Not sure how it's much more of a hassle if you already have fogged/yellowing headlights.. You'd still have to sand/buff to get them clean before applying the film. I just replaced the buff and film application steps with spraying a UV coating. No buffing necessary.

The uv coating I used is basically a clear coat and actually protects from rock chips as well.

I think there are different levels of fogging that would require different methods of fixing. Some fogging may be light and could be fixed with a simple buff/polish and then film. Some may be more severe and need multiple levels of sanding and then you might as well reapply a UV coat. Could even add a film for further protection if desired.

 

maybe not for somebody who's done it before. But for somebody who has not done it before, obtaining the paint gun, cleaning it, feeling it, likely with much more product then you really need, masking off the car, spring, cleaning the paint then again, sounds like way way more of a hassle than simply laying the film on there and smoothing it out. and at several mills dick, I'm sure the PPF protects the headlights far better than what you're spring on there

 

maybe not for somebody who's done it before. But for somebody who has not done it before, obtaining the paint gun, cleaning it, feeling it, likely with much more product then you really need, masking off the car, spring, cleaning the paint then again, sounds like way way more of a hassle than simply laying the film on there and smoothing it out. and at several mills dick, I'm sure the PPF protects the headlights far better than what you're spraying on there

 

3m actually make a headlight restoraton kit. used it on my other car. as long as you follow the instructions than it will turn out great. I also added a bit of my polish i had sitting around to help get rid of the scratches you get from it.

 

Yes, I used it as well, but you still have to provide the long-term protection and in the paint protection film

 

Paint protection film is probably the easiest and most hassle free way to maintain the clear look. Once you wet sand and polish to a clear shine apply the film and be done with it.

 

Let me see if I understand you. This company produces a cutout of the S headlight with a protective film that will eliminate "fogging". How do you apply this, is it thin enough that it stretches over the compound curve or do you have to heat it? Is it removable or permanent?

 

Sorry, typing form my phone was a little error prone.

Ok, 3M makes the original Paint Protection Film (PPF) for your paint. Also called "clear bra". I'm sure you've heard of it. Its been out at least 10 years.

They produce the film for aftermarket installers and for many new cars installed at their factory or dealer before sold.


http://ppffilm.com

http://solutions.3m....rotection-Film/

http://solutions.3m....ard-Pro-Series/

Generally it needs to be installed by trained installers. But, for simple things like a headlight, you can instal it yourself. There are numerous You Tube videos of it.

Most installers will order computer stored cutouts of the material for any car that were measured by 3M or it's few large original distributers. Some areas of a car are "custom" cuts that 3M didn't make, such as headlights because of technical legalities. But a small installer can custom cut them on their own. The big distributers, who are usually installer also, store the cutouts on their computers as StarShied did for me for the headlights.

http://starshieldsolutions.com

Starshield has been doing installations of my cars I've bought for quite a few years now. They've told me if you call them and tell them my name, David Crandon, they'll look up the cutout from my order and send it to you. I think it's about $60 or so. If you have a local installer put it on for you, it'd be about $30-$50 I think. But, you can do it yourself. It's basically the same as installing a decal, but easier.

Yes, it is removable. When a installer puts it on, they do use a heat gun for some parts. For the headlights you don't need to I believe because the curves are so smooth it just lays over them.

They'll have you sign a waiver saying that they aren't responsible if you get a ticket for putting something on your headlights. On some cars, but not ours, the heat form the headlight can affect the film, so the waiver mentions that as well I believe.

 

Excellent info all around. Thank you.

 

I wetsanded, polished, then used synthetic wax. Synthetic wax every 6 months, carnauba every 2-4 weeks. No yellowing or fading after almost 2 years.