Chimaera headlight removal
Discussion
I want to renew the headlights on my 2000 Chim because the reflectors are corroded. I have the Steve Heath bible and armed with this removed the access panel inside the wheel arch.
There are two mall wing nuts which adjust the beam aim and another two larger ones at 4 and 6 oclock positions viewed from the rear, which secure the headlamp cover. I have removed the latter and the cover lifts at the base and sides but is secured somehow at the top. Cannot find what is holding it, any ideas please? The bible only mentions the two that I have removed.
Once I have the cover off presumably I have to cut the mastic around the lamp unit to remove it. What sort of mastic do I need to refit it, other than the fact that the bible says it's a "special" one?
Also does anyone know what mainstream car the lamps are from, it's a Bosch unit and looks a bit like the one fitted to the old aircooled VW beetle.
Keith S
There are two mall wing nuts which adjust the beam aim and another two larger ones at 4 and 6 oclock positions viewed from the rear, which secure the headlamp cover. I have removed the latter and the cover lifts at the base and sides but is secured somehow at the top. Cannot find what is holding it, any ideas please? The bible only mentions the two that I have removed.
Once I have the cover off presumably I have to cut the mastic around the lamp unit to remove it. What sort of mastic do I need to refit it, other than the fact that the bible says it's a "special" one?
Also does anyone know what mainstream car the lamps are from, it's a Bosch unit and looks a bit like the one fitted to the old aircooled VW beetle.
Keith S
Hello, I've done one of mine. I used silicon sealant. The same stuff you use in your bathroom. Seemed to do the trick. You should probably use Sikaflex or some fancy stuff but I Did mine over a year ago and not had any problems. Horrible job though! The studs that hold the cowl in place come off and are a bugger to stick down again.
Obviously being TVR's theres no being 100% sure they are all the same, but I had my headlight trim off a few weeks ago and if you've undone both nuts it's just a blob of bath sealant holding it at the top, a twist and pull movement should shift it 
the usual rules about any damage done from following this information apply
the usual rules about any damage done from following this information apply
Had mine out to clean the reflectors a few months ago. Two nuts as you know already and sealant at the top. I used a very thin and flexible craft knife blade about 4 inch long in a sawing motion along the top of the trim between trim and wing. If you want to do the job properly get some new rubber seals for the lenses from tvr before starting, just makes re-sealing easier.
OK, armed with craft knofe I have got the cover off. Quite nerveracking in case it slipped. Big blobs of sealant at the top.
Removed the glass by cutting through more sealant leaving lamp in place.
Joy O joy!
I don't need new headlamps at all. What looked like corrosion was dirt on the relector, easily wiped off with a soft cloth. Likewise the glass which was filthy on the inside.
Now it's all clean nice shine and no doubt better lights as well, plus it looks better.
All in all not a difficult job, just needs a bit of time and some patience.
I would post some pics of the lamp with the cover off to help anyone else, but don't know how to download them on to this site.
Keith
Removed the glass by cutting through more sealant leaving lamp in place.
Joy O joy!
I don't need new headlamps at all. What looked like corrosion was dirt on the relector, easily wiped off with a soft cloth. Likewise the glass which was filthy on the inside.
Now it's all clean nice shine and no doubt better lights as well, plus it looks better.
All in all not a difficult job, just needs a bit of time and some patience.
I would post some pics of the lamp with the cover off to help anyone else, but don't know how to download them on to this site.
Keith
My reflectors were full of dead flys and moths and half the sahara dessert.!!!! I will be removing the whole lot over the next few weeks as i have bought some new plastic,clear lensed 7 inch units....Land rover jobies... It may be interesting setting them up because there will be no adjustment. Best bond them in spot on first time. I will post my conclusions when done.
Just done one of mine. Before you take it all apart get some new long 4mm bolts and matching WING NUTS.
#
Yes WING NUTS. They are a bugger to find and replacing is by far the easy way to do it.
Have fun and do not put polish on the reflector as it will take the shiny stuff of with it.
Cheers,
Colin L
Now seeing in the dark dark nights....
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Yes WING NUTS. They are a bugger to find and replacing is by far the easy way to do it.
Have fun and do not put polish on the reflector as it will take the shiny stuff of with it.
Cheers,
Colin L
Now seeing in the dark dark nights....
tvr keith said:
How do I download pics onto this site?
Would you like me to post them here too Keith (as well as TVRCC). Not so straightforward as they have to be hosted to appear on here. If you want to know how I'll point you in the direction when I reply to your email.
Cheers, Rog.
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