Headlamp bulb and wiper blades...

[hughjayteens]

Just about to call into the local spares place to buy a new bulb and wiper blades for my Chim - What parts do I need (I am guessing they are off a ford or vauxhall?) - Could I upgrade to those higher wattage bulbs that give a whitish light?

[hughjayteens]

NE1?

[dlewis]

Try Lucas WEB160 for blades

Later model dip beam lamps
Valeo part no 984191 for Griffiths not sure about Chim.

[dlewis]

Just trying to help, found this by browsing the web:


http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/shpub/wcat16.html

[pbrettle]

I have replaced the headlight bulbs on my 1994 Chimaera with the Philips powerbulb lights. Makes a nice improvement on light spread and brightness. Got them online from www.powerbulbs.com (very good service by the way) at a very reasonable price. However, be careful with the wattage of the lights. The 1994 model (dont know if it is different for later versions) has 55/60 headlights fitted. Be very careful when replacing them with anything of a higher wattage - they can (and do) burn out the wiring.....

Some people have fitted 100w ones and seem to be running OK, but this seems to be the exception rather than the rule. For reference you do get a fair improvement by using modern technology lights at the same wattage (which is what I have done).

Oh, and mine are H4 type lights - very similar to that fitted to some early BMW models, but the fitting is a pain. Depends on the model, early ones you have to take the front grill off, later models there is a hatch in the front wheel arch...

Cheers,

Paul

[hughjayteens]

Excellent - I may try those powerbulbs - Mine is a late model with the access panel inside the arch - I have been told that I should reseal this with silicone after opening it - Is that the case as there is no mention of it in the owners manual...?

[pbrettle]

Yes, re-seal it when you have finished. If you have small hands or thin arms then you might be able to get to the hatch OK without taking the wheel off. However, it can be a lot easier with the wheel off....

Get the Steve Heath book - lots of little gems of information like that (www.tvrbooks.co.uk).

Cheers,

Paul

[Straga]

Do you know if my 96 Chimaera has H4 bulbs (I can look after work but I'm keen to order today)

[pbrettle]

If they are H4's then you can take a look at the headlight itself and it should be made by BOSCH and have the lettering "H4" actually in the centre of the light itself (on the outside). If not then I guess you need to check the owners manual....

Hope this helps

Paul

[Straga]

Cheers Paul - I'll check tonight and order some power bulbs from the site and hope they sort out the lousy dipped beams

[straga]

I have fitted H4 Phillips from Powerbulbs - some improvement and worth doing for £20 ish.

[pbrettle]

Straga,

My next problem is that my headlamps themselves have lost some of their reflective material. Need to get new lamps fitted to improve their forward spread. But this isnt an insignificant job with the cowels needing to be replaced and sealed correctly....

Good to hear that the H4's make some improvement

Cheers,

Paul

[hughjayteens]

When I opened mine up it had the 80/100w bulbs already in there - When I put the 55/60 powerbulb in it was markedly dimmer so I went and bought a standard 80/100w bulb and it is fine now - It seems that the wiring is fine with more powerful bulbs..

[squirrelz]

I reckon mine must have 80/100w bulbs in too, as the headlights are markedly better than my rover was.