Thinking of this next time headlights are clean!

[97tbird]

It's time to clean the headlights of wife's Elantra and My Tbird. the CV kit held up pretty well, given the time, but definitely needs redone. I think I will use the CV kit or the 3M kit.

However, THIS time, when I have them cleaned and shiny, I am going to apply Lamin-X film to them, to protect the finish:
http://www.lamin-x.com/installation-technical-a/134.htm


It's not available pre-cut for those 2 cars, but I think it's pretty doable with different sizes of sheets they offer...which can be ordered with UV protectent bottle for like $3 I think...

I might even do this to my BMWs headlights, to prevent hazing, as they're available pre-cut. And definitely thinking of the fog lights, which are low, and have a good chance of getting damaged someday by debri, etc.

Anyone has tried Lamin-X yet?

 

[sciphi]

We have a similar product called Xpel on the Fit's foglights. One of the lenses took a direct hit from a bolt at 75 mph. The lens shattered underneath the film. The film is strong enough to keep the pieces in place and keep the lens waterproof. We haven't bothered replacing that $250 foglight since it works just fine a year later. One can't tell there's anything wrong unless we point it out.

Good stuff, highly recommended.

 

[Trav]

It looks like it has merit.Let us know how it works out.

 

[97tbird]

Thanks for the Xpel tip:

looks like it has pre cut kits for all 3 of our cars, but a bit more expensive than the Lamin-X.
Also seems to be a good product.
Will definitely update.

 

[Craig in Canada]

I have used X-Pel on a couple of cars. Note that the 3M film used by X-Pel is available in a variety of thicknesses. You can often specify what thickness you want from your dealer.

I have 40mil on both of my BMW headlights. I think 8mil is standard for paint protection, and 10 and 20 mil are also available. I'm going completely from memory so someone may post with corrections.

I ordered my first set years ago when 40mil was the headlight standard. I order a replacement set (years of scuffs from cleaning ice, sand blast etc...) and I was sent 8mil. I thought I was being ripped off but the dealer explained that since all lights have gone lexan they don't need 40mil any longer since the lexan is stronger wrt impacts than glass and thicker films are more difficult to apply. They happily exchanged my set for 40mil since I wanted to apply what I previously had instead of going thinner.

The lights, especially the fogs down at road level, are pristine under the film - as expected. I'll probably use a similar product on any vehicle I buy from now on. I highly recommend the concept, with no specific comments on the brands. I'm happy with X-Pel.

 

[Chris B.]

I did this to my 2008 S40 and it still looks new.

 

[97tbird]

^^^ X Pel or Lamin- X?

 

[Chris B.]

Acctually I'm not 100% sure. The stuff stuck great and is proving to be very durable. It may have been 3m.

 

[Craig in Canada]

To clarify, X-Pel makes the kits using 3M material. Both X-Pel and Lamin-X might be the same 3M stuff (or not - check). The patterns used by the two companies may effect fit. You can also shop on price, flexibility (specifying different thicknesses of film) or customer service. In the end, the film which is applied might be identical.

 

[Malo83]

Just keep them waxed and you won't need this stuff

 

[Chris B.]

Originally Posted By: Malo83
Just keep them waxed and you won't need this stuff

It is for rock chips, not fading. Better yet use the film and wax it!

 

[joaks]

I was looking at yet another very similar product called Lampguard by Weathertech. Its 40mil thick. I will likely get that or the xpel soon with some xmas gift money.