Chevrolet Spark Modification & Accessories

[Shantanu.lko]

Any possibility to re-paint the Beige interiors of my sparky exactly like the fiesta. I wanted to do this since beige interiors are reflected a lot in windshield and it disturbs a lot while driving.

For the beige dash, you could buy some dark grey furry towels and place then on the dash board, they will look good and also stop the reflection

@ Shantanu.
I have the following switch for AC. Will I be able to get same type of switch also for FOG lamps?
YES, JUST ASK AT ANY AUTO PARTS SHOP OR THE SERVICE CENTER FOR SPARK'S AC SWITCH AND GET IT FIXED IN THE SPARE PLACE

 

[sethumurugan]

@Sethu, you can fit aftermarket fog lamps in your sparky with different switch options. But, I would strongly recommend to get it installed in ASC. Just buy those fog lamps and take your car to ASC. Spark fuse box has option for front foglamps. Generally during aftermarket fittings technicians bypass it, which is not recommended. moreover your car is under warranty. cutting wires not only voids warranty, but may also create many obstacles during insurance claims. Hope you are getting my point.

Yes I got your point. I will try with ASC and check for the prices first.

People paint dashboard to get rid of reflection issues. I would rather suggest to paint the top of the dash with non-glaze dark grey, black or any colour of your choice. Don't paint the other plastic parts as many people find it difficult to maintain it later on (due to scratches).

Okie. I will check for the cost of paiting. I know a painter near Koyambedu.

Regarding steering wheel you may go for aftermarket ones. just go to an accessory shop and ask for fancy steering wheels for spark.

This is news to me. Let me check.

You may get combo packs containing steering wheel and gear knob too. But you may face issues like no automatic indicator off after steering change. So you'll have to check everything real carefully before doing these mods.

Okie. Sure. I will take care of it.

Any possibility to re-paint the Beige interiors of my sparky exactly like the fiesta. I wanted to do this since beige interiors are reflected a lot in windshield and it disturbs a lot while driving.

For the beige dash, you could buy some dark grey furry towels and place then on the dash board, they will look good and also stop the reflection

This is great man. I have seen people having kind of towel cloth. I think I could check with some seat cover people.

@ Shantanu.
I have the following switch for AC. Will I be able to get same type of switch also for FOG lamps?
YES, JUST ASK AT ANY AUTO PARTS SHOP OR THE SERVICE CENTER FOR SPARK'S AC SWITCH AND GET IT FIXED IN THE SPARE PLACE

This is the one I have huge doubt. I first I should find some shop who will sell chevy spark related spares in chennai.

 

[kannan]

For the beige dash, you could buy some dark grey furry towels and place then on the dash board, they will look good and also stop the reflection

+1 to that. i had a similar issue in my 800. but the SC were ignoring it. but one good mechanic understood the problem correctly. he cut a piece of rexine cloth, dark matte finish and warped the instrument console (it is easy with 800) that cleared my issue.

 

[Lucas]

I second kannan.rexine is a better option than towel. As dashcovers and towels have some disadvantages like dust accumulation, blocking of defogging vents and most importantly it ruins the aesthetics. The rexine has to be of good quality and pasting should be done flawlessly. Otherwise after a few days under the harsh sun bubbles will appear on the surface of the rexine.rexine option will be cheaper. Very economic solution.if you want finishing get it painted.

 

[chayan]

Hi Sethu,
For dashboard cover, you can get them on ebay.com which would be exact match for the Spark dashboard. I will try to send you links later.

For the fog lamp switch; the blank space on my Spark has the switch for the rear defogger. Since its a switch, you can get the defogger switch from ASS, rub out the markings and use it as a fog lamp switch.

For painting the dash board, while the painting part is easy, the difficult part is to take out the dash piece by piece and reassemble them after painting. Its labour intensive and hence would suggest against it.

It is possible to change the steering wheel, however you will lose warranty. Better do that once warranty is over.

 

[saishibu38380]

i have painted my nano's consoles. just take a look at my thread. i used normal paints only. before painting you need plastic sealers.

 

[sethumurugan]

i have painted my nano's consoles. just take a look at my thread. i used normal paints only. before painting you need plastic sealers.

Thank you. How the painter remove the dash? is it easy to remove, paint and fix it? Still I do not know which one of the following to proceed

• Simply buy a grey color long towel [max Rs.500] and spread it on the dash
• Paste grey color rexin or some kind of cloth [which have cushion effect]
• Paint the dash
• Remove the stock dash top and fix type-1 dash which is by default in grey

Hi Sethu,
For dashboard cover, you can get them on ebay.com which would be exact match for the Spark dashboard. I will try to send you links later.

