Weekend tint project with Llumar CTX & Airblue

Got the DIY tinting done today using Llumar CTX 40% VLT rear & Airblue 78% VLT front windows not including the front windshield.

Took about 3 hr to complete all 9 windows and very happy with the result and the quality of the film. Since it's is DIY(last time I tinted was in 1995), I did make a stupid mistake of not centering the film exactly(1mm off) at the corner of the rear windshield but it's barely noticeable as it is on the lower right corner with black plastic background. Also about 2 very small lints in back rear window but again barely noticeable. Basically, it is very easy install since there is no glass with big compound curves. However, I do have to use heat gun to remove small fingers from front & rear windows. Other than that it's pretty easy. I still need to do the front windshield in couple of weeks after I gauge how Airblue color looks/feels at night.

Tool wise I only used sprayer with johnson baby shampoo, lil chizler, 3m pa1 blue and razor blades for cleaning the glass. I have other tools in the pic but didn't need them or use it.

I bought the Llumar film from tintzoom.com for all 11 windows for $156 shipped. This is for all glass windows including the small glass below the rear windshield which I wasn't even expecting. The films is computer cut and pretty much right on so you need to be careful . They process fast and shipped very quickly. I was hesitant to order from them since they didn't reply 2 of my pre-sales inquires but happy with them now. The price is why I can do the tint since I won't pay $500-600 for some tint and don't want some cheap tint either.

Here are the pic taken with my phone with very overcast weather in SF. In one of the pic I cut the films into each pieces the night before and lay it flat. Let me know if you have any questions or want to borrow the tools.

 

xliderider, I thought the windshield is pretty flat looking but if it is curved then i'll just use heat gun. My only worry is the size of the windshield.

 

Mike, I'll gladly do it for you but I'm not sure you'll be happy with my handy work as you're a perfectionist.

Also I found out today that I have a dust spot in the middle of the rear windshield from my son helping me with spray and the bottle touching the tint. I'll probably have to redo that.

 

It's Konig Feather 17"x7.5" 5x100 +45 offset. I don't have the wheel only weight since I bought the wheel with Hankook Ventus V12 215/50-17 tires and the total is about 39lbs (vs. 29lbs OEM 15") on bathroom scale.

 

My only choice is DIY since I want ceramic film and can't afford the high price the shops here charges for install. Besides it's my commuter car so I don't care if my install is not 100% perfect. I just have to take time and do it carefully. All my side windows are good except 2 lints as far as i can see with my old eyes. My rear windshield will have to be redone since there are some dust (not visible from a few feet or by rear view mirror) in the middle of it even though it's one of the easiest one to do. I did all by myself outside the driveway but extra hands and roomy garage would be very helpful. I put the film on the patio door glass, shrink the bottom edge and peel it there and bring it out to the car out front. It's kind of crazy and I'm lucky I didn't crease the film or touch something while bringing out.

 

Just to update on the tint. After driving for a week or so, I'm very satisfied with the quality of the film. It's just beautiful and very clear from inside and out. The front rollup windows with Airblue is so easy on the eye. Also I decided not to redo the rear windshield with dust spot since it's not noticeable at all and not causing problems right now.

However, I may not tint the front windshield since I wear polarized sunglasses and the color shift is very distracting looking through the tint especially the front rollup windows. Maybe I'll get used to it and do the windshield Airblue but currently I don't plan on doing it. This is such a bummer since for some reason it is clearer/brighter to look through Airblue film at night. It sounds weird but that's how my eyes felt.

 

Dude... You're good. Yes, I'm next to Sunset Blvd. close to Sloat.

 

Thanks. I don't know how to describe 40% VLT at night. You can still somewhat see a little bit from outside but it depends on the lighting condition. The reason they charge so much is the warranty and because they can and the quality of work. $40 for install is very cheap though.

I don't think the "rear defrost" question really matter to prius since we'll get 1 piece for rear windshield. I'm guessing if the rear windshield has compound curves then you can cut along the defrost lines to alleviate the curvature. Probably, that's the reason they are asking.

 

Maybe you would want to call them up and get order status and the tracking number. I placed my order on 8/14 afternoon and got shipping notice the next day and received the Priority mail pkg on 8/17. So maybe something happen to your order?

I'm not sure what view you want me to take pic but here are a few. The front Airblue are basically clear with a bit of blueish tint looking from inside but look dark'ish from outside, maybe because of the darker color tint in the rear. From inside, the clarity is very good and should not make any difference looking out. Let me know if you want any other pics. Thanks.

 

Yeh, mine is pretty light since my eye sight are not as good anymore. I haven't done the windshield install but I'll probably end up doing it in about a month since I already bought and pay for it. I'm just trying to get used to the color shift with polarized sunglasses. I'm guessing the rear view mirror has to be removed but I haven't looked at the pattern yet so I can't say for sure. Thanks.