car repair question

sylorna

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 20, 2005
Messages
1,370
Purraise
188
Location
North York, Ontario
Good morning!
I was wondering if any of my favourite cat lovers knew anything about repairing cars?
I got in my first (and hopefully last) accident yesterday. Myself, my boyfriend and the guy in the other car are fine, and both cars seem to have suffered minimal damage. The worst of it was the fact that the lens on my drivers side headlight popped off (the bulb even stayed intact) and it got driven over. SO now I need to have it replaced, but I'd kind of like to know what to expect from the mechanics first.
It *looks* like it should be easy enough, just pop one back on, but from the very very limited about of information about these things on the net, I may have to have them remove the bumper etc. Here's hoping what I'm expecting to be a $100 doesn't start looking like $400.
Anyone have any insight?
jess
 

tigerontheprowl

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,512
Purraise
11
Location
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Here, installation of a new lens ranges from $20-$50 depending on the car and where you take it. I'm not sure what mechanics would charge in Ontario but I'm sure it wouldn't be much. There's no way they should charge you over $75. Or if you want you could do it yourself. All you have to do is take of the other lens and take it to an automotive store or possibly a glass repair center and find one that is like the other one. Then as long as you have a screwdriver, you should be able to replace it within a few minutes.
 

pookie-poo

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 14, 2007
Messages
3,911
Purraise
6
Location
Middle-Of-No-Where Michigan
Back some 30 odd years ago, when I used to wrench on cars, you could look up repair stuff in a Chilton's Manual. Do they make those anymore? It would tell you what would be involved in repair/replacing the lens cover. I wouldn't think it would be too difficult. You can always get an estimate and then decide if you want them to repair it or try to do it yourself. Good luck!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

sylorna

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 20, 2005
Messages
1,370
Purraise
188
Location
North York, Ontario
Thanks guys. That's pretty reassuring, since everything I've found on the net has alluded to having to take the bumper off. I'm hoping since it's actually the turn signal that it will be easier (it looks like an easier spot to get to). Going to take it in tomorrow. Just glad I didn't break the bulb...still legal to drive.
Oh and also that we weren't hurt (although I did seem to have jammed my knee and it hurts when I drive).
 

carolpetunia

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 25, 2005
Messages
9,669
Purraise
17
Location
Plano, Texas
You don't have to go to a shop! Just buy the part -- I've done it twice, and both times, I was able to replace the whole assembly myself with no trouble! The wires plug in, so that part's easy. Don't pay if you don't have to!
 

trouts mom

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 4, 2006
Messages
23,949
Purraise
16
Location
Snowy Santa Land
Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

You don't have to go to a shop! Just buy the part -- I've done it twice, and both times, I was able to replace the whole assembly myself with no trouble! The wires plug in, so that part's easy. Don't pay if you don't have to!
Yeah I really think it is easy enough to do on your own..and a fraction of the cost!
 

whisky'sdad

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Feb 4, 2002
Messages
1,058
Purraise
1
Location
Orange, CA
First off, what kind of car is it? Then, I would look online for forums that deal with that kind of car. People on the forums, like here, can help tremendously!

Good luck!
 
Top