Finmac

I am debating whether to PPF the headlights on my incoming new GT4RS. Have read there can be problems upon removal - so wanted to understand the pros and cons to help me decide please/what have others done?

168glhs1986

You need to sand off the coating then PPF. The downside is you need to sand off the coating. The upside is you will have PPF film on your headlights. If you intend on driving a lot it's a good idea.

My touring has PPF but not my 4RS.

Alan C.

My installer has put film on my last 3 GT cars without sanding the lense. He did tell me if I removed the film I might have to sand the lense due to some of the surface coating coming off when removed.

TXshaggy

There are no cons.

Please don’t sand the headlights, not required.

Protect those expensive lights.

TXshaggy

https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1030...-to-avoid.html

This almost 5 years old…

BoxKing

100% Agree. I’d rather have tiny defects in the paint that are easily filled, than have a chipped and sandblasted headlight.
I have mine protected, also needed one replaced due to the seam on an edge not settling after install. I waited till after the winter months to have this done (free), 1 year after initial install, and there was no problem with the coating on the headlights. The installer was also very careful, and used steam for safe removal.

Better question to ask yourself is: “am I really going to keep this car long enough where I’ll be the guy who needs to worry about replacing the film if/when it needs it?!”

FazedChicken

I PPF'd mine without sanding anything. Like others said, I'd rather deal with lamination issues which can be fixed instead of a chipped/peppered headlight lens (have to buy a new lens).

Zhao

Never seen PPF delaminate a headlight when removed and reapplied. Xpel, suntek, whatever cheap stuff is out there, etc. I like Moe in that link have never understood not PPFing a headlight and letting it chip up.

Never heard of anyone sanding a headlight until today. That makes no sense to me.

mwar99

I had my film replaced on a 991.1 GT3 and one headlight had a spot that the coating came off. Almost looked like it tore off.

Finmac

Can I ask how old the car/PPF was please? I take it the PPF had started to yellow and that’s why you replaced it? What did you do about the spot that lifted?

Finmac

Thanks for the replies guys - very helpful. I will be PPFing them on my car. Out of interest, does anyone know the cost of a new LED headlight please?

ipse dixit

So succinct.

So well said.

Close thread.

20C4S

Do it.

Some installers don't do headlights because they've been hurt financially to cover the cost of the headlights if the coating comes off. However, I much prefer to refinish the clear coating than a chipped lens that you can't fix. Let's be honest, the coating comes off randomly is more of a supplier QC issue than the issue of applying PPF that causes to come off.

MoeMistry

Sanding only necessary IF headlight coating is compromised

on a new car, installer can prep/clean headlights and go into ppf installation

BUT…make sure you’re installer is comfortable and familiar with this…he/she must know how to properly apply and remove the film and also know how to fix the lenses if there delaminating

MoeMistry

I wrote this thread just in case delamination occurs and it’s not the end of the world if in skilled hands

https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1030...-to-avoid.html