I went thru ebay link and found it to be very costly. and the pic shows beat in india [the same is called as spark in other contries, greatest confusion]. So I had sent a mail, hope i might get a reply from the vendor.

For the fog lamp switch; the blank space on my Spark has the switch for the rear defogger. Since its a switch, you can get the defogger switch from ASS, rub out the markings and use it as a fog lamp switch.

Do they sell spares out of their service center? I know [ only after going for regular service ] a person in the ASC. I thought of asking him if there is any electrician who is expertise in spark vehicles we can ask them to fix the fog lamp, switch and wiring, but out of service center assuming it might cost less. we can buy some parts from ASC and some from outside. Do not know will it work or not.

For painting the dash board, while the painting part is easy, the difficult part is to take out the dash piece by piece and reassemble them after painting. Its labour intensive and hence would suggest against it.

I understand the point very clearly. let me see how we can handle this issue.

It is possible to change the steering wheel, however you will lose warranty. Better do that once warranty is over.

Even if we do it at ASC?

Thank you for the explanation.

I just roamed on net and found the following info about some bulbs

Philips - Head Lamp - 12V H4 60/55 W CV in Pair Rs 900
Philips - Head Lamp - H4 12342 DV 12V 60/55W S2 Rs 1200
Philips - Head Lamp - 12V H4 60/55 W DV in Pair Rs.1000
Philips - Head Lamp - H4 12342 XV 12V 60/55W P43t-38 B1 For Rs 600
Philips - Head Lamp - H4 12569 EV 12V 100/90W P43T B1 Rs.370
Philips - Head Lamp - H4 12342 XV 12V 60/55W P43t-38 B1 Rs.600

Hella
Hella - H-4 12v 120/110W 4.4k - White DayLight Crystal Vision Rs.525
Hella - H-4 12v 120/110W 3.7k - White DayLight Cool Blue Rs.475

Osram
Osram - Head Lamp - 64193 NBP (H4 12V P43T 60/55W) 10x10x2 (Set of Two pcs) Rs.1150
Osram - Head Lamp - H4 12V 60/55W P43t SILVERSTAR (AM) Rs.140
Osram - Head Lamp - 62204CB 100/90W 12V P43T(Set of 2 Pcs)-C Rs. 900
Osram - Head Lamp - H4 12V 60/55W P43t COOL BLUE (AM) Rs. 340
Osram - Head Lamp - H4 Blue 60/55w 12v P43t 10X2 HCB2 ABG (OG) Rs.585
Osram - Head Lamp - 62193CBH 60/55W 12V P43T 10X2 EN-ASORAM Rs.1000
Osram - Head Lamp - 62193CBM 60/55W 12V P43T 10X2 EN-ASORAM Rs.900

I have the following doubts.

• I found some bulbs with two w like 60/55 and some with just one w like 55. what does it mean
• I found some bulbs with 60/55 for less than Rs.500 and some in 1000s and some 120/100 for less than Rs.500. I do not understand the concept. Is only the brand difference?
• Still am excited about 100/95 [But not able to cross the line drawn by experts. What to do just kidding]
• Pls suggest me which one I should go.

.

Friends, can some one tell me which one of the above i can go without any problem to my HL assembly.

In this I need a clarification. Experts says not to go for 100/95 bulbs since it might spoil the glass[ in recent car it is plastic, I do not know about Spark] and reflector due to over heat. Okie. In that case I have left only with 60/55. I think the stock bulb also 60/55.

My question is the same power [60/55] bulb will be brighter just because of fixing the same power light from some other brand?

 

[chayan]

Sethu,

For HL; 60/55 means 60W on the high beam, 55W on low beam. The problem with fitting 100/95 ones is that since they consume more watts, they generate more heat. Light output is more, however there are downsides.
1) You will have to change the holder/adapter set to bakelite (from current OEM plastic), as plastic will melt.
2) Will lose warranty and probably illegal too because of the higher light output. But people are using and getting away.
3) Have to put in a relay to direct connect power with battery as stress on the current wiring is more. Might cause existing wires to melt or fuse to blow. However I have seen people to use it without relays too.
4) Greater the light, shorter the life span of the bulb.. general observation and depends on brand to brand
5) Lastly, high heat causes the reflective coating on your HL assembly to blacken with use.. hence practically ruining the whole set up.

