Protecting fog light lenses

[cactushawk]

During refueling the other day I noitced on my 3 week old Element that the left front foglight lens was broken. I presume it was hit by road debris.

I called my local dealership to get a replacement only to confirm my perceived nightmare. You cannot get a replacement lens, nor can you get a replacement fixture. You have to purchase the complete foglight assembly kit to the tune of $350. at this dealer or from Handa I believe for about $240.

This is absurd that Honda sells these asccessories which are not repairable. I love the extra light, but I will not replace the entire kit for a broken lens. I suspect the next time it rains or I wash it water will peneture the fixture and fry the system anyway. My only alternative is to hopefully find a wrecked E that may have a usable fixture the junk yard will part with.

Anybody seen one??

[Einstein]

I installed the kit and put on 3.5" diameter 3M material (40 mils thick, made for headlights) for protection. I am protected!

I have extra material if anyone who lives around me need it.

The factory glass lenses say "Raybrig" I would check direct with the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement parts.

http://www.raybrigusa.com/
1-800-463-3009

[Einstein]

If you're looking for the quality fit+finish of Honda fogs, definitely use the protectant film at installation to protect your purchase.

Usually there is a warranty from the supplier for the 3M protection of the lens, I don't know if it applies for bulk material though (as opposed to their die-cut shapes specific for a vehicle.).

I personally carry $0 deductable comprehensive insurance. Any damage to glass or from vandalism is completely covered without making your insurance go up for a claim. I would use this if something was substantial enough to break the lens.

[cactushawk]

Thanks for the information. I have already sent Raybrig an email to see if they can repair or replace the broken lens.

So where do you purchase the 3M film? I saw a similiar type of protectant on Ebay which is only 15 mil and it is precut to fit a specific vehicle for $49.95.

Was the 40 mil film you used easy to cut and install?

Thanks...

[Einstein]

[quote:c39e0ac271=" "]Thanks for the information. I have already sent Raybrig an email to see if they can repair or replace the broken lens.

So where do you purchase the 3M film? I saw a similiar type of protectant on Ebay which is only 15 mil and it is precut to fit a specific vehicle for $49.95.

Was the 40 mil film you used easy to cut and install?

Thanks...[/quote:c39e0ac271]

You can find 12"x12" sheets at www.xpel.com

The 15 material is for the painted body, the 40 mil material is for headlights.

Don't use dull scizzors, this material requires sharp blades to cut smoothly. I had no problem at all.

[jays0n]

is a 12x12 sheet enough to do both fogs, i don't have a tape measure on me and it's too cold out there to go and measure it anyway, can anybody save me the trip outside to measure the stock fogs?

[Einstein]

Yes, 12x12 is enough to do nine 3.5" diameter circles (4.5 fog light pairs).

I bought 2 sheets and have all this leftover....

[cactushawk]

:) UPDATE! After much research with no luck finding a replacement foglight, H & A Accessories tells me Honda will offer replacement lamp assemblies. They will have them in stock as soon as Honda has them available.

In the interim, all my lenses are getting the 3m treatment.

[Einstein]

I do the wet installation. The dry installation is something "new," the first couple of times I used the product it wasn't described. I guess I'm really comfortable with what works.

[quote:8641569c30=" "]Hey Einstein,

I just got my film in the mail. The instructions talk about a wet and a dry installation. Which one did you do?

thanks!
spider-t[/quote:8641569c30]

[klynch13]

I have the xpel protectors on my fogs and they work great. They are the same as the 3m ones or probably are them. I highly recommend them. The winter was very harsh this year by me and the Boxy took a trashing. She has to go for a paint job monday because the guys who installed my 2nd windshield put a scratch in the fender an a 4 incher to the metal on the top. Not to mention that the water that leaked from the first install put water stains on the center console. She's getting everything fixed and will be good as new. 4 months old and 20,000 miles.