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Dual
05-05-2019, 07:18 AM
Many thanks to Fredo for the input regarding home restoration of headlights (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?22315-Can-I-back-out-coupe-headlight-assy-for-polishing). I'm all ready to do this work, but I've run across a post or two which mentioned ceramic coating as an alternative to films. I recently put LaminX on my foglights, and after a few months they were semi-opaque from all the abrasion. (I'd love to ceramic the whole car, but can't afford it.)

Questions- does the ceramic approach seem like a good idea? Any suggestions for a very durable kit that handles such a small job affordably?

Many thanks...
John in VA
05-05-2019, 11:24 AM
I've read that CarPro DLUX Plastic and Wheel Coating works well, but isn't forever.
Vas
05-05-2019, 11:34 AM
I have used Opti lens coating before. Easy to apply

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WOLFN8TR
05-05-2019, 01:47 PM
Expel Ultimate Clear Film. I applied it two years ago when I installed new lenses and they still look new with no pitting.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190505/9e4b3cbc2f6e064b1f3187bf3741fa03.jpg
az3579
05-06-2019, 03:25 AM
Film is the way to go. A film lasts a long time, whereas a coating has to get reapplied every so often.

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Dual
05-06-2019, 04:43 AM
I'm pretty disappointed in how the LaminX foglights went 'filmy' after a few winter months. I guess it's XPel? I have to say I have, based on previous experience, zero confidence in my ability to cut and apply film.
John in VA
05-06-2019, 05:51 AM
LaminX is not XPel. XPel Ultimate seems to be their best product.
az3579
05-06-2019, 10:48 AM
You shouldn't have to cut the film if you buy the pre-cut ones.
Dual
05-06-2019, 10:56 AM
I've been all over the XPel website looking for precut and can't locate any. 2006 (I call it 2005) coupe.
ON EDIT: I've contacted them.
Dual
05-07-2019, 11:56 AM
From XPel just now:

Thank you for contacting XPEL inc, at this time I do not see that we offer a pattern for these headlamps. You can reach out to local installers to see if anyone would be able to do a custom install for you, follow the link below to find installers near you.

https://www.xpel.com/locator/search/clearbra_installers

The nearest installer is two states away. XPEL used to sell by the roll; maybe I'll go that route and find a local installer.

Anyone care to speak up strongly in favor of ceramics before I commit?
sillieidiot
07-01-2019, 11:42 AM
From XPel just now:


The nearest installer is two states away. XPEL used to sell by the roll; maybe I'll go that route and find a local installer.

Anyone care to speak up strongly in favor of ceramics before I commit?

Probably way too late. But I tried some ceramics on my headlights. What happens is you end up seeing it crystallize all over the headlights. You can't see it from far away, but it bothered me up close lol It also didn't bond well. It came off with just some elbow grease. I ended up with Xpel film when I wrapped my entire front end.
Dual
07-01-2019, 12:34 PM
ooooh! Thanks. I did not move on this, and I won't go ceramic when I do. Thanks again!
WOLFN8TR
07-01-2019, 04:38 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190702/dab56e31e8f9bc60f44e9ff1bd2b9552.jpg
sillieidiot
07-01-2019, 06:02 PM
Gary, you already posted that lol
WOLFN8TR
07-02-2019, 08:56 AM
Oops....
Dual
07-02-2019, 03:43 PM
I guess it depends on which product you land on.
sillieidiot
07-04-2019, 11:06 PM
As far as PPF goes. You can use any. You don't have to use Xpel. On various customer cars, I've used Xpel, SunTek (llumar is the same company), 3M, CGN SR, etc. Xpel used to use a different type of film for headlights vs. the body work. I don't know if they still do that now. But they will all work similarly. The prep and install is more important.