Silvatec Chrome Indicator bulbs

[ming]

If, like me, you prefer chrome indicator bulbs to the more common orange variety and in the past your preference was Silvatec, then here's my advice: AVOID. In the past I've had quite a few of these but the most recent are of a much reduced standard - the chroming is almost non-existent. These were supplied by carmodz and they have replaced the Silvatecs with other, much better quality bulbs, by KR Wehl.

Shame really, as the original Silvatecs were really reliable.

 

[iain1970]

Shame really, as the original Silvatecs were really reliable.

We're running a pair in the front of our 04/2005 Ibiza that were originally fitted in our new 09/2002 Mini Cooper. Not bad value at 8½ years old!

I have a pair that were in my Lupo and MK6 Fiesta that I tried to fit into the front of the Altea. I still bear the heavy scars on the back of my hand from trying to remove the existing bulbs. I'm still running the fried egg look...

 

[ming]

We're running a pair in the front of our 04/2005 Ibiza that were originally fitted in our new 09/2002 Mini Cooper. Not bad value at 8½ years old!

I have a pair that were in my Lupo and MK6 Fiesta that I tried to fit into the front of the Altea. I still bear the heavy scars on the back of my hand from trying to remove the existing bulbs. I'm still running the fried egg look...

As you say, Silvatecs are a very reliable bulb. However, that isn't the prime reason for enthusiasts buying them; getting rid of the fried-egg effect is the reason and in this regard the new ones I bought fail miserably.
On your second point: Oh!!! How right you are about bearing the scars. I made up a wee tool to help with the removal but still got cuts and abrasions before I managed the removal. I put some silicone grease on the rubber o-rings before re-assembling - tried removing, again and it was soooo much easier.

 

[iain1970]

Well, I've just fitted my Phillips Silvervisions without maiming myself. Looks a whole lot better and this'll be the third car these bulbs have been in.