I stole the oh-so-frugal idea from iamhives over on another site to use two 3 3/4" mirrors in the front bumper "sockets" to simulate fog lights. Not only does it look pretty convincing from a short distance, but it's the best $3.18 (2 x $1.59) I've spent on my Element yet! :wink:

iamhives points out that the mirrors being convex diverges the light rather than focus so there is minimal reflection and/or glare.

http://2dolphins.com/images/element/fakefogs.jpg

I might try that myself! It does give it that fog light look without the $$$. 8)

:D That is a really cool idea...I will have to try that...where did you get the round mirrors to fit.

I got mine at Advance Auto Parts for $1.59 each. They're just 3 3/4" blindspot mirrors that you'd use on a larger vehicle.

How did you wire them into the electrical system? :wink:

oh man, that is nice...now i have to take off my rockets and put those in.

[quote:f2dc5e0e45="eMass"]How did you wire them into the electrical system? :wink:[/quote:f2dc5e0e45]

Bendy straws should work fine.

No, first you take the Benford model number.....

i tried the same thing... looks great !!!!

thanks to all who share these ideas when they come up with them...yaaaaaaaay!!!!

INSTALLED!! What a great look. Thank you for sharing. This site is "da bomb".
shaka....... 8)

Yeah me too! looks great - just until I hit lotto then I can get fog lights! :?

I am heading to the auto store tomorrow! One question.....how did you attach? Do they have adheasive backs? And if so how long will the adheasive hold up when exposed to the "elememts"??

Thanks!
Diane :)

Yup, they do have a circular pad of commercial-grade double-sided adhesive foam tape on the back. I'm making the assumption that, since these are designed to adhere to side mirrors on RVs and other larger vehicles, they'll be able to weather the "elements" just fine. :P

You know, I was at Targét with my roomate this weekend buying auto accessories (he just bought a used Civic about a week before I got my E) and I was telling him about this 'fake fogs' idea. I was going to do it myself, but he talked me out of it. He said "it's better to look like the guy who opted not to buy the fogs, than the guy who couldn't afford the fogs but wants people to think he really got them." Guess I hadn't thought of it that way...

Drew

I agree. Pure cheese.

I have to agree with Drew and eMass on this. Mods are one thing, but fake anything is just that. I have to admire the original idea, tho, very creative...

Well, if I wanted fake fog lights I would have bought cheap-o foglights at a discount store like Target and just stuck them in. No, I have Curb mirrors! They aren't pertending to be anything! I can afford the lights just haven't got around to getting them, mirrors sure look better then what was there before! :roll:

[quote:4e894995c7="Inmyelement"]Well, if I wanted fake fog lights I would have bought cheap-o foglights at a discount store like Target and just stuck them in. No, I have Curb mirrors! They aren't pertending to be anything! I can afford the lights just haven't got around to getting them, mirrors sure look better then what was there before! :roll:[/quote:4e894995c7]

Ok, I... uh... stand (sit, actually) corrected... I guess.

hey there just two little mirrors...loosen up everybody...I thought I was being fun"E"! :D

Hhmmm, I wonder. If I painted a shiny black rectangle on the top rear of my "E" would people think I have the sunroof? Just wondering. :shock:

[quote:3eb50d20bf="'da orange box"]Hhmmm, I wonder. If I painted a shiny black rectangle on the top rear of my "E" would people think I have the sunroof? Just wondering. :shock:[/quote:3eb50d20bf]

Only if you painted a black rectangle on the inside headliner too. :lol:

[quote:dd2e86ab90="Inmyelement"]Well, if I wanted fake fog lights I would have bought cheap-o foglights at a discount store like Target and just stuck them in. No, I have Curb mirrors! They aren't pertending to be anything! [/quote:dd2e86ab90]

Inmyelement, you rock and your curb mirrors do too! :lol:

Come on guys...lighten up :) I'm looking for the same sized red reflectors to put there...but will look at the mirrors as well....good idea...much better then $595 fog lamps :) ouch!

sorry i didn't put a smiley on my last post... :oops:

wasn't trying to be a wet blanket... :oops:

After further consideration:idea:, I think the curb mirrors could be very useful for checking that my mullet is still looking good when waking up in the gutter (again) after a hard night of too many Mickey Big Mouths and peppermint schnapps shots (say that three times fast):shock:. I guess a trip to Pep Boys is in order... [teehee] :lol: uh, NOT.

wuts oh fun ebout peasluv anun ners tanning

What a wonderful idea these mirrors are. Imagine how great it would be backing up and parking if everyone had these :)

The mirrors are also really good for funnies and backing and shaving and puppies can see themselves :) Sounds good to me, HA! :o

Or the little bugs in the highway so they can think or say,"Before I die I sure am looking good! Oh well It's been fun liv..." :D :shock: :o 8) :lol: :wink:

thanks for sharing the original post !

i think your idea is great and it looks GREAT too ! i hate seeing those annoying empty sockets and realize that until now my only option was to pay $600+ for the honda lights that, so far, i haven't heard anyone really brag about.

are we to slag the people who put fake leds in as well ?

if another company like piaa was to implement a solution i would be interested. however the honda 'e' accessory line has so far failed to impress me. combine that with the lack of flexibility the installers have and you end up with diapers on you deiling.....oooops i am diagressing into another peeve...one peeve at a time, one peeve at a time,.....one peeve at a time,..one peeve at .......

like i said IT LOOKS GOOD ! thanks for sharing !

