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Wrapping the 992 headlights ruins the clear coat, but protects - is it worth?

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Old 01-09-2024, 03:40 PM
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based_1
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Question Wrapping the 992 headlights ruins the clear coat, but protects - is it worth?

Wrap tech claims that adding wrap to the 992 headlights will peel the clear coat once removed, which will ruin the headlights. Replacement is maybe once every 5-10 years (warranty on the wrap up to 10 years)

However, not wrapping them will also lead to chips / scuffs in the headlight which may lead to an eventual replacement anyway.

Conversely, the wrap is "self healing" and will smoothen out any minor chips / scratches over time when exposed to heat.

What's the right move here? Should I wrap, or no? Curious what others have done. TIA
Old 01-09-2024, 04:00 PM
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rasetsu
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I chose to PPF all my headlights based on the same logic as yours. Cost of replacing a shattered headlight from a stone impact could be $1000++ and I just raised my deductibles due to the near 100% increase in insurance premiums in my area. Cost of polishing off the damaged coating, if any, and re-applying PPF is a few hundred dollars. The PPF on my headlights are just over 5 years and don't need replacing yet. Replacement need is dependent on numerous external factors.

The decision to PPF anything or not is really dependent on how one wishes to use their vehicle and there are no shortage of people on the internet who are eager to turn the subject matter of PPF into a debate so be prepared to weed through the noise.
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Old 01-09-2024, 04:05 PM
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Diablo Dude
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I did not PPF the headlights on my 992 GT3 for obvious delamination and warranty issues.
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Old 01-09-2024, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by based_1
Wrap tech claims that adding wrap to the 992 headlights will peel the clear coat once removed, which will ruin the headlights. Replacement is maybe once every 5-10 years (warranty on the wrap up to 10 years)

However, not wrapping them will also lead to chips / scuffs in the headlight which may lead to an eventual replacement anyway.

Conversely, the wrap is "self healing" and will smoothen out any minor chips / scratches over time when exposed to heat.

What's the right move here? Should I wrap, or no? Curious what others have done. TIA
I think if you look you will find members that have reported replacing the PPF and needed to polish the headlights and then re-PPF. According to those posts, the headlights looked fine.
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Old 01-09-2024, 07:07 PM
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bobblehead
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Some brands of ppf glue on them may be easier to peel without de-lamination issue/damage. I was told by my ppf shop and researched online that STEK ppf is better than Xpel.

i also ppf my headlights. By the time the ppf needs to be replaced, that would be the next owner’s concern as i would have changed into another vehicle.

Last edited by bobblehead; 01-09-2024 at 07:08 PM.
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Old 01-09-2024, 07:50 PM
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I had my 992 T PPF'd with Expel Ultimate but didn't bother with the headlights. Installer prefers not to apply film to P-Car headlights. They'll do it but require signing a disclaimer (I know, not uncommon, anything to cover one's **** now days).

My understanding around the issue is, the UV Coating. That will likely be compromised if the film needs to come off. That can bring about potential warranty issues. Being my first 911, I was probably just being a bit overly cautious but I talked with enough folks about it that it caused enough concern on my part to opt out of doing the lights. In my 33 years of driving, I've yet to have a headlight replaced due to chips or scuffs. If the car is a forever keeper, I'll go the headlight restoration path 10 years down the road. Also note, PPF isn't perfect. It shows signs of wear and tear as well (I'm still not sold on some of the "self healing properties" claims, some marketing magic there). If you look at PPF as a wear/consumable item and plan to freshen up the film on the lights every so often, may not be a bad route.
Old 01-09-2024, 08:34 PM
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I chose not to wrap the headlights.

If one breaks or takes a rock, I can replace the headlight easily.


When rock chips paint, I can’t replace easily.
Old 01-11-2024, 05:32 AM
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Default Depends on your personal choice and ppf installer skills

Great discussion currently on this thread:

https://rennlist.com/forums/992-turb...l#post19200782
Old 01-11-2024, 06:09 AM
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dixonk
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There is a vendor on here that replaces the headlight lenses for 8 or 900 bucks if I remember right. My installer advised against it but was happy to do it anyway. I didn’t do it but may revisit the idea.
Old 01-11-2024, 10:25 AM
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Long thread on the 991 forum on this topic. The opinions are split about 50/50. Many detailers will not put the PPF on headlights or require a waiver. There is a reason for that.
I got lucky on a 991 & the CPO covered replacements, but far more claims have been denied. Glancing at the warranty invoice, it was almost $ 12K, minimal labor.
No rock chips at 75K miles, so I’ll just continue to take the chance :-)
Old 01-11-2024, 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by dixonk
There is a vendor on here that replaces the headlight lenses for 8 or 900 bucks if I remember right. My installer advised against it but was happy to do it anyway. I didn’t do it but may revisit the idea.
+1…that’s us and here’s the process

https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1030...-to-avoid.html
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Old 01-11-2024, 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by dixonk
There is a vendor on here that replaces the headlight lenses for 8 or 900 bucks if I remember right.
Yup. User Demarioii offers this...

https://www.kaizenlighting.com/porsc...ement-ppf.html
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Old 01-11-2024, 06:00 PM
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eagle1960
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Originally Posted by BaxterPup
I had my 992 T PPF'd with Expel Ultimate but didn't bother with the headlights. Installer prefers not to apply film to P-Car headlights. They'll do it but require signing a disclaimer (I know, not uncommon, anything to cover one's **** now days).

My understanding around the issue is, the UV Coating. That will likely be compromised if the film needs to come off. That can bring about potential warranty issues. Being my first 911, I was probably just being a bit overly cautious but I talked with enough folks about it that it caused enough concern on my part to opt out of doing the lights. In my 33 years of driving, I've yet to have a headlight replaced due to chips or scuffs. If the car is a forever keeper, I'll go the headlight restoration path 10 years down the road. Also note, PPF isn't perfect. It shows signs of wear and tear as well (I'm still not sold on some of the "self healing properties" claims, some marketing magic there). If you look at PPF as a wear/consumable item and plan to freshen up the film on the lights every so often, may not be a bad route.
My thoughts exactly. My guess is the % of headlights broken by a thrown rock is VERY small. Over the years I have participated on the 987/997/991 and now 992 forums and never seen anyone with this actual experience. It's always "what if". Check out your PPF ahead of the front wheels to get an idea of how well self healing works.
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Old 01-11-2024, 06:23 PM
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What kind of lava/volcano insurance do you guys carry? Asking for a friend.
Old 01-15-2024, 03:22 AM
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I have PPF on mine, I also got a low beam error and had to get the headlight replaced. Delaer kept the car for a month. Error only popped up after 45+miles of driving. They did about 4 to 5 road tests.

I'm getting it ppfd again...
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