BUICK Taillight Letters

[Guest MercWagn]

I recently purchased a tail lamp assembly that still has the original letters attached. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to ensure the letters stay in place? A sort of preemptive strike, if you will. I'd hate to have to pay more for replacement letters than I paid for the entire tail lamp assembly (not that I would).

[NCReatta]

They'll be fine. If they fall out used or new ones can be had for reasonable prices. Either the adhesive fails or it doesn't. Nothing you can do to change it either way.

[KDirk]

If really concerned about these falling out, they are best removed with a dental pick or similar instrument. Then, all traces of the old adhesive foam tape (these were die-cut to the same shape as each letter) need to be removed from both the back side of each letter and the recess for each letter in the lens. Finally, they can be reinstalled with 3M emblem adhesive, allowed to cure for a day, and then should be solid. I will say that after nearly 25 years, the original double sided foam adhesive is usually pretty well shot (unless the car has been a garage queen it's whole life) and there is the risk of letter(s) coming off in the rain, or while washing/detailing.

KDirk

[DAVES89]

I use 3M double stick tape. You have to trim yo fit but works great as well...

[Guest MercWagn]

I appreciate the responses, but my "preventative" thought entailed NOT removing the letters. If I were to remove the letters, I would likely reattach them with a good two-part epoxy and forego the hassle of trimming the 3M tape. Also, the tape may degrade over time as the OEM material did, though I believe 3M has improved on the product.

My initial thoughts were to attempt to apply a thin bead of two-part epoxy to retain the letters as they are currently situated. But, the issue here is a "clean" application.

[DAVES89]

You may want to reconsider using a two part epoxy. Double stick tape may not be a "permanent" solution but should give you years of service, probably equal to the original adhesion of what Buick did when your car was built.

If you use the two part epoxy how will you remove the letters when you may want to recondition/upgrade the look of your tail light or if you want to upgrade your letters to some of the ones being offered by one/two of our vendors?

[Ronnie]

Another thing to consider is that the two part epoxy "might" have a chemical reaction with the plastic and melt or dull it ruining the looks of the taillight.

[Guest MercWagn]

You may want to reconsider using a two part epoxy. Double stick tape may not be a "permanent" solution but should give you years of service, probably equal to the original adhesion of what Buick did when your car was built.

If you use the two part epoxy how will you remove the letters when you may want to recondition/upgrade the look of your tail light or if you want to upgrade your letters to some of the ones being offered by one/two of our vendors?

While I understand and appreciate your thoughts, I am not concerned with removing the letters, as I do not have a show car, nor am I taking it in that direction. I personally would not pay the kind of money for the letters that people are asking--new or used. I just want my car to remain presentable, since I will likely sell it off in the near future.

[KDirk]

If wanting to avoid the use of 3M VHB tape (or similar) but wanting something fairly solid, use clear 100% silicone caulk or RTV as the letters can then be removed if needed in the future, and the silicone or RTV can be removed pretty cleanly. If you sell the car, the future owner may benefit from the letters not being epoxied in if they choose to refurbish the tail lamp lens. As well, if the car is parted out the lens is more valuable if the letters can be removed for the purpose of polishing the lens or replacing the letters. Epoxy will likely make either scenario impossible without doing damage. A little foresight never hurt anything or anybody.

KDirk