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Anyone With 15% Tint On Their Rear Hatch?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by The Critic, Jun 27, 2011.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Thinking about tinting my rear hatch 15% to prevent the blinding from headlights during nighttime driving.

    However, I am a bit concerned about nighttime visibility with this shade. Does anyone have any experience in this area?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Acedano16

    Acedano16 New Member

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    I have limo tint on mine and can see fine at night
     
  3. Troyroy

    Troyroy Member

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    I have 35% on mine.....love it.....don't have to move mirrors anymore
     
  4. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    I have 18% on all my windows, including the rear hatch. It's fine. A little dark if there are no street lights or cars around - but it's definitely the right shade. Would have done 15% if they had it.
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Should I also tint the small piece of glass under the spoiler? or should I leave it alone?
     
  6. samsprius1

    samsprius1 Active Member

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    No need to do the lower rear glass! Did my rear window 40% the lower is a little darker,so it's fine.My tint guy talked me out of the 35% on the whole car, Glad he did! The 50% works fine, and the cops don't follow me around! I Would not want the back window darker than the lower window! Try to match it as close as you can! Hope this helps.
     
  7. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Definitely do it in my opinion, or else the rear of your car will look funny. I can still see out fine with my 15%.
     
  8. oxnardprof

    oxnardprof Member

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    How can one determine how much tint is applied to a car? I bought a used Prius, and it is tinted in all windows, but I don't know how much.

    Would it be a simple light meter test, with and without the window glass? Then a simple ratio of lux?
     
  9. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Could you take a picture for us? Maybe we could judge from there. However, you can't simply tell the exact percentage with your eyes. Police use these (see picture below) to measure the tint on vehicles. Maybe your police department would be kind enough to