My First Porsche
danger
08-06-2010, 11:44 AM
#34
Rennlist Member
Im aware of the UV coating but do you see these headlights? Personally, id rather polish my lights every month than look at them in that state. I know 996 litronics are expensive to replace if polishing went sideways. However, with the amount of products in the market today, I dont see why someone with a turbo would or could live with lamps that discolored.
Ed, should I assume that you had a bad experience polishing lamps? Can someone chime in on thier experience with this repair?
Ed, should I assume that you had a bad experience polishing lamps? Can someone chime in on thier experience with this repair?
08-06-2010, 09:21 PM
#35
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I have to disagree with my esteemed RL colleagues. If my lights looked like that I would definitely polish them. As for the UV protection, either 1) it has already failed and not doing its job, or 2) it has already been scratched off.
The headlights of my Jag S-Type were "foggy-looking" on the outside and I was not going to leave the headlights in that condition. I was either going to replace them or polish them. I figured I could polish them for a lot less money than it would cost to replace them. If the polish didn't work, then I would replace them. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I polished them. It took me about 30 to 45 minutes to do both headlights and they turned out great.
The headlights of my Jag S-Type were "foggy-looking" on the outside and I was not going to leave the headlights in that condition. I was either going to replace them or polish them. I figured I could polish them for a lot less money than it would cost to replace them. If the polish didn't work, then I would replace them. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I polished them. It took me about 30 to 45 minutes to do both headlights and they turned out great.
08-06-2010, 09:47 PM
#36
Three Wheelin'
Your Turbo looks fast. I'm starting to like Guards red more and more....that's not good. The last thing I need is a red car. I might as well paper clip a blank cheque to my drivers license and mail it in to my local court house.
I'd work on replacing those chrome wheels fast though. To each his own of course and they suit the car as well as they could any car. but I don't do chrome. I really like the Gt3 wheel suggestion.
Congrats on the ride.
I'd work on replacing those chrome wheels fast though. To each his own of course and they suit the car as well as they could any car. but I don't do chrome. I really like the Gt3 wheel suggestion.
Congrats on the ride.
08-06-2010, 10:40 PM
#38
Parts Specialist
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I dont wanna talk about headlights....but I will say in the 2+ years I had my 996 I owned 4 complete sets of headlights, and one set after ownership...
I have played with them and they are not easy to "buff out" maybe some people have had good luck with that but if they are foggy, I would simply look for another set....in the end I had a mint set and other than time spent messing around shopping and horse trading I actually made money in the process
I have played with them and they are not easy to "buff out" maybe some people have had good luck with that but if they are foggy, I would simply look for another set....in the end I had a mint set and other than time spent messing around shopping and horse trading I actually made money in the process
08-07-2010, 12:23 AM
#39
Ivangene's last known ticket was after converting to a red 911
Although he did admit to sporting it a little prior to being busted.
Fantastic car none the less and some beautiful summer days to enjoy.
Happy weekend crusies to all.
08-07-2010, 01:04 AM
#40
Parts Specialist
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awe... never had a ticket in the black one.... withing the first 2 weeks in the red on... in a line of 27 p-cars, #7 in line, first red car.... fat ticket.... $704 because my insurance card showed the wrong car since I just bought it... ended up getting a lawyer and it "went away"
I polished the car so much its not red anymore.....now its "Guards Red"
I polished the car so much its not red anymore.....now its "Guards Red"
very nice! enjoy 
08-07-2010, 10:19 AM
#42
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I use the Meguires clear plastic kit. Contains PlastiX and a polishing wheel for a drill. It worked great IMO. I will have to hand do some of the small curves the wheel is having a hard time getting to. But the plastic is clear and smooth to the touch now.
If it once had UV protection..it was certainly gone. The plastic used to have a scratchy type feel to it and foggy yellowish look, now it is clear and smooth. I'm a believer in the product.
As for the wheels...getting new wheels is not a cheap endeavor and still low on my list...but what about getting them powder coated in the mean time? Anyone done that - and what would that typically cost?
If it once had UV protection..it was certainly gone. The plastic used to have a scratchy type feel to it and foggy yellowish look, now it is clear and smooth. I'm a believer in the product.
As for the wheels...getting new wheels is not a cheap endeavor and still low on my list...but what about getting them powder coated in the mean time? Anyone done that - and what would that typically cost?
08-07-2010, 01:01 PM
#43
Rennlist Member
Yeah powder coating is the way to go. Just make sure they spray an even coat so the wheels balance easily. You will have to sand the centers to put the caps back in also. Black or gunmetal would look tuff... Expect to pay 75$ per wheel.
08-07-2010, 01:54 PM
#44
Three Wheelin'
Good work on your car. I had a '69 911S in "Polo Red" which I thought was one of Porsche's best reds ever. More blue in it (less yellow/orange).
Looking at your wheels....
You'd think that after all these years....given the purchase price of the cars....that Porsche could make the lug bolts out of a material that doesn't rust.
(I've seen the aftermarket bolts as well as plastic caps. So, I'm guessing the lugs are chosen for their metal qualities {and they don't cost a lot}...but still....)
I haven't seen a stainless aftermarket lug that has the integrated washer like the factory lug. Probably out there. Don't care for chrome...just a simple, brushed, non-rusting....
Oh, well. Rusty lugs add .0065 mph to top speed.
Looking at your wheels....
You'd think that after all these years....given the purchase price of the cars....that Porsche could make the lug bolts out of a material that doesn't rust.
(I've seen the aftermarket bolts as well as plastic caps. So, I'm guessing the lugs are chosen for their metal qualities {and they don't cost a lot}...but still....)
I haven't seen a stainless aftermarket lug that has the integrated washer like the factory lug. Probably out there. Don't care for chrome...just a simple, brushed, non-rusting....
Oh, well. Rusty lugs add .0065 mph to top speed.
