Massive condensation issue with my D-Max LED tail lights

[Gold Coast S14]

So I'm not too sure where to put this thread but you know... it's kinda a chat type deal so eff it and here we go.

I have a massive condensation issue with my D-Max LED tail lights. I don't want to get rid of them because 1. They're fvcking D-Max LED tail lights... (MCR boys type bidness) 2. It took forever to get them from Japan. 3. They seem to be sold out as far as I can see 4. They look dope af at night time. 5. I just genuinely love them.

Here's where I need opinions. Can these be pulled apart and dried and then resealed properly so they don't condensate again? If so does anyone here do that or is it a fairly simple process I can do myself? (If this be it, step by step hold my hand thru it because I don't want to fuck shit up and ruin my tail lights :/)

Thanks for the time and hopefully the help.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f202/GoldCoastS14/Mobile%20Uploads/20150820_204401_zps9ectr6zz.jpg (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/GoldCoastS14/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150820_204401_zps9ectr6zz.jpg.html)

[woofy]

I've seen the suby guys throw their headlights in the oven to soften the adhesive,pop the lens off and paint the insides, don't know know what resealing process they do but if no one here has done it before you might ask on NASIOC or something for some pointers/tips.

[Kuma]

You can Google it, but drilling a small hole in the bottom of the tail lights seems to be a popular fix.

[silviaks2nr]

They should open up with some heat and you can re seal them with lens sealant Theretrofitsource.com sells it. Water could also be getting in from the back if they arent sealed onto the body. Dmax lights are the exact same made in China junk you see all over ebay and amazon no need to sugar coat it. Those leds are going to fail soon enough and you will go back to stock kouki tails. Want an led 3rd brake light?

[Almighty So]

FRSport has them brand new for $340 (http://www.frsport.com/Nissan-Silvia-S14-LED-Black-Tail-Lights---Set_p_352109.html?gclid=CJzVvd-BmsgCFYc8aQodaXkCag).
Spyder makes pretty much the same exact thing for about $100 (https://www.vividracing.com/catalog/-p-148552.html?utm_cmp=FullFeed&gclid=CICX3_CBmsgCFQEMaQodRsEJGQ) less.

or the oven or hole drilling work

[Gold Coast S14]

Brand new for $340!? Dude I might just grab some new ones then especially if they're stateside already. I went thru GTR Garage and had to wait a month and a half to get them. I'm just gonna drill a little hole and hope they drain, but I'll try the oven method first. Just pop in the oven at 350 and then pull the lenses off? Wouldn't that tweak the plastic tho?

[silviaks2nr]

350 will damage the lights. start at 220 for about 15 minutes. Make sure you remove all bulbs, clips, and hardware.

[Gold Coast S14]

Or does anyone know if they still make the Yashio Factory Kouki tails? Google and Bing only show me the S15 tails.

[Gold Coast S14]

"*spongebob* Condensaaaation"
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f202/GoldCoastS14/Mobile%20Uploads/20150928_115117_zpsngfw4bfr.jpg (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/GoldCoastS14/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150928_115117_zpsngfw4bfr.jpg.html)

OK so 220 15 minutes, pull lenses off, let cool, buy resealant off that website listed above and everything should be gravy? And can I use that same sealant for the body so water doesn't get in from the back?

[silviaks2nr]

yes you can use butyl windscreen sealant for the lenses and the housing to body

BTW the TF/D-max lights are the exact same as the ebay lights. They all say sonar right there on the lens. The only difference is the TF/Dmax ones come in a box with some jdm writing and a sticker. If you think that sticker is worth the extra money you're getting duped.

[andisan]

I would do the oven technic and dry it good then seal it like a pro, and just like any brand we pay for the label, but in reality they are all made in China just with a different name on the box, unless you know it's an American made product

[S14DB]

"*spongebob* Condensaaaation"
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f202/GoldCoastS14/Mobile%20Uploads/20150928_115117_zpsngfw4bfr.jpg

OK so 220 15 minutes, pull lenses off, let cool, buy resealant off that website listed above and everything should be gravy? And can I use that same sealant for the body so water doesn't get in from the back?

