Tinting the windows is next on my to do list and I would prefer to get it done as close to home if possible since it will probably need to be there a while and don't want to have to physically sit there and wait. Anyone here know of shop close to North Hollywood that they recommend? Preferably a place that has worked on the Prius and offers top shelf tint and a lifetime warranty on the work; I don't want to be cheap and regret not using the right materials the first time around. Replacing a rear window because of cheap materials or a bad install is years down the line is something I definitely want to avoid. Thanks in advance for chiming in.
My first post oh ya!!.. Try "Sunshield" tint in Sherman Oaks? If that's close enough? They do work for the dealers and even have celebrities use them. The owner is really nice, and pricing is reasonable for high quality tint. The other option is to call your toyota sales guy and ask them who they use for tinting, but double check by looking at reviews for whatever shop they use. Usually if dealer recommends them, they should do good work.
Fresh Tint, they have locations in Chatsworth and Reseda. You can check their reviews off Yelp if you like.
Thanks for taking the time to chime in. Funny you mention yelp, because that is exactly where I went. Sunshield seems pretty good for the reviews and is a bit closer to home, but I'll definitely check out the other ones mentioned.
Got an appointment at Sunshine tomorrow afternoon and will go over my options. Initial plans are for 35% all around, but we'll see. Am thinking about the 3m crystalline, but the higher costs and possibility of future fuzz intervention doesn't seem to be cost effective in the long run if I'd have to remove and reapply. Anyone have the 3m sable tint? Your impressions on look and heat reducing factor would be much appreciated.
I always get my tint done at Sunshield. I think I've tinted 6 cars with Sunshield, including the Prius. Hamid, the owner, is a totally cool cat. In fact, I drive all the way from Whittier area just to get my tint done with Hamid even though there are plenty of local tint shops around.
Well it's done! Ended up with 35% in the front and 20% on rears w/ 3M Color Sable; Hamid was very knowledgeable and professional. I asked him about possibly tinting the sunroof a little darker. He said that he could do it but with no warranty/guarantee because it is not made of glass but instead some type of resin material. If it ever needed to be removed/replaced, the adhesive would ruin the surface and need to be replaced! Question....did he tint the little window that comes already tinted? I'm not sure if he did or not because it is a different color than the larger back window from the inside but looks pretty even from the outside ; I'll have to inspect closer when the sun is out.
cool! Post pix when you can. The lower hatch glass wasn't tinted because the glass is already tinted at 35% (correct me if I'm wrong) from factory.
I'll assume that he didn't then since I didn't specify to do so. It is tinted from the factory but I don't know what the % is. I'll take a look tomorrow if the rain/thunderstorm forecast doesn't pan out to see how much it matches. The contrast does bug me a bit when looking thru the rearview mirror. Anyone else here get that little window tinted "again"? If so, what % did you get on the larger rear window and what % did the tint shop use to match it up? I'll post some pics after I get back from my Jamaica trip next week.
Black Diamond in Santa Clarita. Ive used them for 6 cars and trucks over the past 13 years, quality work and good prices.
Just got off the phone with Hamid regarding the little rear window. Np doing it but no warranty will be given because like the sunroof it is not glass. Question for you...after adding the additional tint, does the color match the large rear window when viewing from the INSIDE? For me it matches fine from the outside, its the inside two-tone view when looking thru my rearview mirror that bugs me.
CA Tint Shop on Parthenia and west of reseda. I've had my last 8-9 cars done by them. Good prices and never had an issue with any of their work.
