ALTERNATIVE S3 INDICATORS - KIA, BMW????

[Houghman]

Hi guys, I believe there are two good alternative indicators to replace the now very rare and expensive originals, the Kia and BMW ones. What model of Kia are the Kia ones and are the BMW's the E30 from the M3 or none M3 ones? Which are considered to be the best and do they need modification. Thanks!

[V8ish]

The e30 M3 ones are shorter and will not fit. You can get them in clear, tinted are standard orange. Slightly thinner than the Kia's but but not a lot in it. No mods to fit either.

I bought these on my old car and they looked great:

Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E30-3-SERIES-SMOKED-INDI...

Edited by V8ish on Monday 3rd March 10:33

[Houghman]

That's great, just the advice I needed! Cheers!

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi Grant

Thanks from me just bought two (left 2 for Andrew!! )

[greymrj]

Hi there, the TVR S Alternative parts list has now been updated to provide the links to all the information that has been published on this forum regarding front indicator replacement alternatives and how to go about them
http://www.parkersteve.dsl.pipex.com/sparts.html

[Road2Ruin]

I spoke to my local DAF parts dealer yesterday and he said he had 14 of the original indicator lenses in. Sadly this was a computer error as upon checking there was none (sorry for the bad english).

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi Richard (greymrj)

In a previous post you refer to the use of bostic for adhesion and seal. Am I correct in thinking that this is to stick/seal the lens to the indicator body?

[greymrj]

That is correct. At one time there used to be small seals between lenses and light bodies but now they are bonded to seal them. The original Leyland parts seem to use a plastic cement. I am hoping that using Bostik will make it slightly easier to replace a lens if it gets broken in the future. I did consider a fine bead of clear silicone but I was a bit worried about doing it well, and of possible effects from the heat of the bulb so I played what (I hope!) is safe.

[greymrj]

On ebay, amusing really, one is a set of the 'alternative' BMW smoked lenses, the other is probably a forum member!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[Gerald-TVR]

Why amusing please, confused

[hvdweerden]

QUOTE : "Brand new Smoked front Indicator Lens (pair) for any S Series TRV"

[greymrj]

I was amused because it has been suggested before that a) the BMW alternative actually looks better and b) the price that has recently been achieved for original lenses on ebay makes it very attractive for forum members (who are 'in the know' about the BMW option) to sell originals and use the money for something else on their car. It is the first time I've seen anybody sell originals specifically because they were fitting alternatives, dont blame them either! Also slightly amused that the two listings have come on at similar times, be interesting to see how prices compare.

[Gerald-TVR]

I'm selling the BMW alternatives (bought two sets in error only ment to buy one) no connection with ragtop selling the originals (would actually prefer to get originals if I can afford them)

[greymrj]

At the cost of the BMW ones I think I would keep them. No sooner had I done that posting last year about fitting the BMW ones than I had a rather silly coming together of an opening bonnet and a trolley jack! I had bought 2 spare BMW lenses, now I have one!

[Gerald-TVR]

They are like busses you wait for ages then two come at once!!!

See eBay 150223788832

[greymrj]

Amazing, you can get several pairs of BMW ones for that amount and they look better as well (but then I am biased!). I dont blame anybody for selling their 'originals' and changing, I reckon that if TVR were making the S now they would source the alternative.