Which Headlamp Bulb?
Which Headlamp Bulb?
Author
Discussion

tiger6791

Original Poster:

769 posts

263 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
Done a search and can't find what I'm looking for.

My handbook is not about and the bible doesn't say.

I need an osf Headlamp bulb for my '99 Chimaera as it has gone, can I get one from a standard motor factor place if so whats the model number.

If any body also knows other bulbs, side repeaters, etc.

.Mark

11,104 posts

305 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
Headlight buls are a standard H4 design, you'll need to get the old one out as they come in different wattages. Mine are 100/80.
How do I know? I have one blown too and am about to replace it.
I'm also about to 'test' 2 new variations from Philip's on behalf of the TVRCC, look out for more news soon.

Big Al.

69,336 posts

287 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
.Mark said:
I have one blown too and am about to replace it.


BLIMEY, AIN'T YOU DONE THAT YET?

Podie

46,649 posts

304 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
H4 in size… you can pop down to Hell-frauds and get some boggo ones… or check out www.powerbulbs.com or Leven - both of which do better bulbs…

I've used Philips blue vision in previous cars and found the difference noticeable and worthwhile….

DustyC

12,822 posts

283 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
As usual I researched into this too!

Read a lot of reviews and the "Osram Silver Star" came out tops.

I ordered a pair (H1s for the Griff) from Power bulbs (the site Podie suggested) and they turend up with 2 free blue Philips blue vision side lights.
Fitted them too and now it gives a bright white modern glow instead of that nasty tobaco vintage look.

The main bulbs improved visibilty loads for the Griff.

£20 for the lot.

.Mark

11,104 posts

305 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
Big Al. said:


BLIMEY, AIN'T YOU DONE THAT YET?



Off.

.Mark

11,104 posts

305 months

Thursday 16th December 2004
quotequote all
Right Top Tip Time!

Bulbs are reasonably easy to change.
If it's an early model and assuming you don't have the inspection hatches, remove the grille and reach up behind the light reflector and gently pull off the wiring block.
There is a spring clip holding the bulb in place which you need to release, it's difficult to explain how it works but take a look at a regular car and you'll see the spring kind of clips in backwards.
When you come to fit the new bulb don't touch the glass of it, fit the bulb in place, refit the spring (it's attached to the reflector on a hinge type arrangement so you won't loose it) then refit the wiring block, test the bulb works before refitting the grille if you have one.
Tip 1
The bulb has 3 locating tabs which fit in to slots on the reflector, these are offset wit 2 slightly nearer together, the tab furthest from the other two points directly upwards.

Tip 2

The back of the bulb has 3 spade connectors, when the bulb is fitted 2 connectors are vertical and the 3rd is horizontal across the top of the bulb

HTH.

PS. If you have an early car with the grille - good luck refitting that. I've yet to find a quick way!

chimyellow

363 posts

288 months

Friday 17th December 2004
quotequote all
.Mark said:
PS. If you have an early car with the grille - good luck refitting that. I've yet to find a quick way!

Never thought anyone would say this but if you look on the TVRCC site it is explaned in detail! (assuming that you are a member - which is a different post )

jimothy

5,151 posts

266 months

Friday 17th December 2004
quotequote all
Always wondered.... Why can't you touch the glass of the bulb?

simoncotton

408 posts

281 months

Friday 17th December 2004
quotequote all
I just fitted ice blue bulbs, as my car is imperial blue - they look and work great, just give it the blue hint.

DustyC

12,822 posts

283 months

Friday 17th December 2004
quotequote all
jimothy said:
Always wondered.... Why can't you touch the glass of the bulb?


Gets dirty/greasy which when hot causes glass to weaken and crack allowing gas to excape and filiment to burn out.....I think.

tvrbob

11,197 posts

284 months

Friday 17th December 2004
quotequote all
jimothy said:
Always wondered.... Why can't you touch the glass of the bulb?
Well firstly it isn't glass and therein lies the problem. I'm not sure of the chemistry here but moisture from your fingers will react with the surface causing it to develop white blooms.

Nevin

2,999 posts

290 months

Tuesday 21st December 2004
quotequote all
chimyellow said:

.Mark said:
PS. If you have an early car with the grille - good luck refitting that. I've yet to find a quick way!


Never thought anyone would say this but if you look on the TVRCC site it is explaned in detail! (assuming that you are a member - which is a different post )


Where on the site?