S2000 Talk Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it.

Protecting New Headlights

Thread Tools
 
Old Nov 30, 2023 | 06:52 AM
  #1  
ChrisSellsHomes's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 6
Question Protecting New Headlights

I bit the bullet and purchased new OEM S2K headlights for my '05 and want the best protection film to protect the investment.

What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Thank you in advance.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2023 | 07:00 AM
  #2  
dwb993's Avatar
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 860
Likes: 196
From: Palm Bay, FL
Default

I used Lamin-X on my new AP1 headlights: https://lamin-x.com/

The fit was good. While all films can be tricky to apply, these went on fairly easily. Be sure to review the instructions thoroughly and watch the videos.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2023 | 07:42 AM
  #3  
ChrisSellsHomes's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 6
Default

Thank you! I hadn't thought about that option, but it makes sense. Do you have a photo of how they look on your S2K?
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2023 | 09:29 AM
  #4  
cosmomiller's Avatar
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 3,425
From: Foothills East of Sacramento
Default

3M and Expel make the Cadillac of the PPF films. There are some differences between tints in each company.
It runs about $150-200 for a professional installation of headlight films for lenses that are in good condition to be covered.

I did it myself with Expel and ordered the film pre-cut for the S2000. That was about 8 years ago and they look brand new. I paid just under $100 for the two pieces. I will attach a picture when I get home later. I have some experience applying Mylar film with model planes so I was pretty confident in my abilities. Check out the Utube videos or just spend the money for a professional install. You may want to get the film for the front snout, hood and fenders too. There is also a film that is almost clear but blocks heat and UV light that is perfect for the inside of the windscreen. Keeps the car nice and cool parked in the sun and reduces UV damage to the interior as well.

Reply
Old Nov 30, 2023 | 07:09 PM
  #5  
darcyw's Avatar
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 444
From: um, a house
Default

use a UV stabilized PPF. I personally use 3M PPF that has done a great job of keeping my refinished head lights clear.

darcy
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2023 | 01:50 PM
  #6  
cosmomiller's Avatar
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 3,425
From: Foothills East of Sacramento
Default

Here is what my headlights look like after 8 years. Expel self applied pre-cut.




Reply
Old Dec 1, 2023 | 02:19 PM
  #7  
Jwong77's Avatar
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 65
From: Pleasanton, CA
Default

I also ppf'd my new headlights along with the rest of my freshly painted car. I've ppf'd a few of my past and present cars headlights, and they've all stayed brand new looking during my ownership. Not all of them were garaged either.
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Dec 2, 2023 | 09:47 PM
  #8  
that-freakin-guy's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 133
Likes: 43
From: SoCal
Default

I used Lamin-X for years without issue, and have their yellow film on my headlights right now. It can be applied at home with some patience.

I'll eventually bite the bullet and get new headlights, and will use Lamin-X on those, too.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2023 | 06:19 PM
  #9  
ChrisSellsHomes's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 6
Default

I went with the Lamin-X pre-cut covers and was really surprised how easy they were to install. Great fit and piece of mind knowing the expensive OEM replacement lights will be protected.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 09:25 AM
  #10  
cosmomiller's Avatar
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 3,425
From: Foothills East of Sacramento
Default

I went to the Lamin-X site and looked at the headlight cutouts for my 2015 Outback. One piece. The 3M and Xpel have them cut along a very sharp edge with compound curves. I wonder if the Lamin is so soft it will take the sharp curve. No problems with the S2000.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NFRs2000NYC
New York - Metro New York S2000 Owners
9
Sep 22, 2003 04:20 AM
LA S2K
European S2000 Owners
0
Jul 24, 2002 06:20 PM
s2oooboy
Prairie Redliners
0
Mar 18, 2002 12:09 AM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:08 AM.