What about something like this instead?

http://www.preparedness.com/rouncolref.html

Drew

One word...BAD! I agree that it's better to look like they were left off intentionally than to put something as a substitute like....mirrors? Take the high road, Bro. Wait until you can put fogs in.

Well, alright! Stopped at AutoZone for them mirrors :) Took the Wife and suggested red reflectors instead....but on looking at the Element and all the yellow on the front...she suggested YELLOW reflectors! Darn! it looks good....$1.69 each!

http://www.angelfire.com/blog/dirkfour4/images/element_reflectors.jpg

Way to go, Dirk! Snappy!

Thanks for allowing me to share that with you...now all I have to do is find another way to source my images HA!

Ok...trying angelfire now :)

http://www.angelfire.com/blog/dirkfour4/images/element_reflectors.jpg

Some real driving lights or fog lights from Piaa or Hella or some company would be much better than some wimpy lights from Honda that just light up the 15ft in front of your E. I think the mirror or reflector idea is better than what you get through Honda. Maybe Honda will come up with a set of neons for under the E too! Uggh!

I think the driving light recesses are calling for some "machine gun" or "missle nose" looking inserts - there has got to be someone out there in aftermarket land that could mold some inserts that look like that or better yet some real paintball guns mounted there, no doubt that might be illegal though. Maybe Toys-R-Us has something that could be adapted...

[quote:27552f5278="Hawaiian E"]oh man, that is nice...now i have to take off my rockets and put those in.[/quote:27552f5278]

I think I like the idea of mounting fake rockets down there better than mirrors. Ditto to the cheese comment.

Cheese? Fake?

No, I don't think so. I went ahead and paid nearly $600 for the fog lights, and ended up having to re-finish the terrible cutouts the dealer made. It was a complete hassle. :evil: They look nice now, but mirrors or maybe white reflectors would have looked nearly as good, in my opinion. The only reason I even got the lights was because it looked like something NEEDED to go in that space.

If I had seen these suggestions in advance, I would have never wasted that money.

In an unrelated comment, I can say that the side steps were a great deal, however. :wink:

Ok, Ok, I bought my 1.89 "fog lights" and installed them this weekend. Looks much better! Thanks for the suggestion- keep 'em coming!

Why wouldn't you use a 2" diameter white reflective circles? It would be functional at night.

Check out the 3M scotchlite product...

[quote:587ecbf4c2="mreis171"]Cheese? Fake?[/quote:587ecbf4c2]

No, I prefer to call them fake cheese.:lol:

Einstein, I was thinking that same thing after I installed the mirrors. Where would be a good place to look for those? :?:

I'm sorry, but this idea is just plain RICE.

They are meant to look like fog lights, that's the original plan. If you can't buy fog lights don't simulate them with mirrors. This is just as bad as the Civics with the disc covers over their drum brakes to make them look cool.

Come on guys. If you can't afford the fog lights, don't pretend you have them. :roll:

Well, I couldn't stand looking at those plain holes. When I added the mirrors, everyone who saw it after said it looked better than having nothing at all. To each his own I guess. :wink:

This fake fog thing got me thinking. THANKS! :) I do not need fogs. I can rant but not here. But I wanted to fill the holes and add some bumper protection. So my plan is put in fake lights. I spotted tractor work lamps by Petersen Manufacuturing. They have a rubber housing. Got them for $20 each. Plan to screw the housing into the holes from the outside. That way I don't have to take the bumper off. No wiring requireed because they don't power up. They stick out a bit adding protection from "touch" parkers. They actually look bigger and meaner than Honda fogs. Post pictures much later. 8)

[quote:e68af3457c="ropedart"]This fake fog thing got me thinking. THANKS! :) I do not need fogs. I can rant but not here. But I wanted to fill the holes and add some bumper protection. So my plan is put in fake lights. I spotted tractor work lamps by Petersen Manufacuturing. They have a rubber housing. Got them for $20 each. Plan to screw the housing into the holes from the outside. That way I don't have to take the bumper off. No wiring requireed because they don't power up. They stick out a bit adding protection from "touch" parkers. They actually look bigger and meaner than Honda fogs. Post pictures much later. 8)[/quote:e68af3457c]

I was thinking about that too! Just buy some cheapie fogs and put them in and not hook them up. Maybe put something else in the holes.

