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R80ST Headlight Gasket Installation

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John Lindberg
(@john-lindberg)
Posts: 14
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

I'm replacing the headlight gasket in my R80ST as the old one turned to dust.  Is the gasket intended to be sandwiched between the glass lens and reflector, or to be stretched over the area where those two meet?  No instructions available that I can find in my references or on the web.

Thanks in advance,

John


 
Posted : 10/12/2025 12:00
Richard W
(@wobbly)
Posts: 2681
Member
 

It's to keep the glass from physically coming into contact with the steel HL rim. In a high vibration environment, this could conceivably crack or destroy the HL reflector. 

In theory, almost any tape or insulating material could be substituted. Another way might be to set the reflector (without bulb) on a flat bench. Apply a THIN coat of clear silicone sealant all around, into the groove which holds the rim. Then set the rim in place on top of the reflector. Allow the weight of the rim to push into the silicone and get the rim situated. When this dries, you can re-install the reflector W clips and cut away any excess silicone which is exposed on the front.


Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.

 
Posted : 10/13/2025 03:25
John Lindberg
(@john-lindberg)
Posts: 14
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

Richard,

Outstanding reply and idea - many thanks.  I'm a bit confused by the terminology.  Should the silicone be in between the steel HL rim and the glass lens (seems like the correct answer), or between the glass lens and the reflector?  

John


 
Posted : 10/13/2025 04:29
Richard W
(@wobbly)
Posts: 2681
Member
 

Posted by: @john-lindberg

Should the silicone be in between the steel HL rim and the glass lens (seems like the correct answer), or between the glass lens and the reflector? 

John -

Now that you mention it, both ! Glass shouldn't rest directly against any metals. 

 


Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.

 
Posted : 10/14/2025 01:38

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