Protect the headlight covers, any way?
04-17-2018, 05:56 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Protect the headlight covers, any way?
Have any of you guys with "older" c6's tried any way to preserve/protect/prevent damage to the headlight covers, I figure they are awful expensive and I hate how they look cloudy.
The following users liked this post:
froggy47 (04-17-2018)
The following users liked this post:
cseaman (04-18-2018)
04-18-2018, 07:52 PM
#6
Pro Mechanic
Pro Mechanic
04-18-2018, 09:04 PM
#7
Drifting
***DISCLAIMER:THE C6 CORVETTE HAS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES THAT ARE HIGHLY PRONE TO CRACKING. GM RECOMMENDS AGAINST COVERING THE LENSES WITH ANY MATERIAL DUE TO POTENTIAL CRACKING ISSUES. AS SUCH, THE PARTICULAR KIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE AND HOLDS NO WARRANTY.***
04-18-2018, 09:18 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
It's right on the lamin-x website in the description
https://www.lamin-x.com/Chevy-Corvet...-p/ch015cl.htm
https://www.lamin-x.com/Chevy-Corvet...-p/ch015cl.htm
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-prevent.html
There's some good info in that thread...but...
...I am with froggy...where did they get this information from? While I have confidence in Lamin-X as I have used their products for many years and continue to do so because the quality is great, I simply want to know if/where GM actually recommended what Lamin-X has stated?
I also have two "BTW"s...
- I bought some of the Umnitza's lenses as I knew (based on the link above) no matter what I did, I will eventually run into problems with my lenses
- froggy47, I am subscribed to your channel and really like your vids...keep it up!
04-18-2018, 09:33 PM
#9
Drifting
I asked about that very same description in the past:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-prevent.html
There's some good info in that thread...but...
...I am with froggy...where did they get this information from? While I have confidence in Lamin-X as I have used their products for many years and continue to do so because the quality is great, I simply want to know if/where GM actually recommended what Lamin-X has stated?
I also have two "BTW"s...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-prevent.html
There's some good info in that thread...but...
...I am with froggy...where did they get this information from? While I have confidence in Lamin-X as I have used their products for many years and continue to do so because the quality is great, I simply want to know if/where GM actually recommended what Lamin-X has stated?
I also have two "BTW"s...
- I bought some of the Umnitza's lenses as I knew (based on the link above) no matter what I did, I will eventually run into problems with my lenses
- froggy47, I am subscribed to your channel and really like your vids...keep it up!
Last edited by RWE 427; 04-18-2018 at 09:34 PM.
04-18-2018, 10:54 PM
#10
Drifting
OK found some additional info. Factory Service Bulletin 02-08-42-001D dated June 2010.
Headlamp Lens Overheating When Covered and Chemical Damage to Exterior Polycarbonate Headlamp Lenses
Models:
2011 and Prior GM Passenger Cars
The bulletin is being issued to make dealers and customers aware of chemical damage that may be caused to exterior polycarbonate headlamp lenses. Most late model vehicles have these types of headlamp lenses. This material is used because of its temperature and high impact resistance.
A variety of chemicals can cause crazing or cracking of the headlamp lens. Headlamp lenses are very sensitive. Care should be exercised to avoid contact with all exterior headlamp lenses when treating a vehicle with any type of chemical, such as those recommended for rail dust removal. Rubbing compound, grease tar and oil removers, tire cleaners, cleaner waxes and even car wash soaps in too high a concentration may also attribute to this condition. This could result in the need to replace the entire headlamp housing.
Warning
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Care should be taken to not cover headlamps with shop mats or fender covers if the vehicle is being serviced with the headlamps or DRL illuminated. Covering an illuminated lamp can cause excessive heat build up and crazing/deformation of the lens may occur. The degradation of the lens can be unnoticeable at first and eventually become hairline cracks in the lens. In extreme cases, it could cause the lens to deform. This damage can also be caused by aftermarket shields that are often tinted in color.
Once a heat buildup is generated by the headlamp, a degradation of the headlamp lens begins. This degradation of the lens can be unnoticeable at first and eventually manifest as spider cracks. In more extreme cases, it will begin to melt the lens of the headlamp.
