Considering a Window tint

I was wondering the same thing
I found this listed on ebay and emailed him he said it is laser cut for the prius all windows but the windshield.
sounds good , but is it really good anyone tried this yet?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Complete-Pr...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(regenme @ Mar 31 2007, 10:08 AM) [snapback]415444[/snapback]</div>

I bought those yesterday, so I'll find out soon enough.
From what I hear, film is easy to install, so i'm sure they'll be fine. Prior to getting my Prius my dad was about to throw away a roll of film, said it was really easy to do it yourself. Beats the hell out of paying $200-$300 for someone to do the same job you can.

Now what i'm wondering is if it will be easy to install the leather kit that's $400 on there. There's no way i'm paying some auto shop to do it for $1,100.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mywhitenoise @ Mar 31 2007, 11:37 AM) [snapback]415453[/snapback]</div>

I paid $175 for lifetime guarantee tint. Looks Great. If I wanted the slightly less quality, 3 year tint it was $150.

I went to a few places before deciding on him, he owns the business and does it with himself and one other guy. Also tints windows at houses as well. Always busy. Long Island - Island Window Tinting Bayport, NY

 

I paid $199 for all windows except the windshield and the little back window (it is already tinted.) The film was a SunTek hybrid (partly metallic) and looks great! Details here:

http://www.suntekfilms.com/

I got a local San Diego installer to drive out and do it in the parking lot while I was at work. His name was Don Simmons and the results are fantastic. Here's his web site:

http://sdtinting.com/

Call your local Toyota dealers as well. I've seen thier tinting specials advertised for $200 - dealers usually charge $400-500, so you know there's a lot of fat in those prices. <_<

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius The First @ Mar 31 2007, 10:42 AM) [snapback]415438[/snapback]</div>

I paid $200 for it to be professionally done, it is guaranteed for life. Not too many places around that do that sort of thing where I live, I had to drive almost 2 hours. The owner was awfully nice though, and has been in the business over 20 years. I didn't mind the price as much as I wanted it done right ... and it was, I am very happy with the work. I had the back two doors and the hatch done to 35% tint. Can't do the driver side or passenger front side unless you have a medical waiver in New Hampshire, which i do not, but every state is different. The place i had it done is here: http://www.tintit.com/

I find that it makes a big difference both in the appearance of the car, and keeping it somewhat cooler. Be sure to ask the person who does it for you how long they have been in business.

 

$115 for lifetime tint on all windows (including the small second rear window to match the darker tint of the rest.

 

Be careful with DIY tints... Cheap films will LOOK cheap when they bubble up like crazy after two summers.

I've got a professionally installed tint job on my 82 Mercedes that still looks great. THAT is the tint job you want.

There are some DIY tint films that look good, but if they promise "no tool" installation, or "just peel and stick" then its not what you want. The fluid application tints are what you want.

Also, remember never to clean a tinted window with windex, or any other ammonia containing cleaner. It WILL ruin the tint. Use a glass cleaner that specifically says OK for Tint (most auto glass cleaners say this).

peace,
sam

 

I too am looking for this service and got a quote over the phone (in Maryland) yesterday for $225 for the basic and $275 for the "better" quality film. Way too much for me so I thought I'd wait for my Florida vacation in June and possibly get it done cheaper down there.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusFTW @ Mar 31 2007, 10:13 AM) [snapback]415524[/snapback]</div>

This bears repeating....every state has different regulations about how much you can tint which windows. A professional tinter should be aware of what your state's laws are.

 

My advice is to get it professionally done. A bad tint job bubbles up and peels. My best friend cheaped out and is now paying for it later. It'll cost around $200 or less as people above atested.

 

Lifetime warranty did all windows including windshield for $160

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcbrunnhilde @ Mar 31 2007, 07:11 PM) [snapback]415669[/snapback]</div>

Correct, and the rules follow where the car is registered. So check your state regulations that your vehicle is registered in.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius The First @ Mar 31 2007, 10:42 AM) [snapback]415438[/snapback]</div>

I pd. $125 for my '06 Prius with the strip on the windshield. Medium grade film, lighter on the 2 front windows-(By law), and avoid someone that's too cheap and doesn't guaranty the film & labor for life. Yes, here in FL a good tinter will do that. I have used the same guy for the last 6 cars and 8 house windows. Also, buy a premium film. That tint will last many years.

 

$200 professionally installed and guaranteed for life. Do-it-yourself is usually not a good idea unless you like to repeat-it-yourself at some pont in the future.

My install was in Los Angeles. So I was limited to some legal constraints. However, I did take some liberties hoping my Prius won't be as much of a target as the multitude of "limo" dark tinted SUVs that drive around my neighborhood.

Tint used:
15% Back doors, hatch (not small strip) and back side windowlets.
?0% Front doors, and front side windowlets. (legal is 70%, I think mine might be darker)
15% 6" strip across top of windshield. This is legal in California. (I am tall and will benefit greatly from this)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ari @ Mar 31 2007, 11:53 AM) [snapback]415459[/snapback]</div>

I remember back some time ago, to be careful of any tint on the windscreen that has any metal in it. Seems that it can shield the signals to the GPS. You may wnat to research this issue.
Duane