2nd set of Blackline Tailights, input needed

[SixBanger]

I received my second set of blacklines (covered under warranty) from Schmeidmann. I've been hesitant to put them on because water got into the left side of the tailights and shorted them. What can I do to prevent this from happening again? Below are pics of left and right side OEM original tailights with dirt on left and right side of trunk.

[ShocknAwe]

Interesting. Is that dirt in there new? FWIW the gasket on the lights themselves should keep the delicate bits secure from water if installed correctly and the gasket isn't defective.

[smrtypants44]

How old were your tails? The led bar on my passenger side just failed but they are almost 2 years old

[SixBanger]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Interesting. Is that dirt in there new? FWIW the gasket on the lights themselves should keep the delicate bits secure from water if installed correctly and the gasket isn't defective.

It's just dirt accumulated over time, dont know how long. The gaskets on the new blacklines don't sit flush to the body of the car, therefor allowing rain and dirt to roll down into the light.

[SixBanger]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

How old were your tails? The led bar on my passenger side just failed but they are almost 2 years old

6 months

[Dackelone]

You should clean out that dirt in your trunk seam. I always just run a microfiber towel up in there on every car washing. The rubber flaps on the tail lights should fit tight up in there. Maybe use some sort of c-clamp(like in wood tool work) on the tail lights before you install them. Or maybe some black RTV on those seals where they meet the car body - and then use a clamp over night for it to cure.

Has your car ever been hit(accident) back there? This isn't a normal thing.

Dack

[Stewy_604]

+1 on the consistent cleaning of those channels. I do this with roughly every other wash, door seams too. I put on a set of OEM Blacklines on earlier this week, passenger side first tight on that upper flap...driver's side doe's not. I didn't have time to mess with it, but i'll take another look this weekend. With the metal embedded in that flap/molding, I'm going to try and contour it a little better.

[Jorgensen54]

I had a Cayenne that had similar issues with the headlights after I tore them apart for painting and reinstalled. I eventually used TrimLok gasket in there and it worked wonderfully. Super easy to install(adhesive backing), OEM appearance, and undeniable quality.

[SixBanger]

Originally Posted by Jorgensen54

I had a Cayenne that had similar issues with the headlights after I tore them apart for painting and reinstalled. I eventually used TrimLok gasket in there and it worked wonderfully. Super easy to install(adhesive backing), OEM appearance, and undeniable quality.

I've been emailing a sales man at TrimLok and no one has gotten back to me. Hopefully, tomorrow they will, they sell there stuff by 100 yards. I want to thank you for refering me to this company.

I installed the blacklines today and of course tonight it rained. wtf. Below are some pics of how the rubber piece off of the tailights sits on the trunk channels. I do plan on buying TrimLok gaskets to keep the dirt and water out. Luckily, I was able to put down some detailing masking tape on those channels to help keep debris out. Thank you everyone for your input.

[Jorgensen54]

We use this company's products at my work, so communication is direct and easy. If you have too much trouble working with one of their salespeople, it's also available all over the internet(Amazon, eBay, Grainger, even WalMart).

Best of luck! Horrible that you have to go through this on what's supposed to be a nice, upgraded aftermarket product. I'm sure it'll all work out nonetheless.