Notice
Headlamps damaged by chemicals, improper cleaning, or overheating due to being covered are not covered under the new vehicle warranty
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...vice-bulletins
Headlamp Lens Overheating When Covered and Chemical Damage to Exterior Polycarbonate Headlamp Lenses
Models:
2011 and Prior GM Passenger Cars
The bulletin is being issued to make dealers and customers aware of chemical damage that may be caused to exterior polycarbonate headlamp lenses. Most late model vehicles have these types of headlamp lenses. This material is used because of its temperature and high impact resistance.
A variety of chemicals can cause crazing or cracking of the headlamp lens. Headlamp lenses are very sensitive. Care should be exercised to avoid contact with all exterior headlamp lenses when treating a vehicle with any type of chemical, such as those recommended for rail dust removal. Rubbing compound, grease tar and oil removers, tire cleaners, cleaner waxes and even car wash soaps in too high a concentration may also attribute to this condition. This could result in the need to replace the entire headlamp housing.
Warning
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Care should be taken to not cover headlamps with shop mats or fender covers if the vehicle is being serviced with the headlamps or DRL illuminated. Covering an illuminated lamp can cause excessive heat build up and crazing/deformation of the lens may occur. The degradation of the lens can be unnoticeable at first and eventually become hairline cracks in the lens. In extreme cases, it could cause the lens to deform. This damage can also be caused by aftermarket shields that are often tinted in color.
Once a heat buildup is generated by the headlamp, a degradation of the headlamp lens begins. This degradation of the lens can be unnoticeable at first and eventually manifest as spider cracks. In more extreme cases, it will begin to melt the lens of the headlamp.
Notice
Headlamps damaged by chemicals, improper cleaning, or overheating due to being covered are not covered under the new vehicle warranty
Last edited by RWE 427; 04-18-2018 at 10:55 PM.
04-19-2018, 01:19 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
At some point in its life, the headlights on my Z06 were coated with some brand of coating. When I bought the car in 2013, the headlights needed some work done. The coating seemed to have melted in places and evaporated, yet other places it was still intact. There was film in places and other places there was no film. They looked like they were diseased. I tried everything to remove the remaining pieces...nothing worked, not gasoline, paint thinner, wax, clay bar, finger nail polish remover, WD40...I have tried almost everything imaginable and nothing will remove the pieces, therefore, I would not recommend putting any kind of film over the headlights.
04-19-2018, 10:07 AM
#12
Interesting. I had not stumbled on any of this.
I installed clear Lamin-X on my 2007 in July 2017, when the car had 10k miles - no hazing or any issues were present at the time of install. It now has 25k miles and I have not noticed any adverse effects and they still look brand new. I also have had yellow Lamin-X on my foglights since 7k miles, with no issues there, either.
I installed clear Lamin-X on my 2007 in July 2017, when the car had 10k miles - no hazing or any issues were present at the time of install. It now has 25k miles and I have not noticed any adverse effects and they still look brand new. I also have had yellow Lamin-X on my foglights since 7k miles, with no issues there, either.
The following users liked this post:
froggy47 (04-19-2018)
04-19-2018, 12:48 PM
#13
Race Director
Thread Starter
It's right on the lamin-x website in the description
https://www.lamin-x.com/Chevy-Corvet...-p/ch015cl.htm
https://www.lamin-x.com/Chevy-Corvet...-p/ch015cl.htm
04-19-2018, 12:50 PM
#14
Race Director
Thread Starter
I asked about that very same description in the past:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-prevent.html
There's some good info in that thread...but...
...I am with froggy...where did they get this information from? While I have confidence in Lamin-X as I have used their products for many years and continue to do so because the quality is great, I simply want to know if/where GM actually recommended what Lamin-X has stated?
I also have two "BTW"s...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-prevent.html
There's some good info in that thread...but...
...I am with froggy...where did they get this information from? While I have confidence in Lamin-X as I have used their products for many years and continue to do so because the quality is great, I simply want to know if/where GM actually recommended what Lamin-X has stated?
I also have two "BTW"s...
- I bought some of the Umnitza's lenses as I knew (based on the link above) no matter what I did, I will eventually run into problems with my lenses
- froggy47, I am subscribed to your channel and really like your vids...keep it up!
