CHANGING HEADLAMP BULBS

[TCALVERT]

I have a 1986 5.3 Coupe which is fitted with headlamp wash/wipe. One of my headlamp bulbs has blown so I am going to replace all the bulbs. Are there any precautions I need to take when removing the wipers so as to gain access to the retaining clips so that I can remove the headlamp to change the bulbs, can I manage it by just releasing the chrome surround or is there a way in through the wheel arch??

[PaulE]

Not sure how the earlier cars are arranged, but if like my '94 4ltr. changing headlamp bulbs is a real pain involving putting the steering on full lock and removing a plastic panel under the wheel arch behind the headlamp, then inserting your fingertips and feeling around for the spring retaining the bulb and releasing it. Putting a new one in is even more fun as you have to heed dire warnings about not touching the glass of the bulb with your fingers. Best of luck - yours may not be like that.

Before you do anything have a look at http://www.powerbulbs.com., an online supplier near you which I can thoroughly recommend, and get yourself some proper bulbs. I have been using Phillips X-treme for some time and they really transform the lighting of the XJS with rectangular lenses, making night driving a pleasure and fitting the 4-light conversion quite unnecessary. I see that a new generation of Phillips has just come out claiming plus 100% light output , and it will be a true claim. They sometimes have special offers on, so have a look and see where you are going .

[TCALVERT]

Thanks for that. I have had a brief look and it does look the same as the later model. Strangely enough I had already ordered the bulbs from "Powerbulbs". I agree totally with the qualities if the Phillips Xtreme bulbs as I have used them for a number of years on my "normal" day to day Skoda Fabia VRS. If the new Xtreme Vision are as good as the claims I will definately be trying some of those.
I am now eagerly looking forward to groping around in the front wings!! No doubt it will one of those 30 minute jobs which will take up the whole weekend.!!!

Many thanks, Tim