992Sam

Curious for those of you doing PPF on your 992s... anyone skipping the headlights? or are you having them done?

Reasons why if not would be much appreciated.

Carrera-T

There is much debate on this topic. If you cover them you run the risk of delamination if/when you remove the film. If you don’t your expensive Porsche headlights will be damaged due to rock chips and impacts while driving. I am in the cover them camp.

992Sam

the delimitation thing is what I was worried about too but it doesn't make sense... if you apply heat and do a proper removal, that seems like a non-issue. curious if anyone has actually had this delimitation happen on their later model 911's.

ipse dixit

Always PPF the headlights.

Yes, there is a risk delamination.

But consider the alternative. Leave the headlights uncovered, and you will get pockmarked headlights.

So what's the choice? A risk of delamination versus guaranteed pockmarked headlights?

And there is only a risk of delimaination if you remove the PPF from the headlights. Now ask yourself why you would ever remove the PPF? Especially if it's done right the first time. And if you do remove it, and there is delamination, just simply reapply the PPF and the delamination becomes a non-issue.

So, again, consider the choices, and the downsides to both.

I know which choice I would go with.

Carrera-T

Watch here starting at 13:12.

992Sam

So at about 14:00 into the video he talks about how if the PPF is on for 3-4 years, the risk is higher... maybe the prudent thing is to replace it every year or so preemptively? Is the delaminaton something that can be repaired, or does one need to replace the entire light if that happens?

Carrera-T

Once the delaminate that’s it. Some of the more modern film does not have super strong adhesive. Matt is removing XPEL in favor of SunTek which they say is safer on headlights and more optically clear.

992Sam

Good to know, apparently my guy used Suntek for my headlamps

ipse dixit

That's not true.

You can simply refinish the headlights. The headlights will first need to be sanded with sand paper, compounded, and then polished back to a clear OEM "look". A good detailer and PPF installer can do this with no problem.

992Sam

curious, what exactly delaminates anyway? Is it a clear coat? or the plastic itself?

ipse dixit

Yes.

The factory OEM clear coat fails. In the case of PPF, the adhesive on the PPF during removal peels off the clear coat.

rhr992c4s

Ok guys, here’s my thoughts on this. I know it’s been discussed many times.

if you don’t cover the lights , they will definitely get pitted and chipped. If you do cover them, there is a chance they might delaminate on ppf removal.

we are weighing definite damage against possible damage.

I think Matt had the Ppf on his .2 RS replaced with Stek Dynoshield not Suntek or xpel. Stek dynoshield has far less aggressive adhesive than xpel.

if you use a lot of steam and go slow, I think there is decent chance you can remove the film without damage.

Delamination of the lights removes the top UV coating. Sanding it down, polishing , and replacing with new ppf might look ok but it is not the same as the factory finish.

I am in the cover them camp, but I do so knowing I will pay a large bill if the lights delaminate.

992Sam

cool good info.. so two questions.

Is the risk lower if I remove and replace it frequently (say every 1-2 years) rather than allow it to sit for 5+ years?

And.. If it does delimitate.. is it repairable by a pro-body shop with UV, clear coat etc.. or do you really need to replace the entire fixture as some are saying?

rhr992c4s

Tough and thoughtful questions.

i think the risk of damage is less if the film has been on for less time. The problem is if you replace it frequently , then you are pulling film more often and that increases risk. I don’t know what the answer is, probably keep the film for at least 2 to 3 years and no longer than 5, but that is gut feeling.

I don’t think the factory coating can be replicated. It comes down to whether knowing your lights have been sanded bothers you. I have OCD and like to keep things original.

992Sam

Makes sense...

you and I are very much alike that way... would bother me a lot, but less so if it was impossible to tell it was done I suppose.