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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHHeadlight restoration results before / after pics
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Use clear
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
The bodyshop used a clear with a UV protectant built in.
Leading evidence: 'Use clear' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check around the nozzle clovin - thanks' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Ultimate I went with a family owned collision center that I've used for my wife's car (bumpers/etc) in the past.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'll check around the nozzle Clovin - thanks for pointing that out.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
21 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Outcome without a verified action link
In the past I'd tried a home kit and it worked well but the result has visible runs in the clear as well as dust/contaminants.
One thing I completely overlooked in the excitement of buying my first Porsche, but began to really bother me afterwards, was the condition of my headlights. There were yellowed and cloudy looking. Not terrible, but definitely showing age.
In the past I'd tried a home kit and it worked well but the result has visible runs in the clear as well as dust/contaminants.
I've heard people have success with buffing and then applying XPEL clear film - which seems like a great option, and one I almost did. However it seems that the clouding/yellowing is a function of oxidation and UV exposure. I contacted XPEL and they confirmed that their product will protect against rocks/chips as well as oxidation but not UV. This probably doesn't matter too much, but I wanted to play it safe.
So after way too much deliberation I set out to find a local shop that would sand/buff/clear/buff my headlights - as automative clear includes a UV protectant.
There is a local dent place that quoted me $90 but they were very up front that the results wouldn't be perfect. They didn't have a paint booth so they couldn't prevent dust/etc from settling in the clear.
Ultimate I went with a family owned collision center that I've used for my wife's car (bumpers/etc) in the past. It was $200, but he assured me they'd be perfect.
Just picked the headlights up today and they're not perfect, but they're pretty close. There are a couple bits of dust the clear that are more than a little noticeable - and I may take them back in to have them removed. But - the results are pretty dramatic. A huge improvement, so overall I'm very happy with how they turned out.
Here are a few side by side before and after shots. I'm shocked at how much detail around the projector and the inner reflectors is visible now.
Thanks for the info guys. Overall I'm happy with them but not over the moon. I paid extra for perfection and maybe my expectations were just too high. In retrospect this is probably another example of why I should just DIY. I think I just expect things to be perfect and at least when I do it myself I have no one to blame but myself. I'll check around the nozzle Clovin - thanks for pointing that out. Although I think the area you're talking about will be covered by the nozzle once I reinstall them.
If you are not perfectly happy, I would wet sand those with 2000/3000 grit and polish them, then coat them with this
http://www.krylon.com/products/uvres...clear-coating/
I think a DIY'er could with patience achieve a perfect result.
I've restored mine a few times and recently put clear x-pel covers on my headlights. The restorations are good but the haze returns if you don't put a good sealant on there.
It would take you a week with #2000, #3000 grit. Trust me, you can be very aggressive in sanding, so longs as you follow with decreasing grits, sand completely with each, and don't rush it. You can start with #800 (or even #400 grit on extremely rough/yellowed plastic). End with #2000 from wherever you started, then rubbing compund with your orbital, polishing compound, done! Patience!
Wow, love the results, much better. Whenever I detail my car I also include a light rub out with white polishing compound on the headlights. Never thought of sealing them though will have to look at the link provided above... Ralph
Automotive clear coat works well to preserve all of the restoration work. But you need to sand out and polish all scratches away and prep well or you won't be happy with the results. Buy "door jamb clear coat" at your local automotive paint supply store. It comes in areaol cans which are not the best for spray quality but are convenient.
I had my headlights done on my Volvo by a local guy at a roadside stand here in Tampa, they came out beautiful and the price was very reasonable something like $30/40 but my point is he offered a tip at the end of the job; sunscreen lotion to preserve the newly refinished pieces. Never tried it though so can't vouch for it's effectiveness... R.
Just got them back in the car today and they definitely look a million times better than they did. The car is currently on jack stands with the rear bumper removed waiting on a set of Fister mufflers!!!
The bodyshop used a clear with a UV protectant built in. I contacted XPEL and they said that
their covers don't provide UV protection
may not prevent yellowing from UV (edited, see below).
Its been a while since I contacted them, and since my memory may be a little rusty I went back and pulled their actual response. After reviewing it, it doesn't specifically say that it doesn't protect against UV. Here is the actual response:
"Thank you for contacting XPEL customer support. Our film will help from the headlight oxidizing but may not keep the light from yellowing from the UV exposure."
[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:]
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_7772_447ba3c24c894a62a4537a3a1691113113ec07ed.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_7783_17ffd4f150753355d2c367d335f97f4333a9c52b.jpg
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
