In this episode, I take care of the leaks at the rear of these bugs – high-level stop light, tail lights & rear bulkhead vent behind the bumper. The leaks relating to the front of the car are shown in a different video – link below.
My approach to the high-level stop light and the tail lights are of the conventional method, whereby they are removed, cleaned, a bead of silicone is applied and then they’re re-fitted. My approach to the bulkhead vents however, well, that’s different. I’ve decided to upgrade the existing plastic vents that were installed from the factory to metal ones that should have been installed from the factory. Granted, it’s not a pretty fix, but it certainly is functional – I’ve never seen anybody put this kind of repair into their city bug before, so I thought it might be interesting to see if it works. If it doesn’t, I’ve retained the old plastic vents that can be re-installed and silicone sealed in the normal way. While I’m taking care of these leaks, I take the opportunity to upgrade some of the rear lights to LED bulbs. Links to items used in this project are shown below:
Front leak resolution video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLQOq-HXP8g&t=10s
Items used:
Vents – https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263027395876
Bulbs – https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372534384424
RTV – https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233602053710
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I absolutely love this guy. I would swear but YouTube blocks it
when doing the lights, did you leave the silicone to dry before reinstalling it the light on the car ? My aygo seems to have a similar issue.
For people that don't have access to a welder could you not just use the gasket sealant and just Tek screw it in place?
Really useful video mate, thank you very much! I've found a leak in the boot and this video helped me find the source!
Of course the Louvre vent offer more than just closing the back door, as well as the main doors you'll have a hard time getting any heating without a path for air exit
Nice idea. I had to redo the mrs’s lights today. Started leaking again after about 18 months or so, but needed a couple of bulbs anyway so I changed the whole lot before putting it back together. Was planning on pulling my welder out for the sill this morning for her MOT but it wasn’t as bad as I thought, just a bit of flaking paint and surface rust, so that’s this weeks video plan out the window lol.
Very impressive! I hadn't guessed that you'd weld on those louvered panels! I've seen people plate over the plastic louvered panel on the inside of the boot, directly behind the lock – but that can't work because the water runs down the gaps created where there are strengthening ribs (not sure what they're called) in that inner panel, not through the plastic vent. I think your fix is a first!
I'm one of the C1OC members to have written more on the subject of leaks than probably anyone else and I like to keep up-to-date with all of the various attempts to fix them!
Is the LED bulb conversion better than standard? Are they red LEDs?