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What to do with the blank fog light “rubber circles†on the 2010 Prius II/III/IV

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by jlynnwatts, Dec 10, 2009.

  1. jlynnwatts

    jlynnwatts New Member

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    [Opinion: I have never liked blanks on instrument panels where there would otherwise be optional buttons. I do not like the rubber “blanks” on the front bumper in place of the fog lights. I do not “need” the fog lights. However, I do not like the rubber circles in place of the fog lights.] (Quote from a closed thread by "Prius in Paradise")

    I agree. I have fog lights on my RAV4 and rarely use them. The blank circles on the front of the Prius II/III make the front seem somehow unfinished. I decided to look for a 2” white reflectors with double sided tape that I could slap on the plastic circle. I couldn’t find anything that would fit or look good.

    While I was looking for the reflectors, I stumbled on some convex “Blind Spot Mirrors” by “Custom Accessories” in a True Value Hardware store(also on Amazon.) They come in a 2-Pack with tape on the back for less than $4. I added some extra double sided tape and placed them on the “rubber circle” on the front of my Prius. They actually have an angled face that helps to compensate for the angle of the blank “rubber circle”. I think they help to clean up the blank “rubber circle”. Of course installed fog lights would be the best solution, but they seem so pricey. (see pics)

    At first I was concerned about causing a reflection from oncoming traffic that might be a safety concern, but I think any chrome might cause a similar reflection. It might be a good idea to buy an extra pack just in case they get broken or fall off.

    UPDATE: Walmart carries the same "Blind Spot Mirrors" for less than $2

    What do you think?
    Any other ideas?
     

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  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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  3. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    A mirror on the front of the car is probably illegal in some states.
     
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  4. austingreen

    austingreen Senior Member

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    I'll add the real fog lights. Toyota should have had them as an option. I want to decide whether to get a stalk, and install daytime running lights too, or use a switch on the panel.

     
  5. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Keep in mind because you have a II, you won't realize the full potential of the stalk (e.g. you won't have the foglight emblem light up in the console). So for the trouble and cost you are only getting a real fancy switch. I just went with the switch in the panel.
     
  6. Strangelove

    Strangelove New Member

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    Can fog lights, or driving lights, be wired on a II so that they come on automatically with the headlights?
     
  7. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Yes. That is the way I have it wired (per the document). I installed the switch that came with the Yaris harness so that I could turn off the fog lights whenever I needed to despite the headlights/parking lights being on.
     
  8. jlynnwatts

    jlynnwatts New Member

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    I believe a convex mirror is sometimes referred to as a diverging mirror due to the fact that light originating from the same point will reflect off the mirror surface and diverge. In other words a convex mirror will spread the reflection not concentrate it. (see diagram)
     

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  9. cossie1600

    cossie1600 Active Member

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    Just get the blue ones, very cool stuff!
     
  10. hotbrass

    hotbrass New Member

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    If you arent going to put in fog lights, I think a pair of fully automatic weapons or rocket launchers would make a great addition for those slots. Maybe the next James Bond movie will feature a Prius with such amenities.
     
  11. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    there should be room to install a couple paint guns
     
  12. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Since lasers, rockets, guns, mirrors are no doubt illegal to install, maybe a trip to a novelty store is in order. A pair of rubber hands, feet, or rubber chicken heads sticking out of those sockets could be an attention getter.
     
  13. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I like the mirrors.
     
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Not a bad idea. I'm wondering if anyone can come up with some LED stuff for the foglight blanks. Perhaps have an L-shaped design for those who want DRLs (kinda like the new E-Class). Or maybe 3 columns of single-row LEDs to get a vertical light look like one of the Prius concepts.
     
  15. SlowTurd

    SlowTurd I LIKE PRIUS'S

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    cheapest fog lights...

    1. take picture of real Prius fog lights
    2. print out to scale.
    3. cut them out.
    4. mount on plastic below lights
     
  16. hotbrass

    hotbrass New Member

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    Has anyone tried to paint the inserts?
     
  17. wvgasguy

    wvgasguy New Member

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    comment deleted
     
  18. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Speakers?
     
  19. hotbrass

    hotbrass New Member

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    Air horns!
     
  20. Presario

    Presario New Member

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    How about missile launchers?

    I like the idea of something going over the empty covers, but the mirror seems like it could be potentially hazardous. Looks good though.