DIY

Someone really special to me had a minor mishap with her 2nd generation Toyota Vios and as a result, the passenger side fog lamp was smashed. I remembered when she said, "Oh, my poor baby" or something similar and I thought, that is one point that we are similar and I like about her. One day, while I was surfing a site that sells car parts and came upon a fog lamp and I thought about her and her Vios. I started surveying for the price of one of these fog lamps but there were too many choices. So, I started contacting my high school mate who works in an car accessory shop for the price. I bought one unit, sneaked out from work to collect it and prepared to surprise her at her house. I asked my friend and he ensured me it will be an easy job with 3 screws and a plug. After I have done everything, I grabbed only a screwdriver but thought of the fender cover and under cover of the car. So, I grabbed some extra tools. When I reached her place, I gave her the screwdriver and told her that is her surprise. The look on her face was priceless. She was so lost and kept looking at the screwdriver, thinking what kind of surprise was this. She told me later that she thought she left some tools at my place and I wanted to return those.

The first thing I look for when I reached her place is whether the fender cover would be a problem or not. For sure, it is not giving me the access I needed to remove the broken fog lamp. I got out my tools and started examining which nut I had to remove to loosen the fender cover. As a beginner car mechanic, I only manage to create an opening that barely fits one hand only. I examine how the fog lamp is attached and started removing the 3 screws and plug. The next problem I faced, is bringing out the broken fog lamp, which is big through the small opening and with a bit of elbow grease, I managed to get it out. Next is to screw the new for lamp in place and ensure it fits properly and does not drop. Last step was to close back the fender cover and cross my fingers as I proceed to turn on the fog lamp. It came on and I was delighted that I did not screw it up. Most importantly, I managed to impressed her with my thoughtfulness and manliness while having some fun with some D.I.Y.  work on a car. She was there watching me all the time and even helped wipe my sweats (how thoughtful and lucky of me). Now there is a difference in shine between the old and new fog lamp but when it is turned on, the difference won't be there.

Troublesome Fender Cover

New fog lamp installed

The original lamp