[chilli-mini-me]

I am concerned about possible stone damage to the headlamp units of my new MINI - which look VERY expensive to replace. Does anyone know what options are available ? I have seen the "plastic sheet" type (available from Moss in the UK for about £24) - but these don't look like they're up to the job (despite their claims). Has anyone tried these, and more to the point, have they worked ? Are any other types available (like the hard plastic ones available for most other makes of car) ?

Colin.

[Ratty]

Quote:

Originally posted by chilli-mini-me
I am concerned about possible stone damage to the headlamp units of my new MINI - which look VERY expensive to replace. Does anyone know what options are available ? I have seen the "plastic sheet" type (available from Moss in the UK for about £24) - but these don't look like they're up to the job (despite their claims). Has anyone tried these, and more to the point, have they worked ? Are any other types available (like the hard plastic ones available for most other makes of car) ?

Colin.

I have had the plastic sheet stick-on type on my Cooper for the last six months and so far so good. Mind you I am not sure how you can tell how good they are until you get hit by a rock ! However the material is resonably thick, seems strong enough to absorb a hit and are hardly noticable.

Given that I have only seen this type available for the Mini it is better than nothing, unless somebody else knows better of course..........

[Let's roll!]

I had invinca-shield for the front of the car and stoneguard's light protection packet for fogs, headlight, rally light, & turn signal. Both use 3M material. The light film is very thick when compaired to the other film. If I remember correctly it is 80mm thick? I cannot remember as the paper work is not with me at this time. The thicker the better as the lights are very expensive! It is cheap protection for $25 outlay. You can also install them yourself.
Look at the various companies listed in the FAQ section under Bra options.

Hope this helps.

[Speedd]

I am looking into Invinca aswell

here is the website for the UK

http://www.invincashield.co.uk/html/cars.cfm

hope it helps

[gman]

Yeah, that was a concern I had, anyone know how much the Xenons are to replace of you REALLY trash one?

I think I'll get the covers too!!

[Apial]

I personally wouldn't bother. Polycarbonate is pretty tough. The normal headlamps cost about £50 if I remember correctly. I replaced one after a pheasant smashed it to bits. I would be more bothered about stone chips though to the paintwork.The headlamps don't seem to get much damage, and you may be introducing another problem by sticking things onto the lens surface.

[Apial]

Quote:

Originally posted by Let's roll!
I film is very thick when compaired to the other film. If I remember correctly it is 80mm thick?
Hope this helps.

80mm! You mean they deflect bullets? More like 0.80 mm I think!

[kerryd]

I bought and applied the 3M protectors (from Expel). A bit tricky to apply but the end result is pretty good. The material is substantial. It is also easy to remove, an important considseration for me.
I think its worth it if only to keep the lens from pitting over time. (Other plastic lens I've had get cloudy after a few years.)
Unfortunately, the set comes for headlights and parking lights only - no fog light protectors. I solved this by buying an inexpensive set (for a Camaro!) and cut the film to cover my fogs, the most vulnerable of all the lights.
Expel has excellent instructions on their web site. If you buy, email me and I can provide a tip for application.