Water in Trunk Lid Brake Light

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Somehow water has built up inside the red trunk lid brake light.

I'm not sure if it's just shadow, but there might also be dirt in there as well.

The brake light still works.

How can I drain this water out and clean the inside of the brake light ?
 
It's a 1997 Mark VIII base model.

Where would you put the hole ?

What size drill bit ?

There appears to be a dark background equal to the level of the water.

Can this be cleaned ?
 
Nope. It is dark because the reflective "plating" inside is very easily removed with the introduction of water.

Many people misdiagnose it as mold, since it does look just like it. It is VERY likely that what you're seeing is the back surface, sans reflective coating...
 
There are 2 reflector's on either side of the rear neon. On all the Mark VIII's I've owned I've drilled 3 tiny holes right behind the reflector on the black surface. You have to do it right at the bottom. I've never had humidity issues again. The purpose of drilling behind the reflectors is so that you can't see the holes! :)
 
Scallywag,

Thanks for the instructions !

Hopefully this will be as easy as it appears.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
98lincmk7lsc,

Beyond replacing the brake light, is there anything to be done about the reflective "plating" discoloration ?
 
UltimateSVT said:
What Gen do you have? It could be as simple as draining a couple holes. If you have a Gen 2 you have to hurry though otherwise the silver behind the light will start coming off.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure when this water buildup started, but after getting the water out with Scallywag's instructions the darkness is still there.

On the plus side, the brake light still works !
 
UltimateSVT said:
Sorry, you have to find a replacement. Lucky for you there are plenty of them. Post a new thread in the parts section here on LVC. If not then ebay.
Click to expand...

If I stated that I needed a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII center tail light assembly would that be the proper terminology ?
 
Scallywag said:
Here's a bit more detailed description of what drill bit to use and where to drill the holes in your attempt to remove moisture.

Teh LEENK

Hope it helps. :)
Click to expand...

OMG ! Got this done in 10 seconds - even with trepidation !

No more water ! (until it rains again or when I wash the car)

Thanks, Scallyway !
 
Denna said:
If I stated that I needed a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII center tail light assembly would that be the proper terminology ?
Click to expand...

I'll make it a bit easier for ya... "Lookin for a 97-98 rear neon" If your car is base then add the word base to the frase, if it's an LSC then add LSC to the phrase. Make sure you explain you want it in good condition, no cracks or worn reflective plating. Otherwise you will end up buying another one just like yours. Water filtration is quite common in these lights.

NOTE: As soon as you get the new one, drill the same holes so that any moisture that comes in, goes right out & you will never notice. :)
 
I think I saw that you have a base model....

If so, I may be willing to sell you a good condition base model neon tail light.

If you're interested, throw me a good offer, and we can see about making a deal.
 
Denna said:
OMG ! Got this done in 10 seconds - even with trepidation !

No more water ! (until it rains again or when I wash the car)

Thanks, Scallyway !
Click to expand...

Anytime! Though I merely posted the link, Mr. Rich a.k.a Glitch is the patron who provides the detailed info for owners and especially us fanatics who appreciate the vanity of a clean neon beam.

A bit more info can be found here.
 
98lincmk7lsc said:
I think I saw that you have a base model....

If so, I may be willing to sell you a good condition base model neon tail light.

If you're interested, throw me a good offer, and we can see about making a deal.
Click to expand...

98lincmk7lsc,

If I want to fix the appearance of the reflective plating, do I need the entire tail light assembly or just a part inside ?
 
Not a 2nd gen guy but I do know these neon tail lights are sealed so there's no fixing it if the reflective material is gone..you would spend waaay more trying to separate the neon and get it refinished and working again then if you were to just buy another one in good shape..these things pop up on ebay all the time..just do a search and ask the seller questions if need be.
 
Denna said:
98lincmk7lsc,

If I want to fix the appearance of the reflective plating, do I need the entire tail light assembly or just a part inside ?
Click to expand...

It is just a part inside it, but it would take a lot of meticulous work where few people have ventured. Much easier, less headache to just buy a good, used one.

Besides, if you were to break open a "good" one for the reflective piece, you would be ruining a good one to make a good one....lol
 
98lincmk7lsc said:
I think I saw that you have a base model....

If so, I may be willing to sell you a good condition base model neon tail light.

If you're interested, throw me a good offer, and we can see about making a deal.
Click to expand...

98lincmk7lsc,

I've searched on Ebay for a tail light, but I end up finding offers for "tail lights with ballast" ?

What is a ballast and should I be concerned about that if my tail light currently works ?

Is that the electrical wiring that connects to the tail light assembly ?
 
they make a new ballast, transformer,inverter, or stater if you want to call it that but if you are going to the trouble of replacing the taillight would get hold of glitchm@hotmail.com HE is theman to got to for rear neon information. he had inverters that are smaller and lighter than stock. also information on where to relocate the power lead so water will not infultrate in to the light.JD
 
Denna said:
98lincmk7lsc,

I've searched on Ebay for a tail light, but I end up finding offers for "tail lights with ballast" ?

What is a ballast and should I be concerned about that if my tail light currently works ?

Is that the electrical wiring that connects to the tail light assembly ?
Click to expand...

If your assembly still lights up, then there is no need to get one with the ballast/inverter. You can reuse yours and save yourself a little money.
 
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