Questions on Tint

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ifications/104871-my-new-window-tint-job.html

Check out this thread. I just got mine done and am happy with it.

 

Johnson brand. The model line is Greystone. It's the middle grade for a generally reputable brand. He's done a number of cars from this forum actually. It's a single owner doing all the work, so low overhead = lower cost. But I'm not here to advertise. Check out the shops listed in the thread and call em up.

BTW, congrats on the new ride! :welcome:

 

Also be wary of high end name brands. Each brand has different levels of quality. Just because the brand is known for high end products doesn't mean that they don't have low end models.

 

I'm not a tint specialist, so I don't know much, only the basics. It depends on what you want it for, privacy/look or heat reduction? There's different levels of heat reduction just like there's different levels of quality. Some good tints have metal in them and are able to reflect more heat from getting in while at the same time being less dark than other tints. High end Lumar's are nice but real pricey, Johnson's from what I've always heard are a great bang for your buck brand, IDK about 3M. Maybe someone here who knows a lot about tinting can chime in?

I used 35% all around. It's not as dark as I wanted it to be, but it blends in with my Winter Gray paint really well. That's something you might wanna consider. I like the dark look from the outside, but hate the dark and gloomy look on the inside. Go to a shop and have them show you what each tint (brand and darkness) looks like on a car. They may not have all to display, but at least they can give you a better description than what a novice like me can.

 

Check out Perfect Window Tint in Santa Ana, CA
Perfect Window Tint - Santa Ana, CA

Sal, the owner, is really knowledgeable and a really nice guy. He carries Huper Optik, Madico, and Llumar. He has samples of all his tint products on small panes of glass that he can demo for you.

I went with Madico 35% all around except for 20% on the back window. Don't know if this means anything, but the day I got my tint done, he did a total of 7 Prii that day.

 

most tints now a days I have seen last longer than we like to own the cars. my suggestion is to shop around prices can vary a lot.

 

I'm toying with tint too. I've been asking also if they are computer cut or cut by hand, which might have more jiggles. Also would like to have it extend lower on the window so it doesn't catch and peel as the window goes up and down repeatedly.

 

I put on 30% all around and with the windshield visor, Johnson tint.
Even though I see some little bubbles, the shop told me to wait for awhile for it to dry as it hasn't been hot enough to dry. I'll see after next week.

 

For reference here is what the CHP has to say...

Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:

* The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
* If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.

The law prohibits any person from driving any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows, with certain limited exceptions.
However, legislation signed into law effective January 1, 1999, exempts from the above prohibition specified clear, colorless, and transparent material that is installed, affixed, or applied to the front driver and passenger side windows for the specific purpose of reducing ultraviolet rays. If, as, or when this material becomes torn, bubbled or otherwise worn, it must be removed or replaced.

 

I would recommend Premier Protective Films Int'l in Orange. Their Diamond Cut IR film is excellent and their work is of course, unbearable. I think they charge about $600.

MB860 ?

 

I've never had an issue with tinting the front widows on any of my cars.
Here is the correct reference for tinting Beelzel.
Welcome to TintLaws.com

Yes, Sam and his team at Premier in both locations do a great job with their IR tint.

 

My tint guy's name is Danny and he is in Huntington Beach, Ca. He's been doing my cars for years, great guy! Does an amazing job, for the best price in town. Here's his website: Auto Tint Specialist - Window Tint Huntington Beach He charged me $120 for the V and $130 for my Prius. (It's $10 dollars more ona regular Prius, for the strip of glass between the trunk and the spoiler). Anyway, the best thing about him is that he gives you a WRITTEN GAURANTEE ON BOTH LABOR AND MATERIALS!You basically can't go wrong. That's a special price he gives me, but he told me that anyone who I refer, gets the same price. Just make sure you tell him that TIM sent you. I hope this doesn't come off as an ad. I have no affiliation to this particular tint shop, or any other one for that matter. I just want to see my Prius bros and sisters get taken care of.

P.S. If anybody needs any additional info, feel free to PM me. Also, if you want to use Danny's services, make sure you set an appointment, as you can imagine, at those prices, he is super busy.

Here are a couple of pics of my cars: