[rennwerkes]

Forgive me if this has been discussed before but was wondering if anyone has figured out a way to protect the top of the headlight lens from "crazying" or what looks to be surface cracks in the plastic?
I was thinking some kind of protection film?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

[AspektUSA]

Park in the shade, use UV absorbing car wax.

Or something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Quixx-00084-U...8194699&sr=8-2

[328iX]

Ceramic coating, ceramic spray.

I had mine restored and 3M xpel applied and use a ceramic spray every wash.

[rennwerkes]

Thanks for the responses and advice.
Just to clarify, my lenses are in like new condition. Very clear optically. Just that the top portion is starting to develop this weird crazing.
I'll check out the Xpel.
I'm curious, does it come as two pieces? One to cover the top and on for the front portion?

[328iX]

Originally Posted by rennwerkes

Thanks for the responses and advice.
Just to clarify, my lenses are in like new condition. Very clear optically. Just that the top portion is starting to develop this weird crazing.
I'll check out the Xpel.
I'm curious, does it come as two pieces? One to cover the top and on for the front portion?

It's one whole piece per headlight. You can buy them precut as well, I had a shop install them because they did the resto as well.

[rennwerkes]

Thanks 328iX.
Wow, that must be a little difficult since it's not just one flat surface but one with angles involved.
I'll check it out. Thanks

[f30brucie]

Something like Laminx may help.

[Poochie]

"Crazing" is caused by chemical exposures to the headlight plastic.

GM's take on this:


https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=26386020

[Bmwman1]

I use ceramic coating after a good polish does the trick

[rennwerkes]

That’s what I plan to do. I haven’t found anybody that makes precut protective film for our lenses. I think it’s due to the shape of the lens.
Checked with my tint guy and he suggested a ceramic coating. I’ve decided to try 3m headlight coating. Very good reviews and while not ceramic seems to offer good uv protection.
Appreciate all the kind advice.

[Planefixer4]

Look up about 2 posts....I gave a big tutorial on what worked for me. The results were great and lasted YEARS after doing the wet-sand and re-clear coating of the lenses using U-POL CLEAR #1

[Planefixer4]

I copied and pasted this for you....my previous experience.

This worked, and lasted for YEARS on BMW e46 headlights. Body Shop Quality CLEAR COAT is the KEY.
I did what a lot of people are recommending, except I did not sand until all the clear or pitting was gone. No need for that.....wet sand the lenses with 500, 1000, 1500 grit paper. Enough to open up the surface to NEW clear coat. Then I used what I consider an AMAZING clear coat product called “U-POL CLEAR #1” You wont find it at AutoZone or Advanced. This is body shop grade stuff and most body shop suppliers carry it, or find it online. Comes in an orange can. A few tricks to using this stuff:

1: Make sure the both the headlight lens and spray can are really warm, ALMOST hot.
This will prevent runs, hazing, and help it flow out.
2: Spray each coat thin but enough to flow smooth, otherwise you will get hazing.
3: Use a hair dryer between coats if you want...it helps it flow and tack up.
4: Spray a test-piece that you can touch to test for proper tack between coats.
5: Give it 3 coats, that way you can polish out any eggshell/orange peel.
6: Polish it up after a full day of drying using mild polishing/rubbing compound.

Note: If you get “haze” ....warm it with blow dryer. If it doesn’t go away, START OVER.
This is an awesome product. Watch a few YOUTUBE video before you spray. Just search U-Pol Clear. It’s UV rated, and really clear once you polish it up.

[brisbloke]

Some useful information on this page regarding the reason headlights craze and discolour: https://www.headlightrestore.com.au/

They have blogs on clear coats as well...

https://www.headlightrestore.com.au/...or-headlights/

I hope this helps. Feel free to call them, they are very heplful.

[Billfitz]

Welcome aboard. That said, not many of us are in Oz. None of the previous posters are.
You should look at the date of the last post before making a reply. If it's more than six months, let alone two years, chances are pretty good that the OP has it sorted out.