Everyone HATED These on my 996 Turbo, Finally Fixing Them!

[@ShaneConanttheoriginal]

Do you perhaps want to put a clear coat over the headlights to further protect them from UV exposure?

[@davidrinaldis2351]

2K clear is the only way!!

[@MistaaFrosty]

@@davidrinaldis2351 yeaaaaup.

[@luminox1]

I was about to say lol, wouldn't want to undo all that work after some exposure to the sun. I don't think a simple nano coat would cut it either

[@doclobster]

Mcguiar's makes a uv resistant product that you just rub on one per year that works pretty good - or you'll be polishing again in 6 months. Looks great though.

[@yellowcolorado25]

Make sure you get the 2k clear for headlights.

[@haroldwhite7464]

Matt please either 2K clear the headlights or PPF them please to ensure they won’t yellow prematurely. Great work

[@nickherbin8094]

ppf is definitely the way to go on headlights.

[@integrars100]

Ceramic coating will work fine too

[@pieterverboven4853]

Avalon King ceramic coat is cheap and extremely easy to use as well. Applause Matt for sanding and polishing the head and tail lights.

[@boogieman065]

Looks great. Definitely do PPF, I did the same thing as you then PPF'd, still looks new after 4 years.

[@RadDougall]

You'll have to keep reapplying ceramic.... 2k clear for me all the way. Done properly and will lock in all your hard work. Ask me how I know!

[@cheapcargarage]

Hey Matt, If you don’t clear coat those lights they’ll yellow within a year. I’ve done this process several times. The last time I clear coated them and they seem to be holding up better. The car is looking fantastic! It gets so much better every video.

[@massiveimprovement]

Great job man! The OEM taillight look so much better now. If you're ever doing sanding of plastic in the future. You can save yourself a lot of mess by just using water as a lubricant. Dip the sanding paper often in the water (rinse and clean). Use just a smal drop of dish soap in the water to releave some the surface tension. When polishing (not compound) plastic with DA/rotary, use a softer pad. For compounding red (harder) pad is fine. Less product also give you less sling. Clean the pad regulary with compressed air, to remove plastic particles buildup in the pad. You're doing this car so much good things. Getting this up to shape is truly a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@michaelhon6168]

Hello Matt. Yellow and black look great together, but as you now moving to the more standard OEM look I really think the yellow monster will now look much better with a silver set of wheels and nice silver oval exhaust tips.

[@matt13ross]

I agree

[@denisfitzgerald3474]

What an incredible transformation you’ve made on this 996! From very tired to looking pristine! Awesome job Matt!👍

[@matt13ross]

Thank you!

[@keithvolner930]

Second that!

[@dannytodisco3350]

Wow, can’t wait for the 10 minute build video and all the before and after shots. Congratulations man, looks amazing

[@I.LikeCars]

Of course you found something held together by JB Weld 😂. This car is something else. Great work!

[@jrf607]

Been waiting for this one! This is gonna make it look 10x better!

[@violinmiata]

Love the clean stock headlights, it’s a classic design that looks better with time.

[@Euphorica]

💯 they looks great

[@jj481012]

Silver or lighter color wheels? I think they would go well with the yellow paint.

[@GodFatherGR7]

Nice job man..Just put 2k clear coat on those headlights or a paint protection film (ppf) and you won't be bothered polishing them for a long time...I learnt it the hard way and i was polishing my headlights every year and they weren't so easy to remove.

[@tylersanders6080]

To save you from working on the floor and making a mess, you should place a cardboard box on your workbench. That way you contain all the cleaner slinging around! And maybe place the lights on soft foam to keep it from moving. Another great video!!👍🏻

[@matt13ross]

Solid idea.

[@joshrandall8364]

Car looks amazing! Clear Lamin-X helps protect your headlights from UV and rock chips! Highly recommend it. We used it on a brand new 2014 car, and nearly 10 years later the headlights still look brand new because we did this.

[@bmc5108]

I just put them on my 968. Looks great. Protection against road rock damage as well. The material for front lights is thicker than for body panels.

[@713vinh]

Whaat?? More check engine lights? We better get that sorted. Great job on the lights, looks incredible!

[@crsandelli]

Previous owner of my 997.1 put black taillights on. Best day ever was when I nabbed a pair of OEM tails and installed them.

[@996Revival]

The lights are looking suuuuper fresh man. Well done!

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@elduderino1809]

I hear the previous owner wants his car back. Seriously, outstanding car, work and videos.

[@matt13ross]

No way I'd give it back to him! lol

[@zedeg94]

Looks good! Now what's left is to add the badge in the back and stock-ish (or more like period correct-ish) wheels! And please, coat headlights/taillights, save yourself from future headache!