04-19-2018, 12:54 PM
#15
Race Director
Thread Starter
OK found some additional info. Factory Service Bulletin 02-08-42-001D dated June 2010.
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...vice-bulletins
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...vice-bulletins
04-19-2018, 01:08 PM
#16
Race Director
Thread Starter
Well here is where I am at re: this issue after a few days of inet research.
The original lenses will go to crap sooner or later , mostly depends on how many hours a day exposed to sunlight/wind/rain/snow/highway "contaminants", etc.
But if they sit in your garage under a nice cover and see about 2k miles a year they will last forever.
The effect of plastic covers seems to vary case by case and maybe type/color/thickness of plastic.
The plastic cover will be a benefit in the case of impact either track or highway, or autox cone. This is physical impact, not chemical, uvray, etc.
Mine will see about 5k mixed use per year.
I am "leaning" to trying the covers based on the argument "What have you got to lose, they will fail anyway and they are reasonably priced". I try to be rational and apply my common sense approach to car decisions.
If I come across any other info that applies I will post here & on my YT channel "Froggy's Garage".
You guys all all great, thanks!!!
The original lenses will go to crap sooner or later , mostly depends on how many hours a day exposed to sunlight/wind/rain/snow/highway "contaminants", etc.
But if they sit in your garage under a nice cover and see about 2k miles a year they will last forever.
The effect of plastic covers seems to vary case by case and maybe type/color/thickness of plastic.
The plastic cover will be a benefit in the case of impact either track or highway, or autox cone. This is physical impact, not chemical, uvray, etc.
Mine will see about 5k mixed use per year.
I am "leaning" to trying the covers based on the argument "What have you got to lose, they will fail anyway and they are reasonably priced". I try to be rational and apply my common sense approach to car decisions.
If I come across any other info that applies I will post here & on my YT channel "Froggy's Garage".
You guys all all great, thanks!!!
Last edited by froggy47; 04-19-2018 at 07:07 PM.
04-19-2018, 01:13 PM
#18
Race Director
Thread Starter
Let me add one question. I would like to buy the plastic by the "roll" rather than pre cut. Then apply/cut myself, then every 1-2 years peel it off , inspect, and reapply.
If anyone can post one of the best brands, seems there are 2-3, that sells by the "foot" I will try it out & post video.
If anyone can post one of the best brands, seems there are 2-3, that sells by the "foot" I will try it out & post video.
Last edited by froggy47; 04-19-2018 at 01:13 PM.
04-19-2018, 05:15 PM
#20
Well here is where I am at re: this issue after a few days of inet research.
The original lenses will go to crap sooner or later , mostly depends on how many hours a day exposed to sunlight/wind/rain/snow/highway "contaminants", etc.
But if they sit in your garage under a nice cover and see about 2k miles a year they will last forever.
The effect of plastic covers seems to vary case by case and maybe type/color/thickness of plastic.
The plastic cover will be a benefit in the case of impact either track or highway, or autox cone. This is physical impact, not chemical, uvray, etc.
Mine will see about 5k mixed use per year.
I am "leaning" to trying the covers based on the argument "What have you got to loose, they will fail anyway and they are reasonably priced". I try to be rational and apply my common sense approach to car decisions.
If I come across any other info that applies I will post here & on my YT channel "Froggy's Garage".
You guys all all great, thanks!!!
The original lenses will go to crap sooner or later , mostly depends on how many hours a day exposed to sunlight/wind/rain/snow/highway "contaminants", etc.
But if they sit in your garage under a nice cover and see about 2k miles a year they will last forever.
The effect of plastic covers seems to vary case by case and maybe type/color/thickness of plastic.
The plastic cover will be a benefit in the case of impact either track or highway, or autox cone. This is physical impact, not chemical, uvray, etc.
Mine will see about 5k mixed use per year.
I am "leaning" to trying the covers based on the argument "What have you got to loose, they will fail anyway and they are reasonably priced". I try to be rational and apply my common sense approach to car decisions.
If I come across any other info that applies I will post here & on my YT channel "Froggy's Garage".
You guys all all great, thanks!!!