Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 997

[Innovative Detailing]

I wanted to share the results of a recent project I did on a 2005 Porsche 997 Carrera. Originally an East Coast vehicle this Porsche suffered from "Yellowing & Hazing" of the headlight lenses. Now driving the streets in So Cal, the owner was tired of the ugly appearance of his vehicles progressively failing lenses.

This service is one of the 3 options my customers have when it comes to headlight lens restorations.

Here are some photos of how the procedure went... from the four step resurfacing of the lenses, application of a special UV headlight clear coat and the curing of the UV top coat with a special lamp.....



Before shots showing both front lights showing signs of yellowing and hazing







The next six photos show different stages of the lens resurfacing process to remove the old failed UV coating. Correct and thorough prep and masking is very important for this type of service or you may damage paintwork or trim













Lights are completely resurfaced, prepped and ready for the UV Clear coat





Application of our UV Clear coat headlight protection begins for complete restoral





Special UV lamp is used for curing the headlight lenses for the final step.







After restoral shots







Here is a small slide show of the process that I have up on my Youtube channel.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itvunq95sSI


Thank you for viewing....

[bmrfan]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Thank you for sharing your headlight restoration process. I like the way you presented it on Youtube - just need a music sound track and it would be complete(!).

After applying the clear coat - if there is some orange peel - do you sand/polish/buff to eliminate the clear coat to achieve a glass like smoothness?

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Very nice

[96Lude]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

I have seen your videos before on restoring headlights, you do excellent work. The only issue is that a clear coat in a can will not provide maximum durability because it is not a 2 part product that is mixed with an activator like clear coats that are used when a car is painted.

[cnfowler]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

...After applying the clear coat - if there is some orange peel - do you sand/polish/buff to eliminate the clear coat to achieve a glass like smoothness?

I noticed the orange peel, too. I'm sure its just the pictures, but I can't really tell any difference. The before pictures didn't show any yellowing and only very minimal hazing. I was expecting something like this:




Colin

[DENALI]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

What is the breakdown of grits you are using during your prep? Thanks

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Thank you for sharing your headlight restoration process. I like the way you presented it on Youtube - just need a music sound track and it would be complete(!).

After applying the clear coat - if there is some orange peel - do you sand/polish/buff to eliminate the clear coat to achieve a glass like smoothness?

Your very welcome, sound driver is out in my laptop since I posted this on the weekend. Once I get it restored I will add some audio. Regarding any orange peel, this is a self leveling system so need to do anything other than cure with a UV lamp

Very nice

Thanks a bunch!!

I have seen your videos before on restoring headlights, you do excellent work. The only issue is that a clear coat in a can will not provide maximum durability because it is not a 2 part product that is mixed with an activator like clear coats that are used when a car is painted.

Thanks for the good words......This coating is a replacement for the OEM sacrificial coating. It has been tested and guaranteed by the manufacturer to last between 3-5 years, so long as the UV coating has been cured with a UV lamp.

I noticed the orange peel, too. I'm sure its just the pictures, but I can't really tell any difference.
Colin

Once applied, the coating has a slight orange peel, once cured it self levels. That photo you posted shows the worst lens condition possible, but honestly if anyone is driving a Porsche around with lights like those....they shouldn't be driving a Porsche!

The photo's do some justice, but seeing them in person does it all. This customer contacted me for a solution to his
needs, and it is my job to satisfy those needs and put a smile back on the owners face......he was stoked!

What is the breakdown of grits you are using during your prep? Thanks

I use a combination of 500, 800, 1000, 3000.....These refinishing discs come from Finland.....I can get a pair of lenses resurfaced with each 3" disc

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Headlights look great. I agree with you. Satisfy the customer.

[cnfowler]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

...Once applied, the coating has a slight orange peel, once cured it self levels. That photo you posted shows the worst lens condition possible, but honestly if anyone is driving a Porsche around with lights like those....they shouldn't be driving a Porsche!

The photo's do some justice, but seeing them in person does it all. This customer contacted me for a solution to his
needs, and it is my job to satisfy those needs and put a smile back on the owners face......he was stoked!...

Cool. I've seen your videos on YouTube and you definitely do a great job on the headlight restorations. I wish I had the pneumatic tools you have. I just don't have the compressor to run them...for now.


Colin

[seth1066]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Does the UV light system you show recommend wearing any type of UV blocking glasses while using the lamp?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

How much does this system cost? That is, the coating and the lamp.

[96Lude]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Very interesting...I didn't know you could actually purchase the same UV coating that they apply to the lights at the factory.

Another option would be to spray some 2 part clear coat, however real car paint is toxic stuff, you don't want to be breathing that stuff in.

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Headlightlens corrected and UV coating reapplied on this 05 East Coast Porsche 99

Headlights look great. I agree with you. Satisfy the customer.

Thanks J.A........Glad we agree, for me my customers are #1

Does the UV light system you show recommend wearing any type of UV blocking glasses while using the lamp?

Awesome question......yes in fact the operator should use approved UV protective eyeware. For this job, shame on me I had them but only wore them during part of the job.

How much does this system cost? That is, the coating and the lamp.

For this UV system you can expect to spend about $300.00 for the kit, which includes the UV coating and lamp.

Very interesting...I didn't know you could actually purchase the same UV coating that they apply to the lights at the factory.

Another option would be to spray some 2 part clear coat, however real car paint is toxic stuff, you don't want to be breathing that stuff in.

Thanks....its not an exact OEM coating, but like the OEM coating it is a sacrificial coating that is the same or comparable once its applied. This coating is made specifically for headlight lens restoral.