[@alexturcios1583]

Great stuff Matt, keep it coming. We appreciate the hard work that goes into this. Your car shows all the love it’s gotten.

[@robertjenkinson3360]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for pandering to us and sorting those tail lights. I love it.

[@comedian376]

Enjoy and good on you for just polishing the factory lights out and not going with some of the hideous aftermarket options. Had to do the same to my Turbo’s lights after 200k miles a while back

[@nathan_lbz9806]

Matt, don't know if you have a welding table, they have a cheap but good foldable one at harbor freight. For things that are awkward to hold while working on, I'll put the item on the welding table, then run a ratchet strap through the table and snug the item down to the table to hold it in place. Just a method I thought you might be able to steal.

[@matt13ross]

I do have one, it's just filled with crap. Sigh, need more space!

[@WatchingYoutubeVid]

you actually did it 👏

[@carlosedu9224]

YESSSSS it’s looking so much better now thanks for your work and dedication Matt

[@davidhewitt3070]

Hey, great job - the car looks awesome now. Regarding the projectors, on my turbo I fitted the projectors from retrofitlab. It was a bit fiddly to install, but worth it - I didn’t change the ballast, retrofitlab also say that ballast is high quality on these cars and should be fine 👍

[@matt13ross]

That's what I'm going with I think.

[@Engineerboy100]

KILLED it again Matt. Good job man :) keep up the good work. I'm gonna kick in pretty soon and start pumping out some more videos too, really been having a hard time getting over my Dad passing off and on ... but I feel a cluster of videos coming on lol

[@matt13ross]

Thanks Clint! Sorry about your dad! :( Bring back the videos!

[@tomasis7]

good job, bro! It is much easier to work on the car now because it amuses you more.

[@AdamDUrso]

You need to adjust the headlight housing slightly, they need be aligned with thebwings a bit better. Easy adjustment to make, just tweak them when the headlights are removed.

[@aaronf4201]

Such a well edited and satisfying vid, thanks Matt! I love it.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@TimothyBrake]

Somehow this popped up in my KZbin feed. I stayed for the tail lights and applaud your effort 😀👌 Also nice video editing skills 👍

[@matt13ross]

Thank you, hope you stick around!

[@anthonybrand6137]

Hey Mat, I knew you'd get round to the headlights /taillights eventually! Despite the fact you said this cleaning & polishing wasn't fun or very enjoyable, but the end results are totally worth it. The car now looks 'complete' & so much better IMHO. 👍🔥👍

[@matt13ross]

Def worth it!

[@225TTuned]

How about the tow hook cap!!! :) Car looks good! Sooo much work omg. Definitely agree needs a step lip barrel with a flat center wheel to really accent the curves since turbos are widebody! BBS or HRE like tanner faust setup 996. BC coils ride like crap, cheap way to slam it. KW or ST coils ride best wont hop over highway expansion joints in the turns.

[@matt13ross]

I wouldn't call BC coils cheap, most say they ride excellent. I'm not getting Racelands or something lol. I don't want to slam it either, just about an inch or so lower.

[@Iamjim1]

@@matt13ross take a look at an H&R/Bilstien (or whoever, really) cup kit?

[@matt13ross]

I looked at a few. I was thinking those were very expensive.

[@mr.spokomaro]

I use Osram night breaker bulbs. They are the best from everything I've tried. Had them on my E46 and now o my E92. They make huge difference no matter the lens or ballast.

[@jona6183]

I concur, Audi S5 here . Used Chinese bulbs from Amazon and finally bit the bullet on osram night breaker. Osram is the only way to go.

[@mr.spokomaro]

@@jona6183 I did the same, had some "Amazon top recommended" bulb that were better than old oem but the improvement was like 15-20 percent. So I literally researched for good couple of weeks reading reviews and watching YT reviews. Like I said it was ridiculous difference. I remember driving on motorway with no street light at night and I couldn't see anything, this was my breaking point. By the way there is a new model out which is even better that I'm going to get before next winter. It's XENARC COOL BLUE INTENSE (NEXT GEN) D3S = 66340CBN

[@arthurgevorkyan2788]

Uffff nice! Boxes are getting checked in!

[@P-J-W-777]

Looks so much better but I’m not one that hounded you about it let alone ever mentioned it since it had been mentioned so many times already. Just surprised you didn’t decide to change the entire light housings out for new LED’s since you’ve upgraded everything else to LED’s

[@ricardoharewood775]

Cerakote is your friend. Has been holding up well over two years in hottttt Caribbean sun no yellowing or peeling.

[@wlff88]

Much better. It was horrible before but the tail lights now look spiffy

[@chrishaug]

Awsome work! Dont forget some uv clearcoat on the headlights or else they Will get yellow crazy fast 😊

[@matt13ross]

Maybe in the future, it stays inside.

