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YOUR RESEARCHHeadlight Help
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Clean like new
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Headlights that are yellow and faded can definitely be cleaned like new.
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I have used the DIY kits before, they are good enough for some people but not me.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I found a nice running C4 but it looks is if it has spent it's life ouside and the headlights are nastly and yellow.
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Suggestion
The most recent one I bought was to use on my sister-in-law's Hyundai - I could not with a clear conscience let her drive home at night with the lenses almost entirely opaque.
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Hi guys,
I am new here and need some advice. I have not owned a Porsche in a long time and I am now searching around for a 996. I found a nice running C4 but it looks is if it has spent it's life ouside and the headlights are nastly and yellow. I don't have much faith in polishing and would rather buy new HL assys. Anyone know of a source for 996 C4 headlight assemblies? I want to finalize a deal for this car tomorow but the only lamp I have found was 3K of new. That can't be right?
Thanks,
Tom
If they are Litronic (HID), then that price sounds about right. Halogen assemblies will be roughly half of that amount.
I used a service called Dr. Headlight on my C4S, and I'm very pleased with the outcome.
Tom of Va - As long as the headlights are only yellowed and not otherwise damage, I wouldn't go to the expense of replacement. As Dennis points out, those can be restored to like-new relatively inexpensively and, for that matter, it's a fairly simple, one afternoon DIY. GLWP
Yikes You're right. This car has HID and the used ones I have found are $$. I guess if i want this car I will have to find some way to restore the lights.
What are the silver covers mounted on the lamp for?
Not to hijack, but if the car was stored outside, your first DIY should be to clear all the water drains. Search the site. Many owners have flooded their cars while washing them because of clogged drains.
OK, sorry, just had to say it.
Good luck and post pics when you get it!
keytohwy,
Ya, your right the owner shown me two receipts for alarm controller replacement because he never cleaned out the drains. So I know that it was flooded at least twice in the past.
Thanks
Tom, you cannot buy new covers unfortunately. These lenses are very easy to restore. I do several sets a month for my clients. Even used lights are expensive. If you don't want to try an over the counter refinishing system, ship them down to me. Pay shipping both ways and I will cover the rest.
Gator996,
Thanks, I will keep you mind if I pull trigger and buy the car tomorrow. Any ideas about what to do with washer covers? Are they supposed to pop up like a sprinkler head? If someone turns them on now they are just going to fly off!
The washer cover discs are replaceable. I thought you meant the headlight lenses. The washer covers are pretty cheap from Suncoast Porsche. Just let me know. I would be glad to help out.
Headlights that are yellow and faded can definitely be cleaned like new. As long as they are not cracked or spidering. I wouldn't ever use a headlight fix kit because it will never be perfect. Take it to a qualified paint shop and have them sand them down and re-clear them. They will look perfect.
P.S. the "clear coat" is definitely not standard automotive clearcoat, it is some special coating that is made for headlights. I got mine done over a year ago and they still look 100% perfect. WIth ZERO YELLOW
When I purchased my car two months ago there was yellowing and the faces were uneven, you could easily tell the previous owner had tried to restore them him self with one of those $20 kits you can get at every auto parts store. I took it to a local detailing place, spent $100 and the lights look BRAND NEW. They sanded through everything, the compound left over from the cheap headlight restore kit, pitting, scratches, everything. They sanded all the way up to 3000 grit I believe, then polished and sealed it. Looks fantastic.
I have used the DIY kits before, they are good enough for some people but not me. Take it to someone who can sand through everything and do it the right way. Well worth it over the other kits.
-John
Thanks! I need this little chrome covers. ...So stupid. There is one item I will never order on a new car; headlight washers. Whats with Germans and headlight wipers & washers?
Them headlight washers are very useful in northern countries. In Sweden, I believe they are compulsary due to snow, salt on the road, etc. Could be the same in Germany but not sure.
If you call another dealer for the plastic washer covers don't be surprised if the tell you they are not available. They will try to sell you the whole 200.00 plus washer assembly. Bollocks. They are available and I have bought several pair at Suncoast Porsche. Just tell them you need the silver discs only. If you need help on install just give me a shout.
If I recall Tom, they are about $40.00 each. That is a whole lot better than a few hundred per side. I wish I would have kept the bag with the part number on it. I am like a kid at Christmas...tear open the package and discard the wrapping.
I know you're not keen on refinishing your lights, but it would be worth your time to visit a body shop to see what they'd charge to wet-sand and clear coat your existing lights.
+1. I have found the kits produce mediocre, temporary results. The most recent one I bought was to use on my sister-in-law's Hyundai - I could not with a clear conscience let her drive home at night with the lenses almost entirely opaque. You won't catch me chocking a buffer pad in my drill and grinding on my Litronics.
The problem with some of the home kits is the polish they provide. Nothing more than sealant you would use on your paint.
Once you abrade away the factory UV coating, the lenses will haze and yellow again and again.
Only a sanding followed by a reapplication of clear coat is the way to go. Most body shops can handle it rather affordably. As a reference, I typically charge 60.00 per light for a full wet sand and reclear.
I have too many little things to buy for this car so I definately will be going the resto rout on the lights.
Thanks for the info about the chrome washer hats. I suppose $80 for two is "Porsche cheap" for two delicate chromed piece of plastic. I will call and see if Suncoast has them
I'm in N.VA
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