Better option is to use Philips Extreme Vision (60/55w). I am using it and find it quite good.
Or less you can shift to Xenon ones. Much better light output, lesser heat and lesser power consumption. Downside is that the whole setup is costly, will fit your existing HL assembly but there would be issue with focussing and hence not road legal. These are better suited for projector HL assemblies. But I have seen people use it and getting away.
Hope I have been able to give some idea.

 

[chayan]

Sethu,

For HL; 60/55 means 60W on the high beam, 55W on low beam. The problem with fitting 100/95 ones is that since they consume more watts, they generate more heat. Light output is more, however there are downsides.
1) You will have to change the holder/adapter set to bakelite (from current OEM plastic), as plastic will melt.
2) Will lose warranty and probably illegal too because of the higher light output. But people are using and getting away.
3) Have to put in a relay to direct connect power with battery as stress on the current wiring is more. Might cause existing wires to melt or fuse to blow. However I have seen people to use it without relays too.
4) Greater the light, shorter the life span of the bulb.. general observation and depends on brand to brand
5) Lastly, high heat causes the reflective coating on your HL assembly to blacken with use.. hence practically ruining the whole set up.

Better option is to use Philips Extreme Vision (60/55w). I am using it and find it quite good.
Or else you can shift to Xenon ones. Much better light output, lesser heat and lesser power consumption. Downside is that the whole setup is costly, will fit your existing HL assembly but there would be issue with focussing and hence not road legal. These are better suited for projector HL assemblies. But I have seen people use it and getting away.
Hope I have been able to give some idea.

 

[Lucas]

Thank you. How the painter remove the dash? is it easy to remove, paint and fix it? Still I do not know which one of the following to proceed

• Simply buy a grey color long towel [max Rs.500] and spread it on the dash
• Paste grey color rexin or some kind of cloth [which have cushion effect]
• Paint the dash
• Remove the stock dash top and fix type-1 dash which is by default in grey

Do they sell spares out of their service center? I know [ only after going for regular service ] a person in the ASC. I thought of asking him if there is any electrician who is expertise in spark vehicles we can ask them to fix the fog lamp, switch and wiring, but out of service center assuming it might cost less. we can buy some parts from ASC and some from outside. Do not know will it work or not.

My question is the same power [60/55] bulb will be brighter just because of fixing the same power light from some other brand?

Dear Sethu, Dashboard painting is not an easy task. For your information, in my Premier Padmini 1986, I got the dashboard (aftermarket) painted twice with matt black. It involved two persons. The electrician removed the dash and the painter painted it. So, It'll be better if you contact your chevvy dealer/ ASC for the job. It may be costly, but you'll have peace of mind.

Regarding fog lamps you are thinking right. Buy foglamps outside, get it fitted in ASC. I think they should agree. If people can fit aftermarket music system in ASC then why not foglamps?? Here also peace of mind will prevail.

Well, now the HL bulbs. Yes. stock bulb is 60/55 and different bulbs with same wattage may produce lights of different intensity and colour temperature. Choice is yours buddy.

 

[sethumurugan]

Sethu,

For HL; 60/55 means 60W on the high beam, 55W on low beam. The problem with fitting 100/95 ones is that since they consume more watts, they generate more heat. Light output is more, however there are downsides.
1) You will have to change the holder/adapter set to bakelite (from current OEM plastic), as plastic will melt.
2) Will lose warranty and probably illegal too because of the higher light output. But people are using and getting away.
3) Have to put in a relay to direct connect power with battery as stress on the current wiring is more. Might cause existing wires to melt or fuse to blow. However I have seen people to use it without relays too.
4) Greater the light, shorter the life span of the bulb.. general observation and depends on brand to brand
5) Lastly, high heat causes the reflective coating on your HL assembly to blacken with use.. hence practically ruining the whole set up.

Better option is to use Philips Extreme Vision (60/55w). I am using it and find it quite good.
Or else you can shift to Xenon ones. Much better light output, lesser heat and lesser power consumption. Downside is that the whole setup is costly, will fit your existing HL assembly but there would be issue with focussing and hence not road legal. These are better suited for projector HL assemblies. But I have seen people use it and getting away.
Hope I have been able to give some idea.

Iam clear. So Iam not going for 100/90. So if I go for Philips Extreme Vision (60/55) assuming that it will give some good light. What would be the cost. If it is low I can go for FOG lamps. Hope with Philips Extra vision and additional FOG lamp I should be able to get the power or 100/55 if possible.