[@jamest5149]

You could have stopped at 1500 grit and use proper UV automotive resistant 2 pak clear lacquer and they would come out perfect and last longer

[@stevengetz9065]

Heres a secret way to hold the light fixtures while sanding and polishing: leave them installed on the car and mask around them

[@matt13ross]

Only if the lights weren't so easy to remove. I'd rather not sling that stuff all over the car.

[@malcolmnunes8331]

the stock HID housing go bad over time as well. If you replace the housing (reflector and lense), it can make a huge difference. Plus, most modern replacement housing will include a move able shield so you can get dual HID (low and high beam)

[@joshbsz]

Spraymax 2k clear or Eastwood 2k is the way to make them stay clear after a polish if you want them to stay clear.

[@dravenpt]

That taillights fixed it´s a game changer, now just needs stock silver rims!!

[@billhibbard8664]

Great job! Looks 100x better than before. 👍

[@seshelbow336]

I painted the chrome inside my black 996T metallic grey and they looked far better……to get an idea of the difference on a yellow car compare a pic of a Civic EK4 Jordan to a yellow civic EK9…..identical cars pretty much except one has dark lights and one has chrome. The Lenses are a right pita to remove tho.

[@matt13ross]

I was thinking of doing that! Can you send some pictures via email or Instagram?

[@MunchieFreak]

OEM Tail light looks That is the way to Go!!!!!👋👋👍

[@barryhall7]

Brilliant work, it looks amazing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@b8.5s47]

Honestly, with silver wheels, I think it’d look much better with the yellow. But overall, solid car, one of my dream cars when I was growing up!

[@matt13ross]

I agree now. The black wheels look good, but they looked better when they car had more black accents.

[@cristmh]

@@matt13ross - OEM Turbo Twists look amazing on these cars.

[@jeffreyjohnston6843]

keep some old sheets and you use them to drape over your tool boxes when you are buffing things near them .

[@matt13ross]

That would have worked.

[@j.a.therollingman9216]

Pause the video on 10:28 and look how sick that looks! You need headlights with black housings🤭

[@mattbuckley392]

Excellent stuff .... a great journey to watch indeed. Hats off from England.

[@jazzdrumguy5044]

Headlights look great. An oil change near me will do them for $50, though. For tail lights, I would have upgraded to LED which is what I did with mine. Game changer!!!!

[@Slytheslayer]

Not sure if these will fit but in my old acura tl type s I put the BMW ZKW-R lenses that are clear and do not have the fresnal rings on them. Your might not have those weird rings but the BMW ones are crystal clear.

[@anthonypierro5296]

Car looks great. Enjoying watching your progress. BTW new hid bulbs and ballast did the trick on my dimming E46. Just bulbs helped but the ballasts were the key.

[@atrain132]

For projectors, look at Morimoto Projectors.

[@vics945]

They look beautiful Matt.. thank you

[@Onlooker71]

Awwwwww Yeaaaaah! Now it looks like a proper, respectable Porsche! Polishing the lights makes it look 10 years younger. Great job.

[@MrHaun]

Yessssss!! Now it looks like the 996 Turbo we all know and love.

[@patfriend4326]

I have been watching since u first bought this and I have to say well done Matt. And thank goodness u fixed those tail lights 😂😂👌

[@Perceni]

Very nice! if you're looking for the next cosmetic thing to do, do the calipers with the right decal size and font. Your car's are a bit off. easy diy and good for the channel.

[@matt13ross]

Hrm, didn't realize that. If I do that, I'll get them recoated too.

[@wrestlevania]

I was struggling to see the difference with the headlights on the bench after polishing, but once you refitted them and you can see them shining next to the new paint… 🤩

[@matt13ross]

Oh yea, on the car they look MUCH different!

[@marcmercedes2707]

Hai , place your items on a rubber door mat , protect the item end dont move also

[@S2NAZ]

Cars really starting to look amazing Matt 👍🏻

[@matthewwain9958]

Finally... a youtuber that actually removes the lights when sanding and polishing. (edit: Having done a quick polish on plastic lenses before you NEED to protect the surface or it will yellow within weeks.)

[@matt13ross]

Haha! Possibly clear coat in the future, but no way they will yellow within weeks while sitting inside. I'll prove it :)

[@matthewwain9958]

@@matt13ross OK. Just thinking of my mitsu eclipse lenses I did and were quickly getting a haze to them again.

[@matt13ross]

In the sun all day, yes, I would agree.

[@scotts2k]

Love the tail lights, Ronald Mcdonald

[@yellowcolorado25]

Oh morimoto mled 2.0 is the way to go. If you want hids go with the morimoto d2s 5.0s. I have a quad setup in my zr2 with 4 55 watt ballast. It's an awesome setup.