SOME people don't need fog lights but like the look of them on their car. Don't be bashing people for making their car look nice to them, and don't mention money because if you care so much about it, buy it for them. The mirrors give it a different look than the fogs and makes it more unique.

Amen! :D

I whole heartedly agree. I have had one set of fogs in the last 35 years and I haven't had to use them. The space where the Honda fogs are supposed to go, cries out to be used in whatever manner or fashion that the owner chooses, as long as it doesn't hurt or stink. Stop complaining...it's innovative. Don't hate...

BW

They may be cheap in price, but. i just bought 2 convex 3" mirrors from auto zone for a dollar a piece. They may not be real, but damn they look good for 2 bucks. i'm so glad i didnt spend 300 dollars for something i will never use. :D

I also never used fog lights. Not too much fog down here, or forgot to use them whenever there was fog. Got 2 yellow/orange reflectors. Put them in the holes. Looks good. Not bad for $3.00. Time will tell how they well they last.

I'm getting the fogs myself as my only dealer-installed option. We get lots of fog in the bay area, so for me they should help improve visibility (mostly I like anything that helps other cars see me). But the mirror treatment sounds good to me--the blank openings just need something: for me it provided an excuse for fog lights but it sure isn't an inexpensive option.

Are they easily interchangeable or if you need to replace them? Will they leave any marks if you take them off? We are leasing our "E" and don't want to mess it up. Let me know..

Thanks

Wade & Amy

Wadenamy

If you're talking about the fake fogs or reflectors, they come off easily enough just by yanking them off. Just wear protective clothing (glass & all that). You can clean up any leftover residue with your usual solvents. Naturally if you're talking about real fogs, there is cutting involved which makes it a permanent proposition.

OK - after some thought on this subject and my personal distaste for fake fogs I have a suggestion...

Many people are filling the lower grill area with chrome mesh - why not do the same thing for the fog light areas?

With the mesh in place maybe it will look like protection for a couple of cooling vents instead of driveway markers masquerading as fog lights. :D

Well, that's an idea.....isn't it?

Look here: http://www.hondaelement.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=13727

[quote:3e02f59a33="burnt-O"]Einstein, I was thinking that same thing after I installed the mirrors. Where would be a good place to look for those? :?:[/quote:3e02f59a33]

I debated on the mirror for fogs issue since the first message was posted, and finally gave in and ate the cheese. I've paid particular attention to other vehicles on the road, with and without fogs, and came to the conclusion that most of them were aftermarket lights for the sake of form, not function. Then I debated on whether or not the appearance of having fogs warranted the $500+ expense. I came to the conclusion that I would rather invest $4 in the appearance of fogs, and spend the other $496 on steps, visors, electric cooler, etc. All of which I feel certain I would use, unlike the fogs whose most practical purpose is looking nice.

I got 3.75 inch convex mirrors and they fit okay, but I think 4 inch would fit perfect. I would have opted for the white reflector type as opposed to the mirrors, but couldn't find them. Heck , for $4 I'll keep looking and replace the mirrors when I find the reflectors.

Even Stilton cheese is nice to look at, despite it's horrific smell.

Ditto. I would prefer white reflectors

BW

How about just adding a peace sign in one and a smily face in the other :-)

We're still considering buying an Element.........but doesnt ANYONE besides Honda make ANY lights that fit!??!? A decent set of Hellas are only $50! And NAPA sells some that are undrer $10.........Cant you just remove the covers and put even a larger sized light behind?

If we buy one we'll MAKE it work before I give those thieves at Honda over $200!!!

[quote:597538cbbf="eMass"]OK - after some thought on this subject and my personal distaste for fake fogs I have a suggestion...

Many people are filling the lower grill area with chrome mesh - why not do the same thing for the fog light areas?

With the mesh in place maybe it will look like protection for a couple of cooling vents instead of driveway markers masquerading as fog lights. :D[/quote:597538cbbf]

HEY good idea! Its probably also possible to run some ducting to the brakes from them too.......

Wow, what a great idea. At least it adds a little something to the lower portion of the front end. Who cares if they are fake. Hell $3 sounds like a good deal. Clark Howard would be proud.

[quote:1155e72dd1="zozohead"]the fogs whose most practical purpose is looking nice.[/quote:1155e72dd1]

Those of us who live in large depressed river valleys really do use fogs quite often for their intended purpose. Heck, there are some months when all I can see is illuminated by the fogs.

