havn't had to look into this, and I know from past experience that the usual range of suppliers in the UK seem to stock most of the rubber trims we need for our 105s, but I guess if the parts you need are not yet being re-manufactured, perhaps the only other option is to make your own. 

In the past I have made new rubber gaskets for the rear tail lights of my Fiat AC 124 sport using the old perished ones for templates.  I used a car tyre inner tube, cut it to shape and gasket glue.  It seemed to work perfectly well in my experience, since no water or dust managed to get in. 

Perhaps others might have some better suggestions.
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: SimonR on January 28, 2011, 01:40:08 PM
Clark Rubber stores all have an amazing aray of rubber products and ready made rubber seals which can be used easily "as is" or cut and then shaped to use as gaskets/seals etc. Some of the prices are very cheap too.
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: Evan Bottcher on January 28, 2011, 02:30:40 PM
To be clear - I'm talking about the small thin rubber seal between the light housing and the lens.  Sits in a groove in the housing, must only be 3-4 mm thick.

Simon: thanks that's a good tip.  Will drop in and have a look.
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: AikenDrum105 on January 28, 2011, 02:40:28 PM
+1 on the Clark Rubber strips - used them to seal the exact same thing on my old 1750 gtv...  they have  a spongey yellow type which will eventually let water seep through - and another black type which feels more like a door seal, and is waterproof.
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: Andrew Bose on January 28, 2011, 04:56:35 PM

Evan,
I would use a bicycle inner tube as they are the thinnest.

Andrew
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: vin sharp on February 02, 2011, 08:57:06 PM
The kind of rubber that those impact absorbing mats (like kids play mats, kneeling mats for gardening etc) are made of is ideal for its compressability and comformability. You may have to do a bit of surgery with a hobby blade to cut fine strips though, although I have a vague memory of having seen it somewhere in spaghetti-like lengths: maybe an electricians wholesale outlet.
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: jg1053 on February 04, 2011, 05:40:27 PM
Hi Evan,

I used "O" rings to make mine up for the Giulia. The use of these and a small amount of silicone have sealed the taillights with no problems. Although not really kosher they work

Jim
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: Evan Bottcher on February 05, 2011, 09:52:35 AM
For the purists, I'm told the material in the front indicators was a thin white rubber.  Black rubber for the rear indicators and reverse light.
Title: Re: Replacing unavailable seals - 105 indicators
Post by: Mr Frog on February 06, 2011, 09:53:02 AM
i took my originals to clark rubber in cairns and they had a guy there who recommended a specific material (sorry but I forget what it was), then cut them for me and also gave me some gunk in a tube (I'll try to find the name for that, as well) which seals and preserves.  Clark Rubber was generally very helpful.