Did you properly seal the headlights to the body with butyl tape like the factory units?

[Smurf_240SX]

When I bought mine I read about these problems with the lights, so to make sure I didn't have those type of problems I sealed them with silicone before putting them on. Haven't had a problem since.

[kashira kureijii]

Cool stickers! :)
My work here is done

[Gold Coast S14]

Renamed the thread and everything haha ok so I get that I am just buying a brand name but that's all gravy with me because I think D-Max is rad as hell so I'll support them with a few extra dollars.

Yep definitely gonna try the baking method and then resealed them myself with silicone and then use it again to seal them to the body. I did not use the tape I just used the gaskets that came in the box. Did great till now (8 months)

[Mister.E]

Be careful trying to put these in the oven. One of my friends drove out to Vegas from Cali and in the few days that he was here, the sun/heat warped his Sonar/D-Max/Spyder/TF/eBay lights. Throwing them in the oven may cause undesirable results, but i guess you reall don't have any other options at this point.

[silviaks2nr]

You're not buying a brand name, you're paying more for the same product that's simply been repackaged by a different retailer...

[Matej]

350 will damage the lights. start at 220 for about 15 minutes.
Turn over mid-way.

Add seasoning.

[silviaks2nr]

Turn over mid-way.

Add seasoning.


No no, leave alone undisturbed for at least 45 minutes so you get crispy skin.

[ixfxi]

Be careful trying to put these in the oven. One of my friends drove out to Vegas from Cali and in the few days that he was here, the sun/heat warped his Sonar/D-Max/Spyder/TF/eBay lights. Throwing them in the oven may cause undesirable results, but i guess you reall don't have any other options at this point.

^ hehe... wise words
i was going to suggest the same thing

aftermarket lights are not made with the same quality plastics as most OE lights. this means they have an easier time warping. you will be lucky if you are able to pull off this repair job, even a seasoned professional would think twice before attempting this (i would).

with that said, if you dont mind being ghetto about it.. you may want to try to quickest, easiest, and dirtiest method which someone already advised, squeeze silicone into the perimeters and call it a day. its not the right sealant, but it may save you from having a warped set of tail lights

ps: those lights suck anyway, you should just revert back to stock

[Mister.E]

Same friend whose lights warped also had condensation in his lights. I believe that he ended up drying them out with a hair dryer and then using clear silicone around all of the edges.

[Gold Coast S14]

Well fuck... so it's either I bake em and warp the tits outta them, or hairdryer them and get some clear silicone and hope for the best...

-_- I was really hoping for a straight "wham bam do this do that bada bing bada boom your shits solid again son" type answer haha

[Agent S14]

I went to academy and take those lil baggies they put in shoes when I bought my used set took the condensation out then I just resealed them with lens sealant and poof no more issues

[Mister.E]

I was really hoping for a straight "wham bam do this do that bada bing bada boom your shits solid again son" type answer

The answer you seek lies within:

http://www.thenismoshop.com/Nissan-Factory-OEM-Tail-Light-Component--Nissan-240SX-S14-KOUKI_p_471.html

[Gold Coast S14]

The answer you seek lies within:

http://www.thenismoshop.com/Nissan-Factory-OEM-Tail-Light-Component--Nissan-240SX-S14-KOUKI_p_471.html

I see what you did there... clever.

[bladetech8]

Honestly you best bet and most guaranteed not to have condensation again is to take the smallest drill bit you have and just drill a tiny inconspicuous hole somewhere.. I had D-MAX S13 fastback tail lights, and my center garnish piece between the tail lights used to FILL UP with water when I washed my 240 until I finally drilled two tiny holes on opposite sides. None of this garbage happens anymore because us fastback guys are blessed with the coolest OEM factory tail lights (Kouki 180SX) and I'm rocking those now. :P

[TheRealSy90]

throw a bag of silica inside them lol.

