What tint

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by CdotK, Aug 30, 2013.

?

3M Color Stable OR Formula One Pinnacle

  1. 3M Color Stable

    2 vote(s)
    66.7%

  2. Formula One Pinnacle

    1 vote(s)
    33.3%
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  1. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    Just looking for opinions...
    3m Color Stable
    VS
    Formula One Pinnacle
     
    #1 CdotK, Aug 30, 2013
  2. TheLos

    TheLos Member

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    Whatever you get post pics, I'm getting mine tinted next month. I haven't looked into types yet.
     
    #2 TheLos, Aug 30, 2013
  3. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    wow.. no one?
     
    #3 CdotK, Aug 30, 2013
  4. PriusInCA

    PriusInCA Junior Member

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    I would recommend formula one because it is a ceramic based tint. Improved heat rejection. Non metallic so electronics (iPhone and other smartphone) devices reception will not be impaired. Does not go purple. Excellent warranty
     
    #4 PriusInCA, Aug 31, 2013
  5. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    so i went with the Formula One Pinnacle. 5% on all the back windows and 50% on the front two(Utah legal is 43% but all they have is 50%)
    The 5% makes a huge difference, the 50% makes a difference but not huge.
    Looks really good overall.. now for the Prius Plus 17" wheels and possibly the Prius Plus springs, black out the emblems and HID headlight.
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 CdotK, Aug 31, 2013
    32kcolors and wotcher like this.
  6. TheLos

    TheLos Member

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    Looks great!
     
    #6 TheLos, Aug 31, 2013
  7. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    ill post some more pic soon... i love the back.. its "blacked" out wish i could do it to the front :cool:
     
    #7 CdotK, Aug 31, 2013
  8. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    good choice. but its not really a fair comparison. pinnacle formula 1 is better compared to 3m crystalline. 3m color stable is a product geared towards a different economic category. don't forget that your windows come factory tinted. I forgot the exact numbers. but i suspect that your windows are below the legal limit now with the formula 1 and the factory tint. It probably won't make difference unless you get a person that pulls the tint meter on your windows. just fyi.

    i look forward to you ppp pictures. also i recommend the jdm led turn signal mirrors, horn upgrade, hid kit, interior led swap, and maybe tinting your tails or aftermarket k2/specD or valentis. have fun and welcome.
     
    #8 wotcher, Aug 31, 2013
  9. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Correct. The front side windows are factory tinted 75% in the glass. 50% Pinnacle Formula One has an actual VLT of 54% so your front windows now have an aggregate of 40.5% (75% x 54%). That's only 2.5% below Utah's legal limit of 43% so I wouldn't worry about it. That's like a dumb cop ticketing people for going 1 mph over the speed limit and no cops would do that unless they're insane.
     
    #9 32kcolors, Aug 31, 2013
  10. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Don't know about Utah but in Texas the state inspector puts a tint meter on the windows at every inspection.:eek:

    SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 ? 2
     
    #10 Jonny Zero, Aug 31, 2013
  11. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    I tried to get the tint shop to tint the tail lights but they didnt want anything to do with it.
    In my opinion, i would have done it... its my waste of money if i get a fix-it-ticket...

    On a side not, i put a little dent in my rear fender.. sad day! Its tiny but still sucks!
     
    #11 CdotK, Sep 1, 2013
  12. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Just get the Valenti or Spec-D/K2 depending on whether you want dark smoke or light smoke.
     
    #12 32kcolors, Sep 1, 2013
  13. vito.a

    vito.a Junior Member

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    They say the 3M Crystalline is the best. Just got a quote of $600 from The Specialist here in Tucson. That seems a bit much!
     
    #13 vito.a, Sep 1, 2013
  14. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    "They" said that, but it's not the best.
     
    #14 32kcolors, Sep 1, 2013
  15. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    I rather spend like 30 bucks having someone or myself put some tint on the stocks versus $350 for the aftermarket.
     
    #15 CdotK, Sep 1, 2013
  16. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    Crystalline only goes as dark as 40%.. so if you want the black out effect, you wont be able to do that with the Crystalline. You will have to go with color stable. But when you compare Color stable to the Pinnacle, the Pinnacle blocks more heat and from what i read is a more durable tint and come with lifetime nationwide warranty.
    Specialist in tucson does Formula one also ( i have had 2 car tinted by them(i grew up there)).
    Post pics either way you go!
     
    #16 CdotK, Sep 1, 2013
  17. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Why? There is a reason why the tint shop didn't want to touch it. If you get rear ended, and they find out you have tint on the taillights, the can claim liability on you. Besides, it just gives your friendly state trooper an excuse to start a roadside chat with you.
     
    #17 Jonny Zero, Sep 1, 2013
  18. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    What is the difference if i tint the tail lights or get "smoked" tail lights?
     
    #18 CdotK, Sep 1, 2013
  19. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Smoked tail lights (the ones that bare the DOT logo for highway use anyway) likely have increased the light output level (brighter LEDs), to compensate for the smoke effect, so the output will remain at above the legal level.

    Where-as tinting a DOT assembly will void the DOT certification.

    Same thing with the blue tinted headlight bulbs. The cheap ones are marked "off road use only" because the output level is below the legal limit. The reputable brands like Sylvania use higher efficiency filaments to compensate, and bare DOT logos.
     
    #19 Jonny Zero, Sep 1, 2013
  20. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    Are the above mentioned DOT stamped?
     
    #20 CdotK, Sep 1, 2013
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