For whatever it's worth, if it is just moisture on the inside of the lens, you can get rid of that pretty easily. Just remove the headlight bulb and blow hot air through it with a hair blower. I did that once after getting water inside the headlights (came through the rubber seal around the headlight washers).

 

I think he is talking about the haze created after the condensation dries...

 

Just got off the phone with them, apparently I should be getting a call soon from the manager. They rep was very apologetic, but the reality is my car just continues to sit in the garage.

Patience is wearing thin.

 

JS- I called them yesterday inquiring about this situation that seems to present itself with the 996T headlights. I did a little research which has lead me to believe that the hazing (or chemical reaction as they call it) is caused by out-gassing of the paint they are using). I asked the rep how long they let the paint cure prior to reassembly of the housing and she said one night. I have reason to believe that this is the root cause of the issue. I think that the paint needs to cure/bake longer prior to reassembly. Maybe if they waited 4days-1week prior to reassembly and also used a different type of paint, then the issue might be resolved.

Please keep us updated on your status. When I spoke to them yesterday I let her know that many people are watching for the outcome of this issue and that we all hope that (company) does the right thing to rectify your issue! Good luck!

 

In your opinion, do you think my headlight is repairable ? If so, what do you think the right course of action is ? I thought polishing the inside of the lens would make alot of sense, but maybe it's more complicated, or not very accessible to attempt this when opened up ?

They haven't communicated what they have tried up until this point (outside of mentioning that they tried to clean the lens), I have no idea what type of condition the lens or headlight is in at this point.

Really appreciate you touching bases with them. Hopefully they have a plan of attack, and in the end can master the process, as I think there are many who would like this mod done.

 

I would think that there must be some sort of polishing that can remove the haze from the inner surface... almost like a professional headlight restoration. A good compound and high powered buffing wheel should be able to cut through it. They are a seemingly large company with plenty of work (currently 3-4 week turnaround) and therefore I would hope that they have the resources to repair your lens. It may be that they are trying every option (hence the painful wait) before they decide to just replace the light for you.

Do you have any pictures of the light with the haze? Have you considered emailing this thread to the rep you are dealing with to show them the exposure that it is getting?

 

in your last post that you had informed them that many are waiting to see the outcome with my headlight before proceeding. I appreciate that. I certainly can do that, as I think I've been patient and respectful, possibly too respectful. I didn't want this to escalate, as I still think they want to make this right.

 

Seriously guys, taking your xenon lights apart for the subtle look is sooo not worth it. You would expect pros to do it the right way, so you dont risk destroying a $1300 part!

I would be pissed if my car were laid up for this reason. The company's response is super weak. Have these guys heard of the "the interwebz"? Do they not want to stay in business?

My advice for anyone considering this, just paint the outside of the light. You get a similar (better) aesthetic without the raised look of the stick on covers or the headaches those clowns at that company are giving you guys.

 

Hopefully I will get a chance to take mine apart, polish them and reseal them shortly.

It's not that hard to reseal something, we do it with oil pans etc. all the time.

I didn't want to paint the outside of the lights, because it will just chip over time (more if you put miles on your car).

I feel somewhat resposible for leading people down this path, but hopefully I provided everone with enough information that they went in with their eyes wide open.

Later, Steve

 

SJ, Just put the 997 headlights and call it a day

 

I've had ZERO chips in 30k miles w/ painted headlights

 

I just talked to my body shop guy. He confirmed that the reason the lenses are hazing is 100% due to out-gassing of the paint. He said the paint needs to bake for some time to properly cure and if "the company" is re-sealing the lights after one night of ambient curing then there is no doubt that the paint hasn't fully cured.

He did say that the out-gassing causes etching on the interior surface of the lens, but thinks that polishing the inside of the lens will work to remove most of the hazing.

I may have the company paint the housing, but not re-assemble and ship them back with the lenses packaged separately. The body shop can easily reassemble the housing after a couple of weeks of curing.

Hope this helps.

 

They have offered to return my money and return my headlight. This is what it looks like now. Alot of reflection in the picture, but it obvious in the top right portion that there is still hazing. They have no disclosed to me what they have done to correct this, but claim there is an improvement.



I can still see some hazing towards the bottom left as well. Have not decided what I'm going to do at this point. Maybe I'll request a hi-res pic, with less reflection.

 

Take the refund and move forward. Separate the headlight yourself and clean up the work.

What else can you really do?

 

I'm certainly considering that option, just running it through my legal channel first.