[Gold Coast S14]

Yeah I'm gonna drill the holes and then slip a bag of silica inside for a hot minute, reseal them 10 ways to Sunday and call it a day. There's too many contradicting opinions on baking them.

[ixfxi]

Silica desiccants are only short term solutions to light condensation, they are not a fix for water leakage. you guys are confusing two different situations. Examples:

1) you decide to get your freak on with a girl in your car, windows up. windows go foggy = thats condensation.

2) you decide to get your r-kelly freak on and piss on a girl = thats water leakage.

If you are getting water entry into a light assembly, the water entry point needs to be re-sealed. There are a multitude of entry points when it comes to a light assembly. But when its aftermarket, there are even MORE entry points.

A perfect example of why aftermarket lights suck so bad can be found here:
http://clearcorners.com/tech/003/pg02.shtml (scroll down)

[Reece]

It's because you have too many stickers

I drilled a hole in my D-Max tails on one of my old cars and then resealed the shit out of them.

[Gold Coast S14]

It's because you have too many stickers

I drilled a hole in my D-Max tails on one of my old cars and then resealed the shit out of them.

Haha heyyy... ayyyyye... my sticker game too strong for these hoes

[Matej]

Haha heyyy... ayyyyye... my sticker game too strong for these hoes
Bet your sticker game is inversely proportional to your reversing abilities.

[Gold Coast S14]

I have my quarter windows stacked up proper too... so I can't see shit drivers side when in reverse haha but it looks dope tho.

[KiLLeR2001]

A perfect example of why aftermarket lights suck so bad can be found here:
http://clearcorners.com/tech/003/pg02.shtml (scroll down)

Unlike the factory like which uses rubber seals around the wire leads, the aftermarket socket uses either hot glue or silicone -- unacceptable.

Fix yo shit.

[S14DB]

Renamed the thread and everything haha ok so I get that I am just buying a brand name but that's all gravy with me because I think D-Max is rad as hell so I'll support them with a few extra dollars.

Yep definitely gonna try the baking method and then resealed them myself with silicone and then use it again to seal them to the body. I did not use the tape I just used the gaskets that came in the box. Did great till now (8 months)

There is a reason the factory uses the Butyl tape and not some shitty gaskets. It works and keeps water that pours down the drip rail of the trunk out of the tail light and your trunk.

The tail lights are not sealed units in themselves. The seal to the body and vent to the trunk.

[HyperTek]

if throwing a wet phone in a bag of rice absorbs moisture out of the phone.. maybe that shit will work with the tail lights.. toss em into a bag of rice.. then id try throwing sealant on them after that.

[sil80takashi]

if throwing a wet phone in a bag of rice absorbs moisture out of the phone.. maybe that shit will work with the tail lights.. toss em into a bag of rice.. then id try throwing sealant on them after that.

Better yet, toss some rice inside the taillights call it a day

[Mister.E]

Those tail lights are already rice, no need for anymore. :)

[Kingtal0n]

You dont need high temps to drive off water. In sensitive reactions where a volatile solvent needs to stay put we use higher pressure or to get rid of it, mild temperature. In the case of water you might want to use 120*F for example (close to the temp they experience sitting in the sun) and it will drive water away, give it some time at that low temp. More humidity makes it more difficult, but even at a mild 120-130*F the water should move off.

As I just mentioned, low pressure is another option. If you connected a vacuum cleaner, for instance, to the tail light and induce a low pressure, the water will be inclined to evaporate much faster than at atmospheric pressure. Might still be slower than using heat but it would work.

