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What is this? Headlamp chipping

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Old Jun 1, 2014 | 02:20 PM
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Default What is this? Headlamp chipping

What is this on my 2005 SC430 headlamps (some sort of plastic clear coat that is chipping) and how do I fix or get rid of it? The headlamp now exposed is faded, now. Thanks.

https://www.clublexus.com/g/album/1173095

Last edited by sdfaith; Jun 1, 2014 at 02:31 PM. Reason: add photo
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Old Jun 1, 2014 | 02:56 PM
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Are you the original owner? Could it be that a former owner applied some sort of protective film that is now failing?
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Old Jun 2, 2014 | 04:08 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnnyCake
Are you the original owner? Could it be that a former owner applied some sort of protective film that is now failing?
That's what I'm thinking, can it be taken off with a razor blade, how thick does it appear to be?
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Old Jun 2, 2014 | 06:23 AM
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Don't use a razor blade! You will mar the plastic lens cover.
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Old Jun 2, 2014 | 06:43 AM
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It does seem like some sort of thin protective film. If I manage to peel it off (without a razor), then what? I'll have to deal with the faded lamps left behind. Where do you buy this film - and will that hide the faded lamp? (Or can I just clean the lens with a toothbrush and toothpaste or lens restorer?)
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Old Jun 2, 2014 | 08:31 AM
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You will have to deal with some slight left over adhesion from the film. Thinner works very well when it comes to removing adhesive residue, just use a rag to remove the left over adhesive after you remove the film before you start the restoration process; otherwise the residue will gum up the sand paper. If your lens is yellowed due to the sun’s UV rays, you need to restore them back to their original condition by using a lens restoration kit. I personally have used the 3M product on my wife’s Prius. Here are the results. You can get the clear lens protection from a tint shop. Use Yelp or the Yellow Pages to find a shop in your area.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Lens Restoration.pdf (168.6 KB, 172 views)
File Type: pdf
3M Lens Restoration Kit.pdf (41.5 KB, 178 views)
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Old Jun 3, 2014 | 02:25 AM
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I think 3M has a $5 rebate on their Lens Restoration Kit
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Old Jun 3, 2014 | 03:19 AM
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I would take a hairdryer and try to peel up a little corner of the film and see if a little heat will help soften the adhesive. That should help you get it off. Shops use a little heat to remove graphics and paint protection films.

As for restoring lenses, I have also used the 3M lens kit with great results.....great product.
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Old Jun 9, 2014 | 06:11 AM
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Originally Posted by tromly
That's what I'm thinking, can it be taken off with a razor blade, how thick does it appear to be?
Thanks, all. I will try the hair dryer to remove the film, then follow up with the 3M lens restoration kit. I'll post results!
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Old Jun 9, 2014 | 07:29 AM
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when you finish cleaning the lenses. they make a lenses restore to clean and restore the lenses back to normal.
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Old Jun 9, 2014 | 08:27 AM
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The film is used lots of times on bumpers and lead edge of hoods and fenders.

Here is a typical YouTube video of removal procedure.

Be very careful using heat gun on plastic headlamp lenses so you don't do damage to the lens.
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