Replacing Headlamp Bulb on Chimaera

[airwalk]

Does anyone know how to replace the headlamp bulb on a TVR Chimaera?

[Big Al.]

and welcome.

You may be able to reach the bulb connector via the front grill, or failing that, it's wheel arch flap out!

Hope this helps

[crimsonchim]

Just to expand a bit...

On the early cars with a grille and no centre bar, you can change the bulbs by removing the grille and reaching around, on later cars with a bar across the rad apperture, you have to take the wheel off and remove a panel behind the light.

Cheers,

Andy

[PhilipC]

Actually, with thin arms you can replace the drivers side bulb from the gap between the bonnet and the bar. This is particularly handy when you drive to Halfwits to get a new bulb and then realise you have no idea what sort of bulb you need. I tried, out of interest, to see if I could get to the passenger side as well but failed.

The important thing to realise is that replacing the headlight bulb doesn't fix anything if it's the sidelight bulb that's broken... doh!

[Steve_T]

crimsonchim said:

Just to expand a bit... On the early cars with a grille and no centre bar, you can change the bulbs by removing the grille and reaching around, on later cars with a bar across the rad apperture, you have to take the wheel off and remove a panel behind the light. Cheers, Andy

You don't need to take the wheel off, it's just that the wheel needs to be on full lock to gain access to the hatch. Better to do it with the car on ramps/over a pit tho', as it's far easier.

Steve

>> Edited by Steve_T on Monday 3rd November 14:40

[Incorrigible]

I disagree with Steve (a bit), it's much easier with the wheel off, you don't need ramps either

[m142 yum]

If you take the grill out you may find thr rubber comes out with it. You can usually just bond this back in(I used some clear silicon) and then re-install the grill. There are some usefull threads regarding this so have a search.

[howsden1]

What bulbs are used
I'll change both whilst I'm on the job lol

[Belle427]

H4 i believe, some cars had uprated ones fitted which were higher wattage 100/80 so its best to check one, they are usually labelled as off road use only.
Id just fit standard ones 60/55 but get something like an osram nightbreaker as they are excellent.

[PabloGee]

I've just changed all my rear bulbs for LEDs (though there is an issue I'm going to start a separate post about), and will be changing my fronts na dside repeaters for LEDs too.
I spoke with the chap at Classic Car LEDs, and he was able to advise which ones. It'll cost a few quid, around £150 in the end I think, and the front dip/main bulbs are £59+VAT a pair, but the brightness is remarkably different from the incandescent bulbs in the rear.
I've got Osram NightBreakers in the front which are ok, but I fancy more brightness.

These are the front ones I was recommended
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/products/pair-of-...

[Belle427]

They seem like a good upgrade but just check the depth of them fitment wise.

[LucyP]

You cannot put in LED headlight bulbs and pass an MOT. Are you going to take them out and put halogens back in for the MOT?

[PabloGee]

MOT is due in April, so I'll find out at that point.
I'll keep the Nightbreakers tucked up safe until then...

The ultimate way round of course is to replace the whole unit with one designed for LED bulbs.

We'll see.

[LucyP]

Read the MOT manual now, you don't need to wait until April. It will fail. I don't think there is legal replacement LED unit for a Chimaera headlight is there?

[Bowks]

Not a cheap one. This has bi LED complete replacement units.

[TarquinMX5]

Fair old thread revival, from 20-years ago