Advice of the flist

[girlyswot]

The glass (is it actual glass?  Dunno) on the front right indicator light of my car is broken.  I have no money.  I need your help.[Poll #1346816][Poll #1346816]

Comments

[bookwormsarah.livejournal.com]

How smushed is it? Do you have all the pieces, and will sticking it with gaffertape block the light at all? If it is only a little, I'd go with the superglue/tape option, but if it is likely to impeed the light or to let in water (which can blow the bulb/fizzle the electrics) you are better to replace the glass.

Also depends a lot on the car. If the headlight has to be replaced as a fixed unit, it can be expensive, less so if you can replace just the indicator glass...

Good luck, and what a pain.

[girlyswot.livejournal.com]

It's separate from the headlight, so it would be just the indicator glass. It seems to be in three or four biggish pieces, so I think I might be able to put it together reasonably well. I hadn't thought about making sure it was waterproof, but that's a good point, thanks.

[amamama.livejournal.com]

What bookwormsarah said. :-) If you've got all the pieces, I'd clean them and use superglue. And some sealant if that's necessary to make sure there's no fissure left for water to enter through. Also, if you car is more than a year old, you can probable find a spare at a ... erm, what on earth do you call it? One of those places that recycles cars. Search online for the "glass" (which probably is plastic). Some handsome handy guys around to ask for help, maybe?

[nundu-art.livejournal.com]

Excellent idea, Berte! Call around to some 'junkyards' (that's what we call them in the US) and see if they have a car model/year/make as yours with an intact headlamp unit. It will save a ton over buying one new. Of course, then you have to find someone who's willing to replace the part. The dealership probably won't use a used part, but an independent repair shop probably would (or if you have a handy friend...even better!).

I've been driving around with a hole in my headlamp cover for over a year. Not long after I got the car a stone was thrown up from the road and hit the glass, putting in a small, crazed hole. To replace it would be a couple of hundred dollars, as the entire unit has to be replaced. I have constant condensation in the light unit, but the bulb hasn't blown yet.

[dogstar101.livejournal.com]

It's probably plastic. I would go with Berte and Cindy's suggestions. Stick it with glue / tape for now and see if there's a scrap yard nearby that has a spare. If you phone, they should be able to tell you without having to go there. You might even be able to replace the unit yourself depending on the age / model of your car - some are easier than others.

Good luck!

[alkari.livejournal.com]

Agree with above. You need to make sure the light and electrics are waterproof, but complete replacement at a dealer will cost far more than a local mechanic. Ring around local garages, explain and ask for costs - they may be able to do it very cheaply (espedcially those traditionally thrifty Scots, LOL). OTOH, if you need an entire sealed unit, that will cost you, alas - been there, done that!!

Good luck.

[jpatch123.livejournal.com]

I manage an autoparts store you can get either salvage ones or new ones and they are not all that hard to replace....just ask the people at the store and they should be able to tell you how =)