Author Topic: Condensation wicks in tail light housing  (Read 8484 times)

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Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« on: August 24, 2014, 07:21:01 PM »
While at the Camaro Club of Kansas City show yesterday, I came across a beautifully restored 67 with the Mod package. Looking it over I noticed something that looked like a filter type material in each of the holes in the tail light housing. I was told that they acted as a condensation wick, and they were also on Impalas. Never seen them before until yesterday. Sorry I didn't get a picture.

77thor

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2014, 09:36:19 PM »
Hmmmm... I've never heard of them.
I assume that they are supposed to prevent moisture buildup inside the taillights.
1969 Camaro SS, 350(NOM), M21, 12 Bolt Posi, 01B LOS Build
1977 Camaro, 350(LM1), M20, 10 Bolt Posi, Purchased New, (SOLD)

LVN 67

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2014, 10:22:29 PM »
I had never heard of them either.  ???  Like I said, wish I would have got a picture. I will be paying more attention to trunk area, and be sure and get a picture next time.

cook_dw

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2014, 10:24:20 PM »
They are on 67 & 8 tail light housings.  Because the metal back housings that cause  moisture.  Pretty sure 69's do not have them.  




cook_dw

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #4 on: August 24, 2014, 10:28:38 PM »
Heres a 68 with the wick missing.  I would guess most either dry rotted or were broken off.


LVN 67

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2014, 11:01:12 PM »
Thanks for the pictures Darrell.   :)

Mike S

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2014, 03:35:25 AM »
Both my 67's have them. On the one I restored I replaced a missing one using a cigarette filter (I think from a Marlboro). It worked and looks excellent.

Mike
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68L30

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2014, 01:07:21 PM »
Mine both have the "wicks" and some ink stamping on the galvanized sheet metal. Cool stuff, details count.


Steve

JohnZ

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2014, 02:40:15 PM »
'63-'67 Corvettes also used the "wicks" in the bottom of the taillight lenses, with die-cast housings.
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joesauer

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2014, 04:22:11 PM »
Good info.   Anyone know where you can purchase these? ......or are most of you making these from scratch.

JohnZ

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2014, 03:37:15 PM »
Good info.   Anyone know where you can purchase these? ......or are most of you making these from scratch.

Paragon has them - $5.00 for (4) wicks.
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firstgenaddict

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2014, 11:18:16 PM »
Nice detail shot of original paint and the black tail pan light overspray in the trunk jamb....

James
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Mike S

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2014, 11:44:05 PM »
James,

   What do I see what looks like a two tone green line on the other side of the trunk seal?
I would think that would be black too.

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
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cook_dw

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2014, 01:43:47 AM »
James,

   What do I see what looks like a two tone green line on the other side of the trunk seal?
I would think that would be black too.

Mike

Huh??  I can assure you there is NO 2 tone green line..  That is a light hit of black over the green..

Mike S

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Re: Condensation wicks in tail light housing
« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2014, 02:11:01 AM »
Hi Darrell,
 
    I thought that shot was from James. I can see how the covering looks like dark green now that you said it was a light coating of black.
Looks like the sprayer didn't lean into the trunk for coverage on the other side. Makes sense given the mass production quality of that time.
I studied the photo closer and see what looks like a heavier coat of black paint on the top edge only behind the weather strip?
That gives me a mental image of how the sprayer stood with the gun.

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
67 05B NOR SS/RS L35 Convertible - Restored