Topic: Which Window Tint?

[Hntbambi]

My Black Av  will definitely need some window tint for this summer.  It will probably live outside and the radiant heat in the sun is nasty.  It has the factory tint in the back windows (20% VLT) and I plan to add 35% VLT to the front windows.  We are allowed 20% up front here in New Mexico, but some nearby states like Arizona do not, so I will be legal there too.  Any  recommendations on what film to go with?  I will probably do a DIY job.  This thing will see dusty dirty environment, so the better scratch resistance and heat blocking the better. 

[bluedevil]

I dont have much experience in this field as i removed my tints 3 times in 2 years (illegal in IL) and dont use them anymore.

I think any is just as good at autozone but if you have the dough,  check out http://www.huperoptikusa.com/consumer_auto.cfm

$400 wraps a coupe.

[Hntbambi]

Thanks BD, yeah the Huper stuff is top end but they only sell it through professional installers. 

I am leaning toward getting a roll of the stuff from autoparts or WallyWorld.  Worst case is I take it off and I am out $15.

[oHIobellboy]

Thanks BD, yeah the Huper stuff is top end but they only sell it through professional installers. 

I am leaning toward getting a roll of the stuff from autoparts or WallyWorld.  Worst case is I take it off and I am out $15.

Worse case scenario is you have to do it once a year. It's cheap enough.

[Darren]

I don't know whether you have put it on yourself before or not but if not it is a pain in the a$$!  I tried doing mine and ended up pulling it off and taking it to a professional.  It looks much better having it professionally done and if you use a good dealer they will use quality material and guarantee it for life.

I'd personally go with 20% to match the back as it will look better as long as it is legal in your state. Don't worry about going into another state with illegal tint as they can't do anything to you unless you are tagged there.         

[Donnie1]

I agree with Darren. if New Mexico allows 20% and you have NM plates, then Az can't do anything to you. I wish we could do 20% here in Mo.

[MyBigToy]

If you decide to try it yourself I'd suggest you buy pre-cut tint from eBay. It will be a whole lot easier to install than trying to cut it to fit yourself.

I installed uncut limo tint on the back glass and extended cab side windows on my old 94 Sonoma and it was a PITA to cut correctly since I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't have too much trouble installing it; the main thing is to get the glass squeaky clean and to use lots of soapy water solution on both the glass and the tint when installing it. I only ended up with a couple of very small bubbles that you had to look for.

[Hntbambi]

Don't worry about going into another state with illegal tint as they can't do anything to you unless you are tagged there.         

Actually, this is not true.  The statute that would be cited under is ARS 28-959-01.  It does not include an express exception for out-of-state vehicles.  The cops can and do give out tickets to out-of-staters.  If you feel like driving 4-8 hours back to fight it in court, you may indeed win, but just because you are tagged in another state does not make you immune from receiving a ticket.  It's all about revenue these days.  I live 40 miles from Texas and 140 from Arizona.  I do visit them both regularly. 

I did order a 35% front window kit from E-Bay and I bought a roll of 35% Gila film from the auto parts.  I can practice on the wife's Toyota.  If I eff it up, oh well. 

I will be happy with 35%.  I prefer having more visibility out of the windows in low light conditions.  I am not that picky about how the vehicle looks.  In fact, it will probably have some desert pinstriping this weekend when I take it out in search of coyotes.  Nothing like the sound of branches scraping against the sides of a brand new truck to make your day. 

[NorthJerseyAvalanche]

i just told the guy i know at the local tint shop to match up the front ones with the back ones...not sure what percentage he used, but they match perfectly now..will post pictures later

[SHADOW]

try to go with metal type, instead of the vinyl material, I know in the state of FL they use the metal material, my 04 Av has it. my 07 has the vinyl. Big difference 04 looks better.
metal is more heat resistance will not bubble.
I had my old 02 Av done in FL and the 04 done there also, my 07 done IL