When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The total length of the existing bulb is 3.8cm. The bulb protrudes 2.9cm into the housing. The distance it can protrude before you hit the internal reflector/shade is 3.1cm
The conclusion is that you either need a very compact H3 Led bulb or you need to remove the reflector/shade. I will do the latter as I have two spare units. EDIT I decided to buy bulbs that fit as is.
While I wait for some parts to arrive, I decided to PPF the new headlight lenses. Cut a paper pattern, transfer it to PPF, clean the lense with isopropyl alcohol, then squirt water with a dash of dishwashing liquid over the lense and adhesive side of the PPF, place and lightly squeegee the water out.
Thanks to the bumper cover thread I realised my car bumper was missing foam parts that ensure the air is directed to the oil cooler and air conditioning condenser. Parts #12 and #13 in the diagram. You can buy the parts or make them. I chose to make them. Maybe not the prettiest part but I’m not paying up for parts that may take months to arrive.
It’s taking an age to source some of the plastic trim around the fog lights. In the meantime, it’s moving onto the bumper paint issues. While the paint on the top and side edges is in very good condition, the grille bars have taken a beating as have some of the front, plus there is PPF removal damage to fix.
The standard stone chip paint is lacquer. It’s fine for small chips but not for large areas. It tends to shrink and doesn’t match the gloss of 2k paint. I can’t use that for my bumper.
2k paint has a lot more going for it, but is full of nasty chemicals. It also tends to come in large containers for professionals.
Luckily, I was given about 300ml of the original Glasurit 2K high solid paint left over from the 2015 respray. I just needed to get a hardener to use with it. The local agent gave me 150ml of Glasurit fast hardener. The mix of 2:1 paint to hardener means I have all I need.
A closer look at the Stew Mac supplied product. It’s a squeeze bottle with a fine precision nozzle. With 2k paint it will likely be a single use, despite the nozzle cleaner. I figure it will be easier to use than a syringe.