I was changing out my headlight bulbs and one of the tabs that holds the retainer wire broke off.

Is there a replacement part available or do I have to ghetto-rig it? I think I can just put something between the bulb and the housing cap... does it get hot in there? Would foam melt? Any suggestions?

It's this tab...

 

I did the same thing and it freaked me out. I did it with both headlights and I thought i was in a world of hurt with the prospect of purchasing two new headlights from the dealership.

I took it to my mechanic and he did some of his magic and jerry-rigged it and eveything works fine. Find a mechanic that can do it for you and it will save you a ton of money.