Cheap way to replace fog lights.

[Buffalosports]

Cheap way to replace fog lights (Pics Included).

*SEE POST #7 FOR RESULTS*

I posted this a few days ago about changing my 98 fog lights (Link below). The only way to change to the lense is by changing the assembly also. I really think that $60+ dollars is steap for fog lights. I know that there is a place that sells them at $23 each but after shipping, it becomes $34 each. I thought of an idea the other day which is much cheaper. Tell me what you guys think. Will this work?

I heard in some forums, that you can place the assembly in the oven for a few minutes to begin to melt the glue, that holds the lense to the assembly. First you start out by doing that. Next you buy some cheap, square, lenses at walmart or your local autoparts store. Proceed by drilling holes in both the lense and assembly. Be sure that the holes line up while making the lense on center. Put a bolt through the lense. Both the inside and outside of the lense hole should have a rubber washer on it, to keep water out (you may also want to put some silicone on the inside, after bolt is tightened down). Next bolt the lense onto the assembly, using the holes you just made. Put assembly back onto truck. Finsish by inserting desired lights.

Link to orginal post:
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211178

*SEE POST #7 FOR RESULTS*

 

[shortstack]

ya just get the walmart cheapy's and put them in the existing location, and connect the wires

 

[Donner]

x 2 - run pepboyz $20 a set...

 

[Joe Dirt]

I can't picture what you're talking about with the holes, bolts, and rubber washers. I'd either run the $20 Peps or just spring for the factory ones. My Ex is a big part of my day, and I ended up buying new factory fog lights on fleabay for $50 shipped.

 

[Anime]

On some lights, mostly those with metal/ceramic reflector bodies and glass lenses, you can put them in the oven and remove the lens, swapping it out for a glass lens of about the same size from another fog light. This is also possible with some high-performance plastics since it's done with headlights also, but it's much more risky since obviously, the plastic can melt, and just a slight distortion in a clear lens renders it useless.

If your factory assemblies are in great shape, and you can find cheap fogs with the same lens size, sure, try it out, see if they swap, and go for it. If it doesn't work, you can always try re-attaching the lens to the cheap fogs and using them like that.

I wouldn't even TRY to DRILL HOLES in a glass lens or a reflector assembly. Besides ruining the lens/assembly, even if it drills through, it'll eventually crack and the lens will fall off. Lenses are attached to housings with adhesive for a reason.

Depending on how many smashed up fogs you get, going to cheapies can be worth it. I see so many bashed up fog lights these days, it just doesn't seem worth it to spend over $20-30 on a pair unless they're a nice quality aftermarket set with plastic covers.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I posted this a few days ago about changing my 98 fog lights (Link below). The only way to change to the lense is by changing the assembly also. I really think that $60+ dollars is steap for fog lights. I know that there is a place that sells them at $23 each but after shipping, it becomes $34 each. I thought of an idea the other day which is much cheaper. Tell me what you guys think. Will this work?

I heard in some forums, that you can place the assembly in the oven for a few minutes to begin to melt the glue, that holds the lense to the assembly. First you start out by doing that. Next you buy some cheap, square, lenses at walmart or your local autoparts store. Proceed by drilling holes in both the lense and assembly. Be sure that the holes line up while making the lense on center. Put a bolt through the lense. Both the inside and outside of the lense hole should have a rubber washer on it, to keep water out (you may also want to put some silicone on the inside, after bolt is tightened down). Next bolt the lense onto the assembly, using the holes you just made. Put assembly back onto truck. Finsish by inserting desired lights.

Link to orginal post:
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211178

Hope you let us know how it turns out.
If you can do this all for less money, time & effort than swapping in some wallyworld fogs, I'll be surprised.

 

[Buffalosports]

Hope you let us know how it turns out.
If you can do this all for less money, time & effort than swapping in some wallyworld fogs, I'll be surprised.

Finished the prodect today. I didn't do exsactly what I said I was going to do because I found a kit which made it easier. If anyone wants step-by-step instructions, let me know (I have more pictures). The Kit cost me $20 (at AutoZone) and it only cost 2 hours of my time. In fact, it would have taken less time if I had thought out the way to mount them, better.

Kit Included:
Two Fog Lights
Two Brackets
All the Wiring (I used wiring from factory set)
Switch (I used switch from factory set)
Screws to mount bracket, lights, and switch (i used bolts instead)

Sorry for the lines through the pics. Kids dropped my camera!

 

[Bill Kemp]

Looking good!!!
Glad you found some fogs & a way to mount them. Much easer than the oven method. And probably better results.
Thanks for the pics.

 

[Buffalosports]

Looking good!!!
Glad you found some fogs & a way to mount them. Much easer than the oven method. And probably better results.
Thanks for the pics.

no problem. For the most part, it was very easy. The only trouble I had was the fact that my hands where to big. Had trouble getting to some of the bolts.

 

[Bill Kemp]

no problem. For the most part, it was very easy. The only trouble I had was the fact that my hands where to big. Had trouble getting to some of the bolts.

Welcome to the club.

What the hell....If it was easy everyone would do it.

 

[Buffalosports]

Welcome to the club.

What the hell....If it was easy everyone would do it.

Very ture....