Broke plastic where 'paperclip looking' clip goes across back of headlight

Well this is a first. When removing a dead headlight on '09 Tacoma regular cab, I broke the part of the plastic where the metal clip piece that goes across the back of the headlight (and in front of the rubber). The metal 'paperclip looking' peice sits in two grooves; I broke one of them. DAMMIT. I'm far from an expert and realize this is highly laughable, but I just want to know if I need to replace the entire headlight assembly, secure the headlight some other way, or replace that plastic piece somehow, as well as where the best place is to find part(s). Maybe ebay? THanks for any input, and your welcome for the humor.

 

If the piece is big enough, you can use an epoxy or glue to stick it back on. Or just secure the bulb another way. A new stock housing is expensive and eBay housings are known to leak. I would try to fix it or secure it first.

 

X2. Ebay ones are sketchy so I'd try and repair your broken one first.

 

Is it the side where the clip pivots or where it hooks into? If its the side where the clip pivots, you could get a zip tie in there to hold it down so that it still pivots... Happened to mine.

Like others have said, try epoxying it. Otherwise since its part of the reflector bowl, changing it out means having to open up/ bake your headlight.

 

+1

If you go aftermarket, make sure it is a Depo brand.
They're under $200 for a pair on Amazon (with BHLM already done).

Stay far away from Spyder.