The desiccant idea works until the desiccant is used up. It will work at first but then if water keeps leaking in, eventually it will fail. If you plan to use a desiccant you should be sure to completely seal the tail light after putting it in, so it only has to work once (like an A/C drier... exactly like an A/C drier in an A/C system)

[Matej]

Con
Den
Sation-sation-sation...
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/familyguy/images/3/37/Condensation.png/revision/latest?cb=20100824225616

[O$mo]

Con
Den
Sation-sation-sation...
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/familyguy/images/3/37/Condensation.png/revision/latest?cb=20100824225616

:bowrofl:
msglength

[ixfxi]

There is a reason the factory uses the Butyl tape and not some shitty gaskets. It works and keeps water that pours down the drip rail of the trunk out of the tail light and your trunk.

The tail lights are not sealed units in themselves. The seal to the body and vent to the trunk.

^ Yes. Even more smart, is understanding that the trunk IS the vent. This is why the bulb panels are loose fitting and not sealed in any way, shape or form.


You dont need high temps to drive off water. In sensitive reactions where a volatile solvent needs to stay put we use higher pressure or to get rid of it, mild temperature. In the case of water you might want to use 120*F for example (close to the temp they experience sitting in the sun) and it will drive water away, give it some time at that low temp. More humidity makes it more difficult, but even at a mild 120-130*F the water should move off.

As I just mentioned, low pressure is another option. If you connected a vacuum cleaner, for instance, to the tail light and induce a low pressure, the water will be inclined to evaporate much faster than at atmospheric pressure. Might still be slower than using heat but it would work.

The desiccant idea works until the desiccant is used up. It will work at first but then if water keeps leaking in, eventually it will fail. If you plan to use a desiccant you should be sure to completely seal the tail light after putting it in, so it only has to work once (like an A/C drier... exactly like an A/C drier in an A/C system)

^ Yes and no. Heat will only make the water evaporate and then? The humidity still needs to travel somewhere. If the bulb sockets were removed, then the humidity simply escapes into the air.

You can make quick work of this mess by simply shaking the water out (as much as possible), and then using compressed air to blast whatever else out of the light assembly.

Remember, you still need to find the entry point. There is a chance that the lights could be sealed well externally, and that water entered through the rear. This guy needs to get off his ass and do some tests.

[Mister.E]

This guy needs to get off his ass and do some tests.

YES...FUCKING SCIENCE!

http://i.giphy.com/wErJXg1tIgHXG.gif

We're waiting...

[iamtheyi]

Dont do the oven thing. Myself and everyone else thats tried has not had luck taking them apart.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

[Sumslapper]

Step 1. Remove tail lights
Step 2. Throw tail lights in trash
Step 3. Put on OEM Kouki tail lights
Step 4. Profit

[Gold Coast S14]

Wooooow... shout out the Anti-LED squad (basically Zilvia apparently ._.) But update on the situation cause apparently this is something of interest haha

Passenger side dried out perfectly and looks like it never had an issue, Drivers side looks to be getting there and I'm gonna shoot some air in there to finish the job. When I pulled the tail light off there was water all around the slot the light sits in, so it's now clear that the trunk wasn't sealed properly (good job D Max gaskets and good job myself for tossing that tape).

So fug it, gonna finish drying the bitch out and gonna reseal it somehow properly. Suggestions tho? Any clear silicone will work or can I buy that Effen tape at Lowe's? What about Flex seal? Ha
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f202/GoldCoastS14/Mobile%20Uploads/20151001_010006_zpspa3xbud4.jpg (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/GoldCoastS14/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151001_010006_zpspa3xbud4.jpg.html)

[Mister.E]

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/accessories/morimoto-retrorubber-butyl-glue-50254.html#.Vg1IBHpViko

[silviaks2nr]

^ for the housing to body. Silicone 1 clear if you want to run a bead around the lens.

[ixfxi]

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/accessories/morimoto-retrorubber-butyl-glue-50254.html#.Vg1IBHpViko

what a gyp... 17 bucks?

you can get the factory tape from the dealer. oh, and it comes free with the purchase of OEM tail lights

[Gold Coast S14]

what a gyp... 17 bucks?

you can get the factory tape from the dealer. oh, and it comes free with the purchase of OEM tail lights

Also comes free with the purchase of 326 Power Tail Lights... -_- which I kinda want now

[Mister.E]

you can get the factory tape from the dealer.

