Early Chim Headlight Replacement

[blaze_away]

I need to replace my headlamps as the reflectors are corroded.

Reading other threads I dont think going HID is sensible unless I upgarde the wiring, which I dont really want to do.

Taking a quick look at mine I don't see any access panels at all, which the bible says should be there, were these missing on early models ? mine is 1993.

Anyone got any good advice please ?

Cheers
Frank

[Cider Andy]

Not all cars have the access panels in the wheelarches. Reflectors are still available from Bosch dealers, as are the lenses. If you don't want to shop around, you can buy them from Clever Trevor, who also sell internal seals for them. If you can seal them properly they should last longer. Are you sure the reflectors are actually corroded and not just covered in dust?

From what I've gathered on this forum (and not knowing too much about the subject personally) discharge lamps need to have a washing system and a levelling system to combat problems caught by refraction.

[spend]

Early models dont have access panels - they have a nice big grill you can remove for access.
Cutting out the cross stays behind the grill gives superb access - but fix them (or some strips of ally) back in afterwards IMHO.

HID; no loom upgrade required - just fit the ballast near the bulb. Wipe/wash system req is about the same as pre-cat removal I reckon. I know a couple of owners with them who swear by them.

Dave

[timshap]

Just picking up on an old thread here...
Dave..I am just upgrading both headlamps having done one some 8 years ago and am absolutely amazed at the amount of crap built up on the reflector and rear of lense..no wonder the light deteriorates over time. I cant inderstand why the reflector and bulbs are basically exposed from around the reflector and water could get in unless the 3 adjustment apertures to the sides are gobbed up etc..
I will somehow have to cut out one reflector as the rear adjusters are siezed solid and have no inspection hole in the wheel arch. Any ideas how to do this without destroying the 3 pivot brackets.
My old lights are unusually Phillips 100/90w main/dip and 14w sides?... the wires seem fine and think separate relays were fitted in Germany early 90s's before I bought it. When they were clean the light throw was great I seem to remenber.
I would like to put in uprated LED's on the sides and use the X treme phillips +80% (which I believe are standard wattage)...would these be better than say the 100's again. I read somewhere that they can go off??
Saying that the HIDS on my other car seem definately less brighter 1 year on...unless its me having accustomed to the initial improvement which were fantastic ?

Thanks for views

[spend]

Eeek! I hope its not directed at me.. First time I looked closely at the set-up I chopped it out & replaced with a Speed 12 conversion

I too discovered 100W bulbs in mine.. Can't remember too much about the adjusters, I did have a couple seized, think you may be able to turn with a mole wrench on the rear or drill the heads off?

Dave

[That Daddy]

Timshap,the reflectors are easily broken away from the reflectors,then just cut the adjusters with snips or a dremil(they will be rusty and useless),make sure you get new adjuster(springs,wingnuts,bolts,and little tabbed ears X6)the weird thing is the insides get grubby because there is a large opening above the reflectors,so its no wonder they get full of crap,i done mine last year and already have two dead insects in onebe patient when you bond the reflectors to the body and keep trial fitting the surround,you have to strike a happy medium beetween the lens fitting correctly and the surround fitting snug against the bodywork,Spend is good with this kind of info also,good luck.

Edited by That Daddy on Tuesday 26th February 13:51

[timshap]

That Daddy
Thanks for info and appreciate what you say about lens and surround. Not sure what you mean about bonding the reflector as I thought it sits / floats on on the long adjuster bolts etc.. Just ordered stainless sets from Clever T .

[That Daddy]

Sorry Timshap,i meant the lens not the reflector they are as you said mounted on the adjustersi knew what i meant