VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 32 headlight gasket too wide?

I am reconditioning a pair of headlights. I bought new "cork" gaskets, but they seem too wide. They measure 3/16", but the groove they go in is 1/8". It won't force in the groove. And I know the old gaskets fit the groove well. The Filling Station said it is what they always sell.
What to do?
Thanks,

If the old gaskets are in good shape reuse them. If not, find gaskets with the correct dimensions (if possible) and use those instead.

Moisten the cork gaskets and then clamp them between two flat boards that are set at 1/8" or less gap. Give them a couple of days to dry and then install using soap solution or other light lube.

For my '31 headlights I bought some quality 1/8" sheet rubber, cut pieces the appropriate width and length to suit and they seem to do the job well, and are less likely to dryout and crack/crumble like cork may over time. I also bought a 3/16" rubber O-ring but it would not seal the area sufficiently.

Hello Nkopp,
The Filling Station shows VT-19 Headlight Seal, cork to lens, 3/16"x3/16"x29", years 1920-1930. You're working with a 1932. Auto parts stores and craft stores and maybe even hardware stores should have cork sheets available in your required thickness. You'll have to cut to width and length with a razor blade. Try trapping the cork between two sheets of straight edge material (glass,plastic,wood,metal), to the desired width and slice off carefully to make your seal. Edit: I like the other members suggestions also.

I had trouble finding the right gaskets for my 1930 so I called Olsen Gaskets. I gave them the dimensions of the gaskets I needed and they made a set for me.

I used a roll of rubber bead meant for holding porch screens in thier channel.The size was perfect.It worked great and can be found at most hardware stores.

That is a great idea!


Too bad that the Filling Station doesn't sell headlight gaskets for 1932 because a lot of 1932 dudes could sure use them.