Misted rear light

[FunkyGibbon]

Two questions...

a) is this an MOT failure
b) what's the best way to remove and prevent the misting

TIA

(Chim 450)

[ATG]

The mastic around the fairing will have gone. Best thing to do is to remove the fairing, let the whole thing dry, remove the old mastic sealant, then glue the fairing back into black with copious volumes of new black mastic sealant.

The question I have is, how do you get a nice even finish on the mastic? When I apply the stuff I always end up getting smears and pock marks.

[kingjohn]

Hi there,
In my experience, the easiest way to dry out the light is to drop a teabag in (unused of course). It will absorb the moisture quickly. Old car dealer trick, that one, then replace the sealant as mentioned above.
Oh, and use a bag on string otherwise it won't come out!
John

[incorrigible]

ATG said: The mastic around the fairing will have gone. Best thing to do is to remove the fairing, let the whole thing dry, remove the old mastic sealant, then glue the fairing back into black with copious volumes of new black mastic sealant.

The question I have is, how do you get a nice even finish on the mastic? When I apply the stuff I always end up getting smears and pock marks.

Use a panel degreasant (available form car bodyshop suppliers) soak a bit of workshop paper (M-tork or whatever) and use this to wipe the excess (the sealant will disolve but the paint won't I promise)

Also don't use "copious amounts" (I guess this was a bit of a joke but..) as you'll end up being able to see the sealant from the other side of the glass

[simpo one]

My guess about the MOT is that as long as the light works and is visible, it should be OK. You could always ask garage when you make the appointment, or ask the tester before he starts.

[ATG]

thanks incorrigible. Useful tip that.

[FunkyGibbon]

Thanks guys. Got round to sorting it yesterday.