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Great job so far on the truck! I can completely relate when you say that this forum gives you ideas... LOL!
Adam
Finally got around to something I have been meaning to do but never found time to get done.
3rd Brake Light Gasket Fix
Like many, I too never noticed any water coming into my truck but thought better to catch it, now, then after a floorboard full of liquid Happiness.
So off to Lowes to fetch some foam sealant.
Bought this size to replace the OEM gasket.
Then figured, if I am going to do it, do it ONCE!
So I grabbed a "Little Friend", to place just outside the OEM gasket placement.
So, with everything ready to go, time to remove my 3rd brake light assembly.
Holy Moly Batman!!
This is what greeted me!
Keep in mind, I had NO inkling that anything was wrong with my gasket.
None, Zip, Nada. This was meant as a preventive measure.
Look at all the dust and dirt, all along the top of the recess and down one side.
Turned the brake light over and inspected the back to find this . . .
Dirt and debris all along the top.
What the heck is that on the top corner?
I know that thing! Comes from my neighbors tree.
Looks like it followed the water flow, right past the gasket!
Again, I had no inkling that ANYTHING was actually wrong.
Figured I was going to catch this one, before something bad actually happened.
Oh yeah, Me so smart.....
Well, after a bunch of head shaking and some quality time with my trusty putty knife, I got the old gasket cleaned off. Used some goo be gone to clean off the gum and get everything, nice and neat, for the new gaskets.
Laid the big one down, first, pretty much along the OEM placement.
Then the smaller one, just beyond that.
Ain;t nothing going to get past my gaskets now.
Note, when placing the first gasket, start at the bottom, in the very middle & then run along the sides. up and over the top and back to the bottom middle.
DO NOT stretch the gasket , just lay it down and press firmly.
used the smaller gasket as some insurance for the first. When remounted the light assembly, pressed it firmly down, as I screwed it back in place and the light gray gasket was just barely visible, from above.
Cant believe this thing was leaking, as bead as it was, after less than two years.
Really can't believe I never noticed it, either.
SO, FYI, if you have not done this mod, just yet, I recommend you get right to it.