[@najuad]

that looks a million times better! What's happening with the exhaust tail pipe trims ? classic oval ??

[@matt13ross]

Still undecided on what tips.

[@renaul_megane_rs_2254]

Looks nice ,rims on silver will look nice to

[@yetidh9]

You can use 3 big lumps of playdoh to hold the lights to the bench.

[@peterwatson464]

well done! looks amazing

[@vincentcarrano6329]

Hey Mat, spectacular result ! You are the champion

[@matt13ross]

Thank you!

[@dkosawa]

Great job!! I look forward to seeing new seats. 😊

[@grantlingley1385]

Fantastic job Matt! I am working on an old ‘74 914 (Once owned by my old auntie, great story for another time) but your perserverance is infectious! I am back in the garage and about to take the motor out one last time!!!!

[@slowery43]

we truly couldn't care any less, this video is not about you and your 914

[@matt13ross]

Nice, get it back together!

[@olivervaldes4223]

LOL SO MUCH BETTER, SHES COMING TOGETHER. BEESWAX ON THAT LEATHER AMAZON IS UR FRIEND.

[@matt13ross]

Leather is too far gone.

[@Amereius]

I didn't hate the black tint on the taillights, but the original red looks much better!

[@FL981S]

Where's the fuel pump cover in the frunk? Has to feel like you're on the home stretch. Just a few more details. Lowering. Exhaust tips. What are your thoughts on the OEM Turbo bumper vs the GT2?

[@matt13ross]

I just haven't put the cover back on yet, I will. I love the GT2 bumper, matches the rear. And no more painting! lol

[@FL981S]

@@matt13ross For whatever reason the 996 GT2 front end always looked aftermarket to me. Either way car is looking great and has a come a long way! So what's the Porsche project. Poorsches are great YT content lol

[@g6et_wrx177]

Headlights and taillights look amazing! You do need to 1K or 2K clear those headlights and or apply some form of UV interface otherwise they will yellow in a short time.

[@matt13ross]

I agree, but they aren't going to yellow sitting inside the garage.

[@jhawk1977]

Clear bra that front end with the fresh paint before it gets ruined.

[@matt13ross]

Not a bad idea, but almost as expensive as just getting new paint on the bumper.

[@jhawk1977]

@@matt13ross well, crap...

[@stanhill3803]

Matt, the car looks great. Put some exhaust tips on to finish it.

[@matt13ross]

Eventually, yes.

[@TravisFabel]

Before swapping headlights around, make sure yours are currently aimed properly. That could be your whole problem. Also like everyone else said, don't forget to clear your headlights are going to look bad in a year.

[@matt13ross]

They appear aimed very well.

[@fraserveal3297]

Been watching since the start. Looks great brother!

[@matt13ross]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@alanprobsten2858]

Alright dude great job!! Now you need some silver 996 turbo wheels (they make them aftermarket 1” bigger), some coilovers and that should be good. Seriously need some silver wheels

[@khz80]

Well done! Car is looking brilliant :) What kind of spray are you using?

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! It's just foaming glass cleaner.

[@Jsjsj192]

You can get now so nice led backlights for cheap and i think in 997 Style. 😊

[@matt13ross]

Link?

[@heliolps2]

Just a little ceramic coat on the lights will do the job

[@lukeharrielson9357]

Heck yeah dude!!! looking so dope!!!!

[@adamhaycock8969]

Sand to 800 grit and then 2k clear. Done!

[@matt13ross]

Future mod

[@DG_427]

Huge improvement!

[@fernandovaca7970]

I thought that yellow will grow on me but I just hate it more and more😭 love the channel/ build! Can’t wait to see you clean up and upgrade the engine!

[@matt13ross]

Man, I love the yellow

[@joncamilleri2172]

Brilliant job, I love this build.

[@alexanderhaering6428]

3 piece bbs in silver would look so fire on that car

[@matt13ross]

Agreed, but $$$$$

[@illiniarmory3142]

Also never complained about the headlights or twilights, but here is your like.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! lol

[@widebodycoyotemustang]

Look amazing brother 🙌🏾🙌🏾 this car it’s so beautiful now congratulations!! And you work so hard on it my friend!! Great job 👏🏽

[@matt13ross]

Thank you sir! It's because of you!

[@dash456789]

Projector bowls are probably burned. Happens on BMW’s, Mini’s, and MB’s as well.

[@carloscristino8846]

Great job man! Congratulations

[@nenadvucicevic2026]

Try with morimoto or aharon bixenon projectors. They make retrofit kits

[@alex1pham]

your third brake light is still smoked!!!!!

[@matt13ross]

Really? Idk what the stock one looks like.

[@cvpuga]

muuuucccchh better... nice goin! coilovers and DONE...

[@MrR6pilot]

the lights ! 👏👏👏