window tinting

zzz

 

zzz

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jack Straw @ Jun 22 2006, 08:16 PM) [snapback]275619[/snapback]</div>

In case you're looking for other places to compare, I got my Prius tinted using Huper Optik Drei (98% heat rejection, you should feel their demo) at Danny's in Scottsdale. It was a bit of a drive from Chandler, but worth it in the long run. Huper Optik apparently won some Popular Science award for the heat rejection characteristics of the "Drei" tinting. The other plus is that its close to optically clear. If you're after the limo effect, get something else. If you want to be able to make eye-contact through your windows, consider the Huper Optik. Cons: $450 to install, and they won't do the windshield, the coating does interfere with GPS signals, and in theory cell signals. In practice, I've been able to use a cell phone in the front and back of the car with no interference whatsoever. My GPS will not see the satellites when its in the back seat though.

 

I too had my Prius tinted at Perfect Symmetry, and everything was awesome. I looked them up and talked to Ryan, and I think he is the owner also, and got a quote. I had heard about the $100 tint places so when I heard the price, I was a little surprised, but after doing some research, the Formula One Tint is by far the only tint that you should put on a Prius. My sales guy and a friend also agreed so I went ahead and got the tint done there. I have had no problems of any kind, and have refered 3 other people to them with no problems. To the previous post, it may have just been exactly that where they forgot, but I can say that I do and still would recommend anyone to Perfect Symmetry for their tint. Just had to let you know of my experience. Thanks everyone

 

I recently moved to Phoenix, so I needed to get my windows tinted. A co-worker recommended a guy. It was a piece of cake. The guy took my appointment, came to the office, and finished the work in about two hours. He tinted all the windows with Sun Gard HP Charcoal tint (yes, it's metallic). 35% for the front-side windows and the lower rear window, 13% for the rest. It looks great and keeps the car much cooler.

I have not noticed any deterioration of the cell-phone or radio signals, and the navigation system works like a charm.

This tinting is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for the purchaser, transferrable within 5 years. The warranty covers film and labor up to the original price for any peeling, bubbling, cracking, etc.

So far, I'm happy. I plan to have this guy tint the front side windows of my minivan too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jun 22 2006, 06:47 PM) [snapback]275605[/snapback]</div>

I just bought a 2007 Prius, my question is why have your windows tinted beyond whats come with the car.
On another note can someone tell me how hard it is to get the electric motor to stay engaged. On a trip recently the battery graphic changed from blue to orange and showed a full charge. This was coming down the mountian grade into Globe. My car mainted 0 to 40 mph on the battery for a short time, it was great. Normally I have to treat the gas pedal like I have an egg under my foot to get good batteryuse.The service manger at the dealship where I bought the car says I have to wait for a 5000 mile break it before they can check the computer.I love the car but would like to know more about the electric motor and how it should work.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(high mileage @ Nov 8 2006, 02:31 AM) [snapback]345321[/snapback]</div>

Did the car come with dark tinting? My car came with the factory tinting, so the only window tinted dark enough to notice with the naked eye was the lower rear window. I know that not everyone in the desert tints their windows, but it is very common for these reasons (and maybe more):
1. Reduces heat build-up when parked or driving in the sun. That should result in less A/C usage and help protect the interior finishes from fading/warping due to the extreme heat.
2. For anyone in the car not wearing sunglasses it protects their eyes. The desert sun can cause serious damage.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(high mileage @ Nov 8 2006, 02:31 AM) [snapback]345321[/snapback]</div>

My experience is that you just need to let the car's computers worry about it. You should drive as light-footed as you can, but unless you modify the car to force it to use electric power until the battery runs down, there is no other way to really keep the engine off.

I try to maximize MPG with a light foot. Frequently at speeds under 40 MPH, if I briefly take your foot off the accelerator, it will "trick" the engine into shutting off for a while.

Good luck, and enjoy the new car!

