Installed Xpel headlight films (with pictures)

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
GMBoy, I can be sure the film saved the foglight since the impact was strong enough to gouge a roughly 1/4" deep by 1/2" long scrape into the plastic foglight surround and break a mounting tab on the foglight. The foglight lens has a small spider crack on the corner. The film is the only protective barrier on the foglight. That happened about a year and a half ago, and the foglight's been fine since then. That's why I maintain the film protected the foglight.



Sounds good. I may look into the film because just one headlight (HID and they turn with the steering wheel) for my 2008 CTS is over $500!

 

[aquariuscsm]

I would`ve LOVED this headlight film for my 3000GT! The headlights on those cars always oxidize and fade really bad over time.

 

[chad8]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Originally Posted By: chad8
Originally Posted By: Chris B.
Originally Posted By: chad8
Why would u use stupid film on new headlights?


Why would you post such a stupid comment?


Because its the internet and anonymous stupid comments are encouraged. I like to provoke responses and use stronger language to do so.
Remember , this is headlight film. If you went on the shark tank with this idea, they would laugh at you.
I just pointed out the obvious.


So you admit to being a troll?

Nah, Just an informed A-ho.

 

[dishdude]

I think once you polish the factory light, you wear off the UV protection which is why they fade back up in a couple of months. This film should restore/protect that.

 

[jcwit]

Yup, that the purpose of it.

But some folks miss that as the reasn.

 

[sciphi]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
I think once you polish the factory light, you wear off the UV protection which is why they fade back up in a couple of months. This film should restore/protect that.


The film has its own UV blockers in it. It should protect polished headlights just as well as new headlights.

Time will tell if this was a wise choice.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Looks good, will the bubbles go away in time?

I've considered to doing it to my vehicles but haven't dont it yet. Great preventiave maintence.

Those bubbles look to me like they won't, but I could be wrong. I had a friend install Ventureshield Ultra film on the Prius' headlights and I had those same bubbles. After 7k of driving, the bubbles are still there.

With that said, I'm getting the clear bra redone on my Prius this weekend by Premier and they said they can get the headlight film perfect. After seeing some of their work, I believe them--- but they want $150 for two front lights.

Want to post a picture of your seams for us?

 

[sciphi]

It's been 5 days, and already the "streaky" areas in the photos have gone away. Some of the bubbles are still present. I'm waiting on those to see if they go away or not.

Installation technique is critical on these. A quality film is only as good as the installation. I did an okay job for a first-timer.

 

[SaturnIonVue]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
It's been 5 days, and already the "streaky" areas in the photos have gone away. Some of the bubbles are still present. I'm waiting on those to see if they go away or not.

Installation technique is critical on these. A quality film is only as good as the installation. I did an okay job for a first-timer.

I think you did a fine job of it too. I installed Xpel product on my headlights 3-1/2 years ago on my then, brand new Saturn Aura. At the time I was considering doing them, I checked with the dealer on replacement cost (at the time there was no after market parts for the model). Since the car was new and still in production (which is a cost factor), they quoted me a cost of about $600 each. These headlights are pretty large in frontal area, so I figured that they would make a great target and that one good hit would eventually force a replacement even if only a small hole or crack happened. The Xpel product was 40-mils thick if I recall, so it offered a solution I've been happy with. The Xpel film was just under $50 so the math worked for me. Of course, since then Saturn vehicles have gone out of business and genuine OEM parts, like headlamps, will get harder to find and more costly. Often, after market parts can be too hit or miss for quality, so I feel like I've dodged a bullet or two by damage prevention.

After 3-1/2 years, the headlight look showroom new in every respect, clear, bright and not a hint of haze, glaze, etc., anywhere--except some minor impact marks where they have been hit by things thrown up off the road. If some of the negative comments have you wondering about your decision to apply the film, make a call to your dealer and ask what the cost would be for a replacement. I think you will be surprised at what they tell you! Time will tell us both about the wisdom of prevention of hits, haze and glaze! I'm pretty much convinced that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

[sciphi]

^ Agreed.

The bubbles haven't gone away, but have gone down a lot. So far there are a few little marks on the films.

 

[Donald]

I was reading about one on Amazon and they suggest you have the proper install tools. What are those?

Are some brands better than others?

Is this for prevention of physical damage (rock) or sunlight?

 

[sciphi]

Proper install tools for me were a spray bottle, isopropyl alcohol solution, a heat gun, the included squeegee, a cotton towel, and watching installation videos/reading the directions.

I went with the Xpel-branded film since it's a well-known name, and have kits already available. IIRC they use 3M-made protection film. Go with a 3M-made film, and there should be no problems.

The film protects both from UV, and from rocks. The films on the Fit's foglights protected it nicely from a debris hit at highway speed. They also look perfectly clear underneath the film.

 

[occupant]

I believe this would be a terrific side product for an auto detailer. I'd love to have someone professional, who won't have shaky hands and who won't make mistakes, install something like this on the Fusion my wife and I are trying to buy.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Proper install tools for me were a spray bottle, isopropyl alcohol solution, a heat gun, the included squeegee, a cotton towel, and watching installation videos/reading the directions.

I went with the Xpel-branded film since it's a well-known name, and have kits already available. IIRC they use 3M-made protection film. Go with a 3M-made film, and there should be no problems.

The film protects both from UV, and from rocks. The films on the Fit's foglights protected it nicely from a debris hit at highway speed. They also look perfectly clear underneath the film.


XPEL designs their own patterns and their own film in-house. They have not had any affiliation with 3m in years.

I would use the XPEL ppf sealant on your headlight film after each car wash to ensure that the bug guts do not stain and etch the surface. This will keep the film looking like-new for years. Otherwise the film will begin to stain after a few months. On my Prius, I have been using the xpel sealant after each car wash and any bugs on the film will come right off if I pressure wash the surface.

 

[sciphi]

Update:

Most of the streaks, bubbles, and dimples have disappeared on both cars. The ones that remain are tiny, and are barely noticeable. They'd go un-noticed at a casual glance.

I can't tell where any debris has hit the headlights. There's no marring/scuffing on the films.

So far, I'd say it's a good buy, and good preventative maintenance on a new or late-model car with headlights that one wants to keep clear.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I would use the XPEL ppf sealant on your headlight film after each car wash to ensure that the bug guts do not stain and etch the surface. This will keep the film looking like-new for years. Otherwise the film will begin to stain after a few months.


My friend who got the clear bra, that we talked about before, is now using the sealant you mentioned. Problem solved - great product.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: The Critic
I would use the XPEL ppf sealant on your headlight film after each car wash to ensure that the bug guts do not stain and etch the surface. This will keep the film looking like-new for years. Otherwise the film will begin to stain after a few months.


My friend who got the clear bra, that we talked about before, is now using the sealant you mentioned. Problem solved - great product.

Glad to hear that it worked out well.