981 Headlamp lens crazing

Dollysdad · Oct 14, 2023

Hi, its an old wound, I know, but has anyone had any success getting cracked headlamp lenses replaced under warranty?
I bought my 981 in July 22 and didn't really notice until nights drew in, it's pretty shocking. I've mentioned it to a couple of OPC's in passing but never got a straight answer regarding any solution. Im on the cusp of a decision to sell or keep at the moment - its a Black Edition, fully loaded, and - frankly - amazing, but I am my own worst enemy when confronted by something shinier/faster/desirable-er.

Plain common sense says I should keep it, and if I do i will want the lights sorted. Then it will be (almost) perfect...give or take a horse or 60..

I've read about trying to salvage the lenses with various unguents and potions, anyone had any success there- or know a specialist?

Anyway, thanks for reading this far,

Cheers.

Robin M · Oct 15, 2023

Three options as far as I can see. 1 Find a really good car detailer and ask him/her if they think they can polish it out but it may be a coating on the Perspex which they will then remove?

2 Find a replacement light from a breakers/ ebay/ etc. 3 Bite the bullet and buy a new lamp body from Design 911 or other non OPC seller. Check OPC price first so you know savings if you do this one.

Scrounger · Oct 15, 2023

In all honesty there's a mixed bag of yes's and no's as it would appear it's pretty much OPC dependant.

Unfortunately the crazing isn't something that can be polished out as it's the plastic lenses failing. Unfortunately there are plenty of places in the US that will do lense replacement.

This is one in the UK. Give them a try and let us know how you get on. They really can't be as or more expensive as a replacement lense.

https://www.keepyourcarsafe.co.uk/products/porsche-headlight-lens-replacement?variant=43536955179182

Dan

LesGTS · Oct 15, 2023

I came across this problem recently on a 64reg gts, that l eventually bought, that was on sale in an OPC showroom!

It became part of the negotiation to buy, when l felt the pre 111point check should have rectified the issue before it got to the showroom.

They finally agreed to replace the pdls headlamps as l was prepared to walk away, but they did raise a dummy invoice of just over £3000 to show me how generous they had been!

Scrounger · Oct 15, 2023

718 headlights aren't cheap at around £1500-£2000 EACH!

Dan

PeterJRolt · Oct 15, 2023

There have been people buying the headlight lenses from AliExpress in China and replacing them.

If you are happy to use this option, the pricing is variable, starting from £18 to £370 for a complete unit.

If your headlights are beyond just a polish and lacquer, the lens option is worth a try.[attachment=1000013720-01.jpeg]

PeterJRolt · Oct 15, 2023

This is an interesting video.

https://youtu.be/y9T91HeC9Pk?si=ZVgAXLZxYblYzYg0

I removed the first clip as it was not really helpful.

It is interesting to hear the repairer suggesting ppf on the lights, I have it on my 718 and it was on my previous 981 as well, some say Porsche does not recommend.

JohnCRS · Oct 16, 2023

This topic came up in 2021 and i put a paragraph in Porsche post.

"Another member’s 2016 GT4 had a peculiar problem with surface damage to both PDLS headlight units. It is a puzzle as no one could suggest what had caused it. Enquiries to the OPC and PCGB resulted in the only option of very costly replacement! Determined to find a more acceptable solution, some experimentation confirmed that the issue was with the coating on the headlights. The application of care and skill resulted in removal of the old coating with a rotary polisher and increasingly fine grades of paper (400 to 2000). They were then recoated with a new UV protective layer and a final polish. This has returned the headlights to their original condition. So, those of us with increasingly older, well used, cars can be less concerned about such deterioration and encouraged to have a go if necessary. From reports, the crazing does appear to be in the upper surface and it can appear very suddenly. But and there really is nothing to lose (other than about £25) by giving it a go, as an alternative to the replacement cost. Megular and others do kits and of course there are plenty of youtube clips on this. Detailers also usually offer the service and could inpesct and advise.

Regards, john

JMR · Oct 16, 2023

Yes I've done this a few times on crazed headlight lenses.

The Autoglym headlight repair kit is pretty good.

Dry sanded with 800, 1000 and 1500 wet/dry pads supplied in the kit

Wet sanded with 2000 and 2500 foam pads supplied.

I also went further and polished with 3000 trizact pads, then finished with the Autoglym headlight polish supplied.

Then coated with a UV protective sealant.

Will last a good few months but unless you spray a UV stable lacquer over the lenses you'll not create a permanent solution.

If spraying a lacquer over the top, don't polish too fine.

Wet sand with 1500 paper and whilst looking cloudy, this is the best surface prep for the lacquer.

Any cloudiness will be taken up by the lacquer.

A light polish after its cured should be all thats needed.

All sanding and polishing done with a small battery operated rotary polisher.