Chimaera lights/bulbs

[Chris71]

Hi all,

What bulbs are used for the various lights on the Chimaera (or specifically a '97 car if they changed)? For a numpty like me, is there a particular donor car I can buy a complete set for?

Also, what's involved in changing them, front and rear? I'm guessing it's fairly straightforward, but it's not something I've had to do yet.

Need to get stocked up on such things for the roadtrip coming up. I think a full set of spare bulbs is compulsary in Spain?

Chris

[TJC46]

Rear bulbs are pretty straight forward, but as for the fronts........lets say you need tiny hands and very very long arms, unless your chim has the removable access plate in the front wheelarch.
Check on the chimaera pages for the exact bulbs.

[Grey Ghost]

I have a '98 model and was told the lights came from a similiar aged fiesta so I have used these and they are fine. Halfords is a good source for single bulbs and bulb sets for road trips etc just use the reference cards on the display.

Rear bulbs easy to change as whole rear panel just clips out when you have pulled the carpet back off it's velcro but as stated above front ones will require dexterity or the wheel coming off. If your car has had the rear lights upgraded to the later "round" style you may need to wait until someone with this set up comes along to tell you if this is different. You might also need some silicone sealant to place round the headlight covers as well to prevent water ingress.

[Chris71]

Thanks gents. So it's a mk3 Fiesta kit front and rear?

Do converters work okay on the Chim headlamps (not that mine seem to have the power to dazzle anyone anyway)?

ETA headlights are H4 fiting for both main and dipped beam in case anyone searches back through the thread. Racing Green sells 80/100W (presumably for both main and dip).

Edited by Chris71 on Sunday 13th March 10:02

[Ribol]

Chris71 said:

Do converters work on okay on the Chim headlamps (not that mine seem to have the power to dazzle anyone anyway)?

I bought a large roll of 50mm ally tape years ago and have been using it each time I go away ever since, cover the dip/defelector lenses both sides, job done.

It comes off easy, even after a couple of weeks in proper sun, leaving no marks and costs nothing.

[Chris71]

To be honest I'm not planning to drive in the dark at all. I just figured I can display an intention to do so if I wave a converter pack in front of the Sapnish constabulary.

The converters I stuck to the Focus headlights for Le Mans this year never fully peeled off and they still give the lens a sort of opake quality that diffuses the light. I can't afford to do that on the Chim - it barely has any light output to start with.

And given the comments about fitting them, I'm not sure I want to swap them for higher wattage units any time soon.

[Ribol]

Chris71 said:

The converters I stuck to the Focus headlights for Le Mans this year never fully peeled off and they still give the lens a sort of opake quality that diffuses the light. I can't afford to do that on the Chim - it barely has any light output to start with.

The Chim lenses are glass and the tape comes off 100%, I have done this literally dozens of times, but obviously your call.

[Chris71]

May well give the tape a go. Just discovered I have a set of converters in the garage though, so either option is open. Think I've got the full EU touring kit now.