UV Coating beginning to delaminate from front grille and headlamps. Solution?

Green1995SVX · #1 08-27-2013, 04:54 PM

So as some of you may know, our SVXs came with a UV coating on the headlights and grille which prevent them from yellowing. Once this coating wears off whether from peeling, or from being "sand blasted" away by highway driving, the headlamps begin to yellow. Today I noticed that mine is starting to delaminate at the very top center of the grille. I can't stand the thought of having yellow headlights and am wondering if anybody has any input on how to stop this process from getting worse. Perhaps the only option is to buy new headlamp and grille units?

icingdeath88 · #2 08-27-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

So as some of you may know, our SVXs came with a UV coating on the headlights and grille which prevent them from yellowing. Once this coating wears off whether from peeling, or from being "sand blasted" away by highway driving, the headlamps begin to yellow. Today I noticed that mine is starting to delaminate at the very top center of the grille. I can't stand the thought of having yellow headlights and am wondering if anybody has any input on how to stop this process from getting worse. Perhaps the only option is to buy new headlamp and grille units?

If you want the perfect look I'm sure you do, I think it's something that has to be stopped before it starts, by covering it with LaminX or something similar. Because once it starts peeling away, it's probably too late to stop it.

svxcess · #3 08-28-2013, 05:41 AM

Mike,

Check this thread by Crazy_pilot. He found a company which professionally restored his headlights. Took them completely apart installed new projector lenses etc. Polished the outside of the lens completely and applied the Lamin-X film.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...red+headlights

The website to the company is HERE

Cheaper than buying new lenses. I am not sure how the Lamin-X would work on covering the contours of the grille. That may be strictly a replacement issue on the grille.

Sean486 · #4 08-28-2013, 08:28 AM

For Laminix a heat gun would be necessary to get it to mold nicely to the contours of the grill, but otherwise should not be a problem. It will be a little more pricey to get a piece long enough to cover it though.

Crazy_pilot · #5 08-28-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxcess

Mike,

Check this thread by Crazy_pilot. He found a company which professionally restored his headlights. Took them completely apart installed new projector lenses etc. Polished the outside of the lens completely and applied the Lamin-X film.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...red+headlights

The website to the company is HERE

Cheaper than buying new lenses. I am not sure how the Lamin-X would work on covering the contours of the grille. That may be strictly a replacement issue on the grille.

Hey Mike,

Since Will did my headlights they haven't yellowed at all, they're still just as clear as my JDM corners. I polished the grille at the same time I installed the headlights and it's yellowed badly since then, so obviously Will's clear coat and the Lamin-X are doing their job well.

Green1995SVX · #6 08-28-2013, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

Hey Mike,

Since Will did my headlights they haven't yellowed at all, they're still just as clear as my JDM corners. I polished the grille at the same time I installed the headlights and it's yellowed badly since then, so obviously Will's clear coat and the Lamin-X are doing their job well.

I'm in the car business and actually have two local "headlight" guys that come around who do fantastic work. I just didn't want to go down that route since my headlights and grille are otherwise "like new." I had the headlights refinished professionally by one of the local guys on an A6 that I used to own, and they stayed like new for the remainder of the time I had the car.

Another consideration is that if I recall, new headlights aren't THAT expensive from Subaru. This set is not anywhere close to being unusable, however I figure I may buy a set to keep around for when these no longer become tolerable. Another option would be to have a set of used headlights refinished that are already in otherwise poor condition. I'm just brainstorming, I guess.

svxcess · #7 08-28-2013, 12:11 PM

They are not too expensive. I have a new set still in boxes (as well as the waterfall grill) just in case. They were about $675.00 a pair, and are getting harder to get.

Even new sets have the problem of the projector lens chipping around the edges of the housing and causing white glass dust to accumulate inside the housing.

I may send my current "perfect" set to prolightz and have them disassemble them, install a new set of projectorlenses in a bead of clear RTV to cushion them, and get rid of the residual glass powder.

.