1969 124 Spider Tail Light Lens Gaskets - Unobtainium?

[SeldomSeen]

The PO put some kind of caulking between the tail light lenses and the tail light assemblies of my '69 124 spider in lieu of the correct gasket. I washed the car yesterday and they filled up with water! I checked Bruce's, Vick's, IAP, Auto Ricambi and C. Obert. None of them list these gaskets. Does anyone know how I can get a pair without having to buy the entire assemblies for $800 or so?

[WYSpider]

Closest I could find was something for a 1970 at Midwest Bayless.

[SeldomSeen]

Yep. I've seen those too but they are much larger and won't fit. I really like the look of the smaller ones best.

[WYSpider]

Sounds like it's time to explore making your own, or using a spray bottle to wash your car.

Wonder if you could do it with a 3D printer.

[fiat218]

Where did u find gaskets for 800

[SeldomSeen]

The $800 (actually $779) is the price for the entire tail light assemblies including the lens, gasket and lamp fixture.

[georgeramos]

If you have an original set you should be able to reproduce them out of flat rubber no? That would be a fun and satisfying project.

[spiderdan]

I have a Fiat buddy with a 69 and the same problem. It was suggested to him to use windshield washer hose, slit down the middle. Don't know how it turned out but it seemed like a good waterproof work around.

[bradartigue]

The PO put some kind of caulking between the tail light lenses and the tail light assemblies of my '69 124 spider in lieu of the correct gasket. I washed the car yesterday and they filled up with water! I checked Bruce's, Vick's, IAP, Auto Ricambi and C. Obert. None of them list these gaskets. Does anyone know how I can get a pair without having to buy the entire assemblies for $800 or so?

The "caulking" is the original, deteriorated seal. At least if I recall correctly you removed the lens assembly and it looked like a white, nasty caulk in the channels? If this is what you have then you can run vacuum tubing in the channels and it will compress against the body. Looks ok too.

[fiat218]

i would get the whole set for 700

[SeldomSeen]

The PO put some kind of caulking between the tail light lenses and the tail light assemblies of my '69 124 spider in lieu of the correct gasket. I washed the car yesterday and they filled up with water! I checked Bruce's, Vick's, IAP, Auto Ricambi and C. Obert. None of them list these gaskets. Does anyone know how I can get a pair without having to buy the entire assemblies for $800 or so?

The "caulking" is the original, deteriorated seal. At least if I recall correctly you removed the lens assembly and it looked like a white, nasty caulk in the channels? If this is what you have then you can run vacuum tubing in the channels and it will compress against the body. Looks ok too.

Yep that's what it looks like. The vacuum tubing is an excellent idea. I'll stop by the auto parts store tomorrow.

Update 6/12: I installed some weather stripping from Home Depot. For $6 it worked like a charm.