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3M Coating(Steve Buchholz Beware)



Steve and everyone else:

I first experienced the value of the 3M coating when on my first Audi, a
1995 90 Sport Quattro, the driver's side light was taken out by some
projectile that actually pierced the lens and reflector.  I replaced the
light and got some of the heavier of the two 3M matierials available from
Griotts Garage.  The lens of the light promptly imploded due to heat
build-up.  I was using stock bulbs.  I replaced it and then switched to the
thinner of the two materials with no further problems.  I was able to use
the heavier material on my then 1994 S4 as the projector headlights produce
less heat.  Both materials soften with heat so use the heavier if you can
because each provides less protection than you think.  The moral is that
the non-projector lights lenses get hotter and also use the lenses to
dissipate that heat.  If you use the thicker material it traps the heat on
the lens and will therefore cause the lens to crack or shatter if it is
cold out and the lights are on for an extended time.  I believe the thinner
material is 20mil vs the 40 mil heavier material.

Eric Friedman
93 V8 4.2
95.5 S6 wagon(just sold but not forgotten)

>Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 16:19:52 -0700
>From: "Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>
>Subject: RE: Tar and chip = fog light lens replacement

....snip

>I heartily recommend getting 3M (or equiv) protective film for your
>headlights/driving lights.  Not only does it provide protection from the
>larger projectiles it will also keep the surface of the lens from getting
>pitted by the smaller stuff ...
>
>Steve Buchholz
>San Jose, CA (USA)