My headlights have the Xpel protectant film installed (similar to 3M clear bra material).

I am worried about damaging the film when I bake the lights for the DDE install.

The conservative solution would be to remove the Xpel and install new film after the baking....but I would prefer not to.

Anyone baked headlights with protectant film installed?

 

BUMP!!....I did the DDE install, and shortly afterwards covered my headlight lenses with Lamin-X. Well, now one of the rings needs to be replaced. I guess I could just take it off and purchase another piece of film, but id rather not also. Helpful suggestions appreciated!...Good looking ride CRBWS6!!

 

call xpel and ask them at what temp the film and adhesive changes/ melts or yellows...

 

Just buy a heat gun so that you can direct the heat where needed.

 

I thought about using a hair dryer to carefully heat up the headlight housing as not to harm the film, but I figured that would take FOREVER.....

 

PM bugbite77 he has done several DDE installs

 

One of your rings died already? Umnitza states on their site the life of the rings are around 20k hours. I hope they hold up for a long time, because I definitely don't want to bake my headlights more than once.

 

The ring didnt burn out....it was my fault.....well kind of. After I had all 4 rings installed, I was trying to be extra careful and wrap each wire leading from the headlight to the ballast with electrical tape. Well, I pulled too hard on one wire and it ended up coming free and disconnecting from the end of the ring, so only half of the ring lights up. The wire was barely stuck in there from looking at how much bare wire was on the end of the wire. Anyhow, it sucks since I hardly got to use the DDEs before I had problems; i.e. bad ballast also. Still wondering how to open the headlight without ruining the film.....bump!

 

What if you soak a towel and put the lens film face down on the wet towel while its on the oven?

 

The steam will kill it.......

Your best bet would be to use a hiar dryer and save yourself time and energy....