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Has anyone got their tint done in SoCal?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by MansTer420, Apr 19, 2013.

  1. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    i got my HO with sal. why solargard instead of HO besides price?
     
  2. fobber

    fobber Junior Member

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    So as of now, I have heard of Llumar, 3M, Formula One, and Huper Optik. Llumar and 3M, according to Google search are the two top tinting films.

    I was quoted HO for $500 in Alhambra, I read somewhere on a BMW forum they were quoted $350 for 3M.

    For the basic Llumar, it would be $210~$250, not including windshield. Plus windshield would be an extra $140 as the quote I got.
     
  3. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    you forgot solar gard, winco and madico. ;) be careful on what the shop puts on. there are different levels from basic to ultra high end for each company. for example, theres 3m and then theres 3m crystalline.

    i wouldn't say theres a top shop in alhambra. i compiled a list a while ago. but i remember that perfect window tint in santa ana with sal was great with HO. And theres a shop in upland that is licensed for Formula One. And a few in the OC for 3M crystalline.
     
  4. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    150 is fair and usual price for Llumar Air Blue 80 on windshield.
     
  5. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

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    Same here, Ive used Black Diamond for almost 15 years with 12 cars and trucks. They may be a little higher priced but the work and warranty is excellent
     
  6. FishCandy

    FishCandy Active Member

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    Go to DP Tint in Tustin, CA ask for Ken Luna, tell him I sent you.
     
  7. exbauer

    exbauer Active Member

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    I got 3M Crystalline done on my 2012 PIPA. It's great in keeping the car cooler. My problem with 3M Crystalline is that there is a brown hue to it and I have dark gray interior. I got 40% all around. I am looking to get my other Prius tinted and I think I am going to go Huper Optik or maybe Formula 1. I don't want the brown hue unless you have a tan interior.

    SD tint did a great job and a really clean install. There is no gap on the glass and really clean. I would recommend them again for anybody in SD. You pay for the quality though.
     
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Johnson ceramic tint also has a reflective bronze hue to it, which I think looks pretty cool on Blizzard Pearl. Huper Optik is also pretty reflective and I can detect a blue hue in some of the pics I've seen (although it might be reflecting the blue sky). Formula One seems to be the blackest and least reflective. Just some personal observations based on photos.
     
  9. exbauer

    exbauer Active Member

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    Huper has a mirror reflective shine to it. I think I am going to go with Formula 1 Pinnacle ceramic film. SD Tint doesn't carry it sadly. I really like the clean install and no gap in the window. l I was looking at the specs and Sun Tek CXP is very similar and about $70 cheaper than F1. I'll have to do some more research and make a decision. I don't want to go too dark and want to stay at 40% or close to it.

    http://www.suntekfilms.com/files/SunTek_indv_SS_auto_comp_CXP.pdf
     
  10. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Keep in mind that Suntek CXP is a "hybrid", not a true ceramic film.
     
  11. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    beat me to it. (y)
     
  12. fobber

    fobber Junior Member

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    I have more questions than answers when it comes to car window tints. For starters, what is a hue? Is that the type of how the light reflects?

    Is there a difference on the type of tinting techniques, or which one is "better", plotting vs razor blade, etc?

    Any other newbie tips on getting tinted windows?
     
  13. MansTer420

    MansTer420 Junior Member

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    some place cuts the film from computer for each car's exact size of windows some dont.

    go through some reviews in ur local area.

    SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 ? 2
     
  14. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Basically the color you see on the windows. The factory glass (except the rear lower hatch) has a slight green tint to it, so you can say it has a green hue. Many ceramic/hybrid films have a reflective brown hue to them, which is good for countering the green hue if you don't like the factory color. Other films come in charcoal or universal black.
     
    fobber likes this.
  15. RxGATOR

    RxGATOR Go Gators!

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    Just got quoted and making an appointment to do the front windshield for air blue 80 for $125. Good deal? Is there anything I should ask before they do it? This is my first time getting my car tinted.
     
  16. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    150 is average for airblue 80. so 125 is good. ask about the warranty. in case if they mess up or if it bubbles,can you get a replacement. airblue cuts down on glare and heat. do you wear polarized glasses? you might get the double slit polarize effect thingy.
     
  17. RxGATOR

    RxGATOR Go Gators!

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    Thanks! I will. I didn't even know the air blue 80 is polarized! thats freaking awesome. How will i know if it is really air blue 80 tint they are using and not some other cheap brand? I also am not fancy enough to have polarized sun glasses. :)
     
  18. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    don't know. it has a noticeable bluish tint that I haven't seen anywhere else. it looks like the mercedes factory blue. but its hard to notice unless you really look for it. theres a thread here with pictures.
     
  19. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Unfortunately, the green factory glass overpowers it. Toyota should have gone with factory blue glass to be consistent with the blue theme.
     
  20. RxGATOR

    RxGATOR Go Gators!

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    i did it! llumar air blue 80 for $125. so far i love it. Its not too noticeable. Now i might have to re do my side windows since the front film blocks more heat.
     

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