I have seen notes about
981
headlight covers crazing/discoloring, but not much about issues on 987's. True that its not much of a problem on 987's? Also, any truth in claim that using
PPF
or ceramic on lights may actually create problems with the pastic covers? Supposedly somethng to do with the films shrinking slightly as they cure. Thanks
Ceramic and
ppf
are very different. I doubt that ceramic has any sort of shrinking issue since it’s a coating.
I’ve had
ppf
on my 987’s
headlights
for 4 years now and there have been no problems. 🤞. On some of my other cars (non
Porsche
) I’ve used
ceramic coating
on the
headlights
with very good results. Clears them up some and there have been zero problems.
Hey
mbsl98
- Great to see you still here, and hope the hard top is treating you well.
Here are a few thoughts:
1) My 981 came with PPFed headlights, so I took care not to peel them off lest they delaminate (which I suspect they would).
2) My headlights on my 987.2 came all fogged, so I sanded/buffed/polished/protected them and they came out great. I then PPFed them at home.
3) Interestingly enough, I originally ordered replacement taillights (URO) for the 987.2 -- and they delaminated right out of the package during unpacking. I think I tried that twice and sent them back. Went with another aftermarket brand and then PPFed them.
I agree with
@PorscheGreg
-- Ceramic shouldn't hurt any shrinking.
In short, IMHO -- plastic is plastic and over time it will age, crack, deglaze, etc. as they will break down -- the question is how quickly. My rule of thumb these days for headlights -- is that ideally, get them into the best shape possible -- and then PPF them. If they delaminate, then buff them out as best as possible, spray protectant on them, and then PPF them. Just my two cents.
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Thanks. That’s what I expected, no issue with 987 lights or using coatings or
PPF
. I was surprised to see that there is a problem with the
981
lights though, and I hate creating my own problems doing something harmful.
My hardtop is fine thank you. I can’t believe you came up with that swap to get color matches for both our 987’s. Mine does live in a heated garage and only sees nice days in winter, so it should stay perfect for a long time. Fortunately the rest of the car (2010 BS MT) continues to be near perfect at 55k miles and I hope to have it for a long time to come. Mike
I can only speak to my experience with two Porsches and PPF on the headlights.
My 987.2, I believe, has had PPF on the headlights since 2009, when the car was sold to the first owner, who PPF'd the hood and bumper—and headlights. Those are still clear. I can see no discoloration, no rock nicks, no scratches. The car won 2nd place in a Porsche Concours a few weeks ago, so I guess they looked good to the judges. Unless you look very closely, there is no indication that it is on the headlights. So that's 15 years. I personally ceramic coated the car 3 years ago (still looking good enough for the concourse).. it did not affect the PPF. I found some polish specifically made for PPF to prep it for ceramic coating. It's a low-density, very low abrasive polish - worked well with my Porter Cable and the PPF is not indistinguishable from the un-PPF'd parts of the car. The PPF has ceramic, Including the headlights. No issue.
My 958.1 got PPF the week I bought it since the headlights looked new. That was about 6 years ago, and 60,000 miles ago. This car does see carwashes (it's white - what swirls?), it lives outdoors, no discoloration, and the headlights continue to look new.
So that's my experience. I don't know what causes the 981 headlight crazing - but I don't think it's exposure to air. I'm sure a few guys have done PPF on the headlights in the hope of avoiding the need to replace them, but I don't keep a real active eye on that forum.
07 CS, 123k, outside kept and the UV fogs them up, i need to redo my
headlights
every other year. they come out like new, but fade over time. i guess i should
ppf
them now as they look great....no other lighting issues
Only do that if you won't miss redoing the
headlights
semi-annually... I don't miss it AT ALL..
Crazing on my headlight lenses was starting to really bother me so sent it over to
Rennlights
to get them refreshed so now looking into
PPF
to protect them long them.
Does anyone have experience with either of those options?
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