What's the function of the metal cover between the bulb & glass in stock 98 fogs?

[83wonder]

Asking because while changing one of my bulbs I noticed that one of the covers between the bulb and glass had broken off at one of the 2 contact points :/

Am I ok to just run them without these things?

 

[octanejunkie]

I'm not aware of a bulb shield inside the fog lamp housing like exists in the headlamp, but if it's a halogen bulb it's common to shield the front of the bulb to keep it from creating a halo or bright circle visible to oncoming traffic

 

[83wonder]

Thanks for the response. There was definitely a shield on there between the bulb and the glass. I wasn't sure that if it was maybe for heat or something and got a little concerned but after thinking about it that seemed stupid.

The back reflective part of the fogs was badly peeling when I opened it up too. Any recommendations on a reflective paint or other product for the housings?

 

[octanejunkie]

Might be best to replace the housing with either stock or aftermarket. I'm not sure a paint will last, but there is a chrome aerosol spray paint you can try, maybe it will last with proper prep.

EDIT: I believe in 99 Toyota went to a projector type fog. Maybe upgrade to those.

Check this out
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/189847-2000-sr5-fog-light-installation.html#post2811424

 

[pauldub]

The shield is for beam control. I gives a sharp horizontal cutoff to the beam so you don't light up the fog that you're trying to see through.