REPLACING FRONT INDICATORS ON A CLASSIC HYMER
One of the commonest questions on the Classic Hymer group is:
"I've broken a front indicator. Where can I get another one?"
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer.
The original Hymer indicators
The original front indicators fitted to pre-1995 Classic Hymers were manufactured for Hymer by Hella and are now obsolete.
Early vans used amber lenses with clear bulbs, while later vans used clear lenses with amber bulbs. Physically they are the same and can be interchanged, although a matching pair obviously looks best.
Because originals are no longer available, good second-hand examples command surprisingly high prices and are often sold within hours. There have even been reports of complete indicator units being stolen from parked vans.
Original yellow indicator
Option 1 - Bolt on Bits (Recommended)
For most owners, this is now the best solution.
A UK company called Bolt on Bits has developed a replacement system using a modern Hella lamp combined with a custom-made surround designed specifically for Classic Hymers.
The result looks neat, fits properly and avoids the gaps associated with other alternatives.
Available in both amber and clear versions.
Advantages:
Good cosmetic appearance.
Direct replacement.
Readily available.
New parts.
Disadvantages:
Most expensive option.
Approximately £150 per pair.
An owner with one broken original can often offset part of the cost by selling the remaining good original to another enthusiast.
Option 2 - Optare / Hella replacement units
A cheaper alternative uses a Hella indicator also fitted to Optare buses and other commercial vehicles.
Common part number:
HELLA 2BA 004 119-001
These are widely available from commercial vehicle suppliers and online.
They are slightly smaller than the original Hymer units and require some modification to fit. The result is perfectly serviceable but leaves a small gap around the lamp.
Many owners have used these successfully, particularly as a temporary or budget solution.
Advantages:
Cheap.
Easy to obtain.
Good emergency replacement.
Disadvantages:
Not an exact fit.
Requires modification.
Small visible gap around the lamp.
[PHOTO - Optare fitted to Classic Hymer]
Which should I choose?
For most owners:
Bolt on Bits is the best long-term solution.
If cost is the main consideration, or you simply need to get back on the road, the Optare/Hella units work perfectly well and many owners are happy with the appearance.
A final tip
If you damage an original indicator, don't throw the pieces away.
Even badly cracked lenses can sometimes be carefully repaired or used as patterns for future restoration work.
And if you ever remove a good original pair, look after them. They have become one of the harder Classic Hymer parts to replace.
Summary
Original Hella Hymer indicators
Obsolete.
Rare.
Expensive second-hand.
Bolt on Bits
Best appearance.
Purpose-made surround.
Recommended.
Optare/Hella
Cheap.
Readily available.
Slightly undersized but perfectly usable.
As with many Classic Hymer parts, there is no perfect answer, but fortunately there are now practical solutions that can keep these vans on the road for many years to come.