Last time i talked to a Nissan dealer, they wanted around $25 for a roll.

[racepar1]

Well fuck... so it's either I bake em and warp the tits outta them, or hairdryer them and get some clear silicone and hope for the best...

-_- I was really hoping for a straight "wham bam do this do that bada bing bada boom your shits solid again son" type answer haha

Take those ugly pieces of shit off the car and put the nice OE ones back on. Wham Bam, whatever the fuck else you wrote, reliable solution. While you're at it take the dumbass stickers off your window. I don't know why you kiddies think that turning your car into a rolling billboard for companies that have never done one single thing for you is cool as fuck...

[ixfxi]

Last time i talked to a Nissan dealer, they wanted around $25 for a roll.

$15 off ebay
item #301207505797

[Matej]

Or 14.50$ shipped from me.
I have a roll that came with my 180SX kouki taillights and I never used it.
Authentic OEM Nissan y'all.

[ixfxi]

Matej, you're such a whore.

CURVA!!!!

[Gold Coast S14]

Take those ugly pieces of shit off the car and put the nice OE ones back on. Wham Bam, whatever the fuck else you wrote, reliable solution. While you're at it take the dumbass stickers off your window. I don't know why you kiddies think that turning your car into a rolling billboard for companies that have never done one single thing for you is cool as fuck...

U guise, y so cereal? Bruh. This is about tail lights, not stickers and I like my lights, which why I came here to try and save them. And I like my stickers, I think they're rad as fuck. :)

Lastly dude, I only have one company on my car and that's Touge Factory. And I love TF Works, such a chill group and someday I hope to have my car built there. I'll rep the shit out of them all day, they are legit as fuck. All the other stickers are other drift teams I traded or ones I made for my team here in Bismarck.

Back on effen topic here, I bought that tape so hopefully shit works out gravy!

[racepar1]

U guise, y so cereal? Bruh. This is about tail lights, not stickers and I like my lights, which why I came here to try and save them. And I like my stickers, I think they're rad as fuck. :)

Lastly dude, I only have one company on my car and that's Touge Factory. And I love TF Works, such a chill group and someday I hope to have my car built there. I'll rep the shit out of them all day, they are legit as fuck. All the other stickers are other drift teams I traded or ones I made for my team here in Bismarck.

Back on effen topic here, I bought that tape so hopefully shit works out gravy!

There is so much hipster douchebag in this post that I find it hard to take in with just one reading...

[Almighty So]

^Hahaha dmax tails and stickers have you that fucked up?
Relax for once.

[Gold Coast S14]

Most Hated breh... Shoutout Racepar1, got that sticker for your ass

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f202/GoldCoastS14/Mobile%20Uploads/20151003_214053_zpsef3d2g87.jpg (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/GoldCoastS14/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151003_214053_zpsef3d2g87.jpg.html)

[kashira kureijii]

glad you were able to meet someone from Nagoya to trade stickers with haha
Still cool though.......
I need a drift team so I can get team stickers dammit

[Gold Coast S14]

glad you were able to meet someone from Nagoya to trade stickers with haha
Still cool though.......
I need a drift team so I can get team stickers dammit


That's MY TEAM MAN! Haha we are the Nagoya Knights, the Trouble Makers from Bismarck ND. It's dope your hyped on it tho, thanks man.

[ixfxi]

And I like my stickers, I think they're rad as fuck. :)

thats great

what are you, 12?

putting stickers all over your shit is so fucking immature.

[KiLLeR2001]

Pretty sure people who bomb their vehicles with stickers didn't get good enough grades to receive those glittery star or smiley face stickers from teachers who gave them out. You're showing your old teachers who's boss now aren't you big boy?

[tricky_ab]

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/747/273/9ff.gif

[FaLKoN240]

This thread has served its purpose.