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Ceramic Window tints

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by HyperFX, May 11, 2012.

  1. HyperFX

    HyperFX NIMFY (not in my front yard)

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    New window tint stats:
    Windshield: 60%
    Front sides plus tiny windows: 35%
    Rear sides plus tiny quarter panel: 30%
    Rear hatch top half (above spoiler): 30%
    Rear hatch lower half (below spoiler): Stock

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Cool. What brand?
     
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Just got ours tinted today with ceramic tint as well. 35 percent all around, maximum allowable here.

    The tech told me they couldn't/wouldn't tint the small window below the spoiler because it is factory tinted + it's plastic, not glass. Anyone know if this is true? I thought it was glass.
     
  4. ChaiLove

    ChaiLove Junior Member

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    It is plastic
     
  5. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    My BS detector is going off. A number of members here have the lower rear hatch tinted. Specs say it's tempered glass. All windows are factory-tinted to some extent (29% on the lower rear hatch, 80% on the windshield, and ~75% on the rest).
     
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Thanks for the specs 32k, even if it is glass, then maximum allowable aftermarket tint is 35 percent transmitted light. So the 29 percent factory tint is already below that, but is allowed because it is OEM. At least for my local tint laws.
     
  7. AZGeek

    AZGeek Semi-informed Member

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    I am going to get mine tinted tomorrow. It will be a choice between the

    3M Crystalline

    or

    3M Ceramic

    When I made the appointment the shop owner said the Ceramic was more brown in color, so I have to see in person what he is saying. Both are pricey, with the Crystalline being about 50% more than the Ceramic.

    The darkest film they have in Crystalline is 40%. They also have a 90% which I may consider for the windshield, if I decide to go that route.
     
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Your local tint laws say it must allow at least 35% of light in (aggregated). If you wished to stay legal, I hope your tint guy didn't actually use a 35% film because most of the windows are already tinted ~75% (in the glass), as it'd result in an aggregate of ~26% (0.75 x 0.35 = 0.2625).
     
    Shibikku and hoddy4 like this.
  9. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    They are very aware of the minimum 35% standards, they always measure the factory tint before applying the film, so they know what they can apply and still be above the minimum 35%. Thanks.
     
  10. FUUFNF

    FUUFNF Forum Lurker

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    It's definitely glass.
     
  11. commuter

    commuter Untitled

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    Looks sharp. Where did you go, and if I may ask: How much did it set you back?
     
  12. fulltank

    fulltank New Member

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    Love my tints! Tinting your window has to be the absolute easiest and most economical way to transform the stereotypical nerd car into a sporty car!!!
     
  13. AZGeek

    AZGeek Semi-informed Member

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    Wrong, wrong, wrong. It is tempered glass.

    If you bothered to look at the code etched on the glass you would see that it is not plastic.


    new iPad ?
     
  14. HyperFX

    HyperFX NIMFY (not in my front yard)

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    Thank you. Much appreciated. I got this done at Auto Creations in Raritan, NJ. Depending on the quality & selection of your tint, the cost can run you from two hundred to five hundred for product and installation. I stand behind these guys with a firm testimonial of quality and craftmanship.
     
  15. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Could you at least tell us the brand for our information, considering it's ceramic? It doesn't really help to post pics without this information, unless you have some mobile tint guy install a no-name tint on the cheap.
     
  16. HyperFX

    HyperFX NIMFY (not in my front yard)

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    They used Johnson Window Film which have a broad line of products from your house to your automotive needs. I purchased the "Insulatir" ceramic tint. Please check out their Web page.


    Johnson Window Films



    [​IMG]
     
    1 person likes this.
  17. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Lol @ 32k who had to ask what brand like 3 times. *sigh*
     
  18. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Sure, I'm still untinted and looking. You'd be annoyed if this many people post pics of their rims without revealing the brand/model :)
     
  19. AZGeek

    AZGeek Semi-informed Member

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    Just got back from the tint shop a little while ago. I went with the 3M Crystalline CR40 all around. It transmits 40% visible light and rejects 60% infrared and 99.9% UV.

    The shop owner had his car outside parked in the sun with CR70 and it was pretty amazing how much cooler the sunlight was on the shaded side of the film vs direct sunlight. I noticed a big difference on the ride home with the CR40.

    Aside from the high price, I was a bit annoyed that they didn't bother to wash the car afterwards. They did offer to wash it in two days, but I don't want to drive it around the way it is now. So it will get a wash tonight (by me) and then I will post some pics tomorrow.

    Lower back window? Not a problem. (It is glass, after all :rolleyes:)
     
  20. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Just take it to Premier Protective Films International in Orange, CA, and I am 100% confident that you will be satisfied with their Diamond Cut IR product and their workmanship. :D