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I purchased replacement headlight covers with the expectations of a simple oven bake and swap but came to find out that the headlights are sealed with permatex which really doesn't soften with heat.
Since the cover is being replaced and not needing to be put back on, organized destruction was the best approach.
Final result:
BEFORE / AFTER
edit: I have now done this with 4 sets of headlights and have the process pretty dialed in. If you have a set of headlights needing reconditioned I can offer my services including the new covers to renew your set. Send me a PM for details or visit my website WWW.RENNLIGHTS.COM
That looks great!
I tried heating up the headlamp assembly for lens removal and that was a complete fail.
How is the quality of the China made lenses? Also, I've seen many different sellers for the lens for both single and pair. Can you share from whom you bought, price and shipping time?
Beautiful!! Excellent post and DIY. I have a spare headlight for my 981 because it was damaged upon new car delivery and the dealer let me keep the original. I put PPF on my headlights so maybe that has helped prevent the crazing, but I will definitely refer to this post if/when I need to replace/refurb.
Can you share the link to the China parts you used from Ebay?
Quality of the covers has been great.
They even did a very good job of matching the silvery color that along the inside of the lamps.
As good as factory to me.
I have done 2 sets so far since a few previous cars had just faded headlights and those come out well with just sanding and polishing. These recent ones I had to redo completely because the cracking was throughout the plastic and not just a surface coating failure.
Thanks for the info...that's the seller I've seen.
I lucked out and found a good used headlamp on eBay, so I have the passenger side covered. I just made an offer on a single lens, so we'll see if he accepts.
This thread was good inspiration to make another attempt at it.
As an update, I purchased a single lens for around $240 shipped. The lens arrived in approximately 10 days and the quality was of OEM quality.
I basically followed the instructions above, but just used standard black silicone (non RTV) to seal the new lens. Overall, I am EXTREMELY happy with the results....especially since a new replacement assembly would be over $1500.
It's sad that the Porsche quality is so poor on these lenses. If you're not afraid of a little DIY, this is a great alternative. As I had an extra headlamp assembly, I was able to take my time with the repair process. I'll try to post some pics of the final results, but it's a little difficult to appreciate the results as mine had more of the micro-cracks than UV damage. Thanks to osuidoc for the great write up!
As an update, I purchased a single lens for around $240 shipped. The lens arrived in approximately 10 days and the quality was of OEM quality.
I basically followed the instructions above, but just used standard black silicone (non RTV) to seal the new lens. Overall, I am EXTREMELY happy with the results....especially since a new replacement assembly would be over $1500.
It's sad that the Porsche quality is so poor on these lenses. If you're not afraid of a little DIY, this is a great alternative. As I had an extra headlamp assembly, I was able to take my time with the repair process. I'll try to post some pics of the final results, but it's a little difficult to appreciate the results as mine had more of the micro-cracks than UV damage. Thanks to osuidoc for the great write up!
How have these lenses held up over time? Any condensation issues?
Replacing the covers of your headlight housings, including providing the new covers and also return shipping is $375.00 each.
The headlights are thankfully very easy for you to remove from the car and can be packed two to a box for shipping.
I remove the old covers and replace them with the new ones and after an overnight cure, box them back up and ship back to you.
Here is a picture of a couple of sets I have done recently:
Since I didn't hear from you I purchased some headlight covers, they haven't come in yet, if I sent you my headlights and covers what would be the charge to put the ones I just purchased on my headlights, or if it's not that hard could you sell me step by step instructions to do it myself. I had rather you do it, but I'm open to anything.
Thank you
I am replacing a set of covers for a GT4 this week and plan to make a video which will be more helpful than the photos set I used to have.on this thread.
After viewing the video you will be better able to decide on your appetite for the project and then if you prefer for me to do the work it would be the quoted $150.00 per housing.
I ordered 16 sets from overseas and waited almost a month for the replacement covers to arrive so now I have my own sets on site currently and can ship out right away for any others interested in the DIY approach.
I have several sets of the headlight covers currently in stock and can sell those to DIY for $225.00 each.
If you want to have me replace the covers of your housings then it is an extra $150.00 each.
The headlights are thankfully very easy for you to remove from the car and can be packed two to a box for shipping.
I remove the old covers and replace them with the new ones and after an overnight cure, box them back up and ship back to you.
Here is a picture of a couple of sets I have done recently:
How are the edges? I purchased a set from AliExpress and they had chips and were not smooth. are they polished all the way around? Pics would be helpful. I am interested in having you do them during the winter when I put the car away.
10-17-2020, 01:30 PM
Headlight Restoration