This is an absolutely great idea! I modified it just a bit by adding a product called Wire Form. This is an alumminum mesh used by artists and crafters. By covering the entire mirrors with two thin layers(it comes in a sheet )it removed all the glare and they really looks great. This was to easy to make such a believable adapt. I cut the mesh in circles and wrapped it around the mirriors. The second layer you can adjust to create different patterns. By the way, make sure you press the mesh tightly up against the edges as well as around the inside lip where the mirror meets the round frame. Finally, trim the back of the mesh so it doesn't come in contact with the foam adhesive mount. This little tip only adds about $3 or $4 and is totally worth the extra few minutes. No one will call these babies cheesy. :mrgreen:

road debris + mirros in lower portion of bumper = ?broken mirror?

This was posted here previously because I borrowed the idea, but the better look is to install the matching yellow reflectors; they look like they belong and are functional!

Enjoy!

wow.....why would you do this?

i guess this is for the people who liked the fake spare mounted on the rear of the early 80s caddys

or fake wood on the 70s wagons

to each his own...very own

robert

Don't forget the fake BOOBs of the 90's :lol:

[quote:7728acde56="spacemen3"]wow.....why would you do this?

i guess this is for the people who liked the fake spare mounted on the rear of the early 80s caddys

or fake wood on the 70s wagons

to each his own...very own

robert[/quote:7728acde56]

Well, I broke down and installed my gheto-fogs today. They look nice for the 2.97 I paid for them. Will eventually get the real-deals and will only be out 2.97 till then.

well, all of the discussion was so intriguing that i sat in front of my E for 10 minutes contemplating. just anotehr reason to stare lovingly at it (my neighbors think i'm whacked because i'm running out to my car all the time.)
:wink:


i decided i'd go get some and try it. well, autozone, pep boys,n kragen and walmart ALL didn't have any white reflectors. so i got a pair of orangy-yellow ones. and i popped them on and i like it. not really fog lights, but they fill up the sad blank area.

all you purists might think that it's hokey, but i like it. and the orange matches the turn light thing.

I still haven't been able to find white reflectors, and the 3M stuff hasn't been in any Walmart I've been in. So, off to Ebay, where a search for "Scotchlite" gets me two 3.5x9" sheets for $5. Can't hate that.

I'll have them in on the weekend.

Installed my $22 fogs from Walmart this past weekend.

I couldn't utilize the stock E wiring harnesses or Honda dash switch(incompatible with Walmart light harness and switches))

The fogs are powered from my battery (like my subwoofer amp)

It does utilize an in-line fuse

No relay was included and I will install seperately

I would recommend using an Exacto style cutting tool vs. the suggested hacksaw blade to cut the front bumper fog light mounting area.

$22 and 1.5 hours of my buds and I and these lights do the same exact job as the $259 Honda fogs and at least $150 dealer install.

$22 + beer for Walmart fogs and install
vs.
$409 + dealer bull****

You do the math. Both items perform the same exact function with the same approximate performance

Some teenagers drove by saying I needed to fill those holes. It was time. I got tractor work lights from Peterson Manufacturing model 507. It is PAR36 with a replaceable 4411 sealed beam. Drilled off the metal mounting bracket and bolted the rubber housing right over the plastic wall without even cutting it.. Didn't hook it up electrically. Used the Honda fog light instructions to get behind the bumper. Installed tuner black aluminum hex grill to the front (as done by others). Pretty easy to get the bumper off.
The lights stick out a bit and reflect back alot of light since they are out in the open. Looks more aggressive and the rubber housing will take hits from touch parkers.

I may in the spring actually put on PIAA 510 since they now come with stoneguards but they are $200. I like the stoneguards. By then I will have the energy to tackle the wiring.
http://image.internetimagingnetwork.com/getImage?pid=ph97181690377&size=IMAGE_RES_4&mod=2003-11-8-12:2:48

I like the idea... Curious, how did you fasten the mirrors on?

Regards,
Bryan in NJ

Want to be slightly different? Of course you do, you bought an Element! BUt in regards to foglights and their asthetic purpose whether you use them or not and using mirrors (as I have done) in their place, try this..... have someone save some large coffee cans, paint them black (or chrome) and then put the biggest Dayliters covers you can find to go over them. They look like BIG foglights but in reality are not.

How does THAT grab you??

Ger

If you are referring to my non-functioning lights, I just used four #10 screws, lock washer and nuts for each lamp. Drilled 4 small holes in the rubber and 4 matching holes in the bumper and bolted them on. I think you don't even have to remove the bumper to get at the foglight area. I think removing just the flat bottom panel could do the trick. That is to attach the nuts from the rear.

http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=457945&cat=5&val=1

[quote:923e66cfb9="Macgyvergirl"]By covering the entire mirrors with two thin layers it removed all the glare and they really looks great.[/quote:923e66cfb9]

Hey, Macgyvergirl, show us some pictures of your creation, please!! :mrgreen: