Odd difference in 2011 rear reflectors, Just an anecdotal warning Options

[benman]

A warning if you're buying the pre-assembled rear reflector LEDs (the ones where you get the OEM reflector with the LEDs already installed) or if you're buying salvage/OEM replacements for your rear reflectors.

Working with Lou on something, we discovered that with our 2011 Elantras, there are differences in the rear reflectors and probably the area of the bumper into which they fit. Not sure what the pattern is to the difference, only that they are different on our cars.

Lou purchased his in February 2011 whereas I bought mine in June 2011. Both were produced at the Ulsan plant in Korea.

As you can see from the picture below, both our reflectors have the curved tip at the fat end, but his (bottom) is curved at the skinny end whereas mine (top) is perfectly straight. The screw post on his is also longer, making it very difficult to get the plastic clip at the fat end into the slot in the bumper. This results in a very poor fit. I cut off 1/4" of the screw post and it is still a very poor fit, sticking out excessively on the bottom and the fat end does not seat properly in the opening.



Given the construction of the transparent part, and how Lou opened his reflector (with a hot knife from the back) I am sure this difference is not due to his modification. Also, the bumper must be slightly different as well. See poor fit below (picture taken from underneath to show how the reflector sticks out from the bumper):



Just an FYI for the future.

[a.kreation]

Can you post a how-to for this mod.

I'm planning to install the led reflectors very soon (just got them in the mail).



I also do not plan to take off the bumper**


Anyone have exp with this and would like to chime in?

Thank you!