Dear Sethu, Dashboard painting is not an easy task. For your information, in my Premier Padmini 1986, I got the dashboard (aftermarket) painted twice with matt black. It involved two persons. The electrician removed the dash and the painter painted it. So, It'll be better if you contact your chevvy dealer/ ASC for the job. It may be costly, but you'll have peace of mind.

I know this is going to be very costly. That is the reason it is last in my mind. I would try either rexin or cloth [towel or cloth] depending upon the expertise availability/towel availability.

Regarding fog lamps you are thinking right. Buy foglamps outside, get it fitted in ASC. I think they should agree. If people can fit aftermarket music system in ASC then why not foglamps?? Here also peace of mind will prevail.

Iam not sure will they do it outside or not. Am sure inside the factory they may not fix. Let me check.

Well, now the HL bulbs. Yes. stock bulb is 60/55 and different bulbs with same wattage may produce lights of different intensity and colour temperature. Choice is yours buddy.

Thanks even MR. Chayan also said the same. Let me get 60/55 Philips extra vision after finding the price in chennai.

 

[chayan]

Sethu, with respect to fog lamps.. my experience is as follows:

My wife broke the front right one, trying to save a kart pusher who veered on the middle of the road. She swerved and slightly grazed the road divider. There were no apparent damage on the bumper (some scuffs) but the blow had broken the fog light clamps. The fog light was ok and still functional.
So in the next service I asked the SA about the cost and he said something to the tune of Rs. 850/- or so (dont remember exact as it was more than 2 years ago - probably have the bill) for the entire piece (lamp, clamp and bulb). So I though that I will replace/repair the clamp myself. After that searched everywhere outside for the clamp or the entire assembly but did not get it. Tried fitting the broken pieces with Araldite, but the plastic is such that it does not hold on jerks/pressure. Also the screws holes on the inner side of the bumper is such that only one clamp configuration fits. Hence after practically a year, got it fixed through ASS.

Just wanted to share my experience, probably you will have better luck.

 

[chayan]

Sethu, with respect to the dash, why don't you put wood grain decals. I understand it would not be beige, but on mine really looks good.

I will upload some pictures later.

 

[sethumurugan]

Sethu, with respect to fog lamps.. my experience is as follows:

My wife broke the front right one, trying to save a kart pusher who veered on the middle of the road. She swerved and slightly grazed the road divider. There were no apparent damage on the bumper (some scuffs) but the blow had broken the fog light clamps. The fog light was ok and still functional.
So in the next service I asked the SA about the cost and he said something to the tune of Rs. 850/- or so (dont remember exact as it was more than 2 years ago - probably have the bill) for the entire piece (lamp, clamp and bulb). So I though that I will replace/repair the clamp myself. After that searched everywhere outside for the clamp or the entire assembly but did not get it. Tried fitting the broken pieces with Araldite, but the plastic is such that it does not hold on jerks/pressure. Also the screws holes on the inner side of the bumper is such that only one clamp configuration fits. Hence after practically a year, got it fixed through ASS.

Just wanted to share my experience, probably you will have better luck.

Thanks for sharing the info. Sorry about your experience. Do you suggest to to ASC and get it fixed?

Sethu, with respect to the dash, why don't you put wood grain decals. I understand it would not be beige, but on mine really looks good.

I will upload some pictures later.

Pls upload the pics. I need cheap, but effective solution which will not break any warranty [Am I asking for more]

BTW, Today I went to a accessories shop near by and got prices as follows

Fog : DLAA Rs.3500, Delhi make Rs. 2500
Rear Power Windows Rs. 7500
Art Seat Cover Rs. 5500
Oshram Night breaker 60/55 Rs. 1100

Regarding seat, I asked for custom made seat covers with dual tone, he said it will be Rs. 500 etc which is towards courier charges from delhi.

I think the all the prices are over priced. Guys give me your inputs. When I checked with GP road he said FOG would be around Rs.1200

And I think I have to thank TAI. Already I had a discussion in TAI and Mr. Shantanu has gave me input about PIAA and DLAA which is duplicate of DLAA in India. When I mentioned the same he suddenly got shocked and started blabbering about the duplicate and original.

When I checked about Dash cover he said it is available in the market but he do not have it.

 

[chayan]

Sethu,

I was referring to this for dash board facia:
Autographix - Wooden Dashboard Kits

The one I have is from autographix only so I know they have them for Spark. I will try and snap some photos during the weekend.