3M Protection on Headlights

Anyone had their headlights covered with 3M (or similar) protection?

Yes, my headlightswere covered as were the lenses for the fog lights. Essentially the entire front of the car was covered. <o ></o >[/quote]

I've done headlights on past cars & did so on my Cayman. Keeps the glass from getting sandblasted and makes cracks from stones unlikely. My installer advised not to do the fog lenses which he said get too hot for the plastic material.

I had the headlights done because those suckers will look dull after a couple years if you don't protect them. You can't tell it's there and the headlights look real clear. I had them usethe same thickness plastic as the rest of the car. I don't like the real think plastic some people use. I may be wrong, but I don't think it's needed. That plastic used for headlights is extremely resilient. I've never seen or heard of headlights being cracked by road debris. I imagine it could happen, but it would be a freeky thing. Rudy

Mine were done too. Cannot tell it is there and provides a little extra peace of mind.

I had it done on my Audi but have not done it on my Cayman yet.

My installer did the same as Dan's - headlights, but not fog lights... and everything else on the front of the car, too. brad

Does someone sell just a headlight kit? You know what I need to check into is those new windshield kits, my windshield has a bunch of tiny little pits in it and Porsche glass is notoriously soft...

I have the headlights/fog lights covered as well. Note that it's a thicker film than the rest of the clear bra.

I just looked into having the front and mirrors covered with a clear bra. To have the entire front and mirrors covered was right at $1,000. While I was at the dealership, I looked at at at 2 other cars which had this done. One had about 4,500 miles and the other 2,500. On both, there was a really obvious line where the clear stopped and the paint began. The one with 2,500 miles had begun to peel on the lower facia. Neither completely covered the paint where chips might occur. I decided to look into other options and discovered a site called "Speed Lingerie". These are conventional coverings but are dyed to the color of the car. Since I plan to use this only on track days, this is a better option for me but worth considering for anyone. Cost is $545 and no tools are needed for installation. Also, the hood covering is a separate piece so access to the front trunk is available. Headlight covers are included with the bra.

Peter Speed Lingerie is of high quality w/good color matching. Be sure to have a good coat of wax on the painted areas it covers. Also, be certain you don't have any grit, dirt or other debris under the bra since the bra's movement will grind it into the paint. Last, don't use it in the rain. Water trapped under the bra is not good. Clear bras are least visible on lighter colors, but if you're looking, the seams are obviously there. It's also important to use a wax/polish that doesn't leave a visible residue, such as Zaino or ReJex. A quality job will not peel. What you describe may be more a function of the installer than the process. I tracked for a while w/a vinyl bra. The clear bra was much more convenient & was, of course, always there protecting my paint. As to your price quote, it seems very high. We both live in the midwest so labor rates are likely comparable. My Ultrashield installation was about $700 & included the entire front bumper, front spoiler, fog light struts, headlights, almost half way up the hood. mirrors, door sills, door edges & the lower fender behind the rear wheels. No bubbles, creases, etc - absolutely perfect. Edited by - STLPCA on 07/18/2006 4:36:35 PM

Does anyone know where to get the kit to cover only the headlights, with the thicker material?

Check out this website for 3M products. The light kit is toward the bottom for$70 http://www.xpel.com/

Sorry...first you have to click 'shop online', then put in the Cayman to get to the page with the products

Once again, this forum comes through with an outstanding array of opinions and information. I'm more concerned about quality of workmanship on the clear bra but it's nice to know you can get good quality at a good price. Would like to use sponsors but they aren't always located in close proximity and time doesn't always permit organizing a group buy or install. I'm doing more research but thanks Dan for your comments.

I had my lights covered in my TL (in 04) and now my Croc. But only because the cost was negligable after committing to the entire clear bra. But I must say in all my years I've never had a light crack from road rubble. Fiebru brings up an interesting reason...dullness in the lense. My '97 Infiniti lights are very dull, and has no clear bra covering. Maybe a coincidence or not...the other difference is the the Infiniti has 'normal' lights, but the TL/Cayman have Bi-Xenon's.

For what it's worth, I know I read somewhererecently there is a US regulation against having film on headlights. Not sure why that would be. -Steve

Opposite of above re lights, my installer (Alan Seligman) did the fog lights but not the headlights re heat even though I have the normal lights rather than bi-xenon. Local friend Jim Michael's installer did both fogs and bi-xenon headlights with no problems after several months.

My driveway is a mile of gravel so you can be sure I covered my bi-xenons.