1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

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bcudda
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:51 pm

1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by bcudda »

Has anyone found a source for aftermarket tail lights for the 78 era cherokees? My lenses are ok and the housings aren't bad but would replace it good looking aftermarket units were available. If nothing else I need the gaskets because mine are nonexistent. I guess I can try to cut some from gasket material but that dosen't seem thick enough?


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tgreese
Posts: 7118
Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:31 am
Location: Medford MA USA

Re: 1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by tgreese »

Seems unlikely that these will ever be reproduced. Jeep production was not that high, so demand will always be low. And like utility vehicles generally, they aren't super-valuable - not like the tri-five Chevys and such.

There are Jeep junkyards - Jake's in NC (though they are winding down), Montana Overland, others. Or try a WTB ad here and on other Jeep forums.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.

Topic author
bcudda
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:51 pm

Re: 1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by bcudda »

Yea, that's about what I figured. Do you know what the old gaskets were made from? The felpro roll stuff is not thick enough I'm gonna try some thick farm or skidder tire innertube next and see how that fits and looks. As to the lights and lenses maybe I'll have to get the old 3d printer fired up may be a marketing opportunity there :-)

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tgreese
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Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:31 am
Location: Medford MA USA

Re: 1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by tgreese »

You could check McMaster-Carr or other industrial supply places for a more suitable gasket material. https://www.mcmaster.com/gaskets

You might also look around for NOS, if it exists. The housing is 812 4340, the lens is 812 2679, the lens gasket is 812 4342, and the body gasket is 812 4343.

Good luck with your 3D printing enterprise! :-bd
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.

mx71
Posts: 246
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2018 8:20 pm

Re: 1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by mx71 »

I made gaskets for my 79 tail lights out of this:

https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Temflex-Rub ... way&sr=8-3

letank
Posts: 4010
Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:16 pm
Location: SF bay area

Re: 1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by letank »

I used foam bought a Jo-Ann fabrics to redo the rear light for the newer style gasket, easy to cut, the right thickness as well.

Image

the rear light on the corner light are a bit trickier because of the corners...
Michel
74 wag (349 Kmiles... parked, next step is a rust free body)
85 Gwag (229 Kmiles... the running test lab)

Topic author
bcudda
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:51 pm

Re: 1978 Tail Lights and or Gaskets

Post by bcudda »

Oh never thought about a fabric store and foam. Will definitely give that a try.

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