 

In AZ the biggest issue is blocking the IR, Infared heat. Many films only block a little and heat cost money in airconditioning and mpg in any vehicle.
Some new films block less light and more IR. I'm trying to locate a local company sells it for cars.
Southwall Technologies: Automotive

 

Just purchased a 07 Prius. Dealer suggested a tinting company called Excalibur. They charge $199 for the service.
Has anyone had experience with the company? Are their tinting service good quality?

 

do you know the specs on the pinnacle formula one ? Like how much heat (IR) it blocks compared to other films ?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jstack @ Jan 7 2007, 08:12 PM) [snapback]372290[/snapback]</div>

Product UV Protection Heat Rejection Glare Reduction
Pinnacle 50 99.5% 43% 44%
Pinnacle 35 99.5% 50% 60%
Pinnacle 15 99.5% 59% 81%

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jun 22 2006, 08:47 PM) [snapback]275605[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jul 5 2006, 03:00 PM) [snapback]281618[/snapback]</div>

I had my wife's Prius tinted by Ryan at Perfect Symmetry recently. Ryan stated he is one of the owners of the shop. I felt he did a great job. I asked Ryan about what you had posted regarding the tucked rubber. He stated that his normal process is to remove the panels so that the entire window can be completed and ensure that the tint goes low enough to not cause problems and that he does not normally tuck the rubber. He stated that you had requested to not have the panels removed. He does not tuck the rubber during the install normally and had forgotten to untuck it. He said he had offered to fix the problem since it was his mistake.

All tint installs recommend that you not roll the windows down for 3-5 days, yeah its an inconvenience but you should not be mad at the installer for that reason. I dropped my car off and went to work while it was completed so I did not sit in the waiting area. I must say though, that place looks like a much better waiting area than a lot of repair shops I have been to. They even had a couch. I didn't notice a TV, but you had a book, so I am not sure what you didn't like.

I had 15% Formula One installed and think it looks great. My wife is happy with the tint. I just wanted to say to anyone that is considering having their vehicle tinted in the Phoenix area that they should contact Ryan from Perfect Symmetry.

 

A few companies are coming out with higher capacity battery packs. Check calcars.org for the companies. Even Toyota is testing a double battery pack. This would make it a plug-in hybrid. About 80 cents for a gallon of AC electric energy.
I also got a costal technology EV mode switch. I cn make my Prius go in EV mode anytime, but the pack is so limited.
To make an Prius go into EV mode and show 99 .9 mpg let up just a little on the peddle after reaching speed. IE on a 55 mph road get up to 55-59 then let up just a 1/4 inch. It will go into EV mode and sometimes even stay that way for miles and miles.
It will jump back to gas mode if you speed up to pass, or go up a hill. As soon after let up a little again, and go back into EV mode.
Using this I have had 84 mpg on a 2 way round trip tio work and back on city streets. It was 20 miles each way and little traffic.
See PLUG-IN PHEV POSTS

 

Does anyone else have suggestions on places to get tinting done besides the places already mentioned?

I have a black prius and want the darkest tint possible - so I will have one stealthy looking prius!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions! I want to get this done soon before it gets any hotter!

 

I had mine done at Made in the Shade in Mesa, and I'm happy with the job. I got 3M Colorstable, with 35% in the front windows (Arizona legal) and 5% in the back for $290. It looks great.

 

I'm going to try some removable solar sceen on my Prius. I can't find tint that is mostly clear yet blocks the IR Infra red heat. I want the heat in winter or cold mornings.

With a removable screen I can place it in the side windows with the sun hitting them in summer, remove them in winter and have more control.

 

I finally found the place with the tint I want. The car is being done today with solar shield, it won't fade and better is it blocks more of the IR72-78% than any other film. I can't wait to see how it works. Solar Shield 480-961-4611 7050 W chandler blvd NW corner of Chandler blvd and 56th st.
very nice people to deal with too. no pressure just good honest facts. I almost didn't call them when their AD had a big white hummer, why not a prius?

 

jstack, let us know how they treat you (once these clouds roll through). Would like to do mine and my wife's. Also, was the price right?