Headlight replacement
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Long Island, NY
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My 2002 996 headlights are staring to discolor. I happened to be at dealership and asked about the restorer treatments. They said they are ok but will only restore headlights to 60% clarity. I've been shopping replacements and even the used market (junked car parts) seem to be pricey. Anyone have a recommendation on where to find replacements ?
#2
Rennlist Member
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Gee, do you think they had any incentive to say that? Where did that # come from? Did you ask? I would have to agree that the restorer kits don't make the lights perfect, but they do pretty good. I would think it's much better than 60% if done correctly.
#3
Rennlist Member
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This is the best kit I've seen. It's a bit of an involved, multi-step process but I recently used it on an older honda and the headlights looked showroom new.
It's one of those processes where each step feels like you're making it worse because the headlights get a cloudy look but as soon as you do the last step with the UV block/clearcoat, it suddenly is crystal clear. Unless you are planning to restore a number of headlights and would save money buying all the components separately, I highly recommend this kit.
It's one of those processes where each step feels like you're making it worse because the headlights get a cloudy look but as soon as you do the last step with the UV block/clearcoat, it suddenly is crystal clear. Unless you are planning to restore a number of headlights and would save money buying all the components separately, I highly recommend this kit.
#5
Burning Brakes
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I bought new headlights off ebay for $900 and I'm on my second year with them and they still look new and no faults so far.
I bought an off the shelf auto parts store head recondition kit for my boxter and followed the directions ... worked great, looked great and they looked better then "60%" wasn't hard to do at all and well worth the $19
Just my 2 cents
I bought an off the shelf auto parts store head recondition kit for my boxter and followed the directions ... worked great, looked great and they looked better then "60%" wasn't hard to do at all and well worth the $19
Just my 2 cents
#6
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Mine got so bad (I couldn't see the bulps) and I tried a wipe on buff off product that got them to 90%. Lasted a couple of month. Next step will be the same with a clear coat applied.
#7
Drifting
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If you are set on replacing and go used, check out partssociety and norspec dismantling. I've had good luck with both.
I've used the DIY headlight restore products with good success. It doesn't help if the inside lens is burned like a lot of old 996, but it does a great job on the outer clear lens.
I've used the DIY headlight restore products with good success. It doesn't help if the inside lens is burned like a lot of old 996, but it does a great job on the outer clear lens.
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#8
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We use the 3M restoration kit for headlights. It utilizes 3 stages of pneumatic sanding followed by 2 stages of pneumatic polishing. It is messy and time consuming, but the results are outstanding and long lasting. The cheaper kits don't last much more than a couple of weeks in our experience. Check with a high end detail shop in your area and you may find they perform that service.
#9
Burning Brakes
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We use the 3M restoration kit for headlights. It utilizes 3 stages of pneumatic sanding followed by 2 stages of pneumatic polishing. It is messy and time consuming, but the results are outstanding and long lasting. The cheaper kits don't last much more than a couple of weeks in our experience. Check with a high end detail shop in your area and you may find they perform that service.
#12
Rennlist Member
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We use the 3M restoration kit for headlights. It utilizes 3 stages of pneumatic sanding followed by 2 stages of pneumatic polishing. It is messy and time consuming, but the results are outstanding and long lasting. The cheaper kits don't last much more than a couple of weeks in our experience.
#13
Racer
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Believe it or not I went to Walmart and for their fantastic price I got a tech who loves Porsche’s and he spent almost 3 hours! sanding and polishing my litronic headlights. They look new. Since then I changed the xenon bulbs for LEDs, required some retiring, but they shine whiter, can’t say for sure that they are brighter. These were made to replace the d2 bulb so the light pattern should be and looks stock. Good luck!
#14
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I just replaced my 1999's headlights with pre-owned Ebay lights. $425 shipped for both. One is a little cloudy but the other is like new. Both will be cleaned and sealed in a few weeks and will look completely new. They have the amber reflectors so that might play into the lower price but i'm happy.
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