Duc Hunter

I have been toying with getting my headlights painted to make them look more round, as many others have here. I would go with painting the outside vs. the insides. My headlights are also in need of some restoration. I am aware that the yellowing on headlights is the UV protectant in the plastic dying, and that polishing them the clean them up removes this, and some of the plastic, which will in turn cause yellowing EVEN FASTER....unless you put something back on the now clean and bare plastic to protect it from the sun. From my research I think my two best options are below, I would just like some feedback from the experts here to help me.

1. Take the headlights to a body shop, have them polished to crystal clear, then painted, then clear coated like you woudl a body pannel.
2. Take the lights to Headlight Dr, have them do their process completely. Then taking the lights to a body shop to paint he black on.

I wonder if #1 would prevent future yellowing by virtue of the clear over the whole assembly would prevent the UV damage that courses the yellow. Headlight Dr claims their liquid plastic finisher does this, and give a 5 year warranty. Also headlight Dr has a 5 yr warranty on future sun damage, I doubt the body shop would do that.

Dock

Buy new headlights.

Duc Hunter

Appreciate it Dock, but unless you are going to give the the ASININE $6,200 Porsche wants for them, I will make ever attempt too save the ones I have.

rmc1148

Try the headlight Dr and hold them to their 5yr warranty. I say no to painting.

Dock

It costs to maintain these cars properly.

Dock

+1

PAULUNM

Then apply Laminx

"02996ttx50

i use and replace the laminix religiously in "smoked gray" about every two years. the sun out here is so damaging they will "bleach" out if i leave them uncovered in direct light. so i dont. i actually cover my headlamps if park in direct sun. looks stupid but i'd rather have "protected" smoked headlamps full time. plus they look sick at night

WPOZZZ

My local Sam's Club does headlight restoration for $30 with a 5 year warranty. I used to restore them myself, but when a kit costs me $20 and an hour or two of work, it's a no brainer.

993GT

I restore lots of faded/yellowed lights,
clearcoat+frequent wax/sealing with keep them nice for a very long time...clear bra with help avoid any chipping of clearcoat but not necessary at all.
for those with cars with nice headlights....wax/seal your lights often(a few times a year)..they will stay nice
I can't believe for the cost of our headlights, that there isn't a separate replacement lens on the market...

Duc Hunter

I agree 100%....especially since the later normally aspirated 996's used the same lenses. Porsche made a TON of those cars, ,you would think volume would dictate lower prices and better availability. Dock you tell you though that aftermarket lenses would not be engineered right for the car.

Dock

I'll tell you that I take really good care of my headlights, but if one or both go bad in any way I'll just buy new.

mxracer

Please consider me a "headlight waste engineer" in that case and send me the old "trash".

Dock

Considering my 996 Turbo is over 13.5 years old and my headlights are still in outstanding condition, it appears that it could be years (and years) before I need new ones.

When I do need new headlights, I'll be glad to sell you my old units.

Gt3stig

Has anyone used 303 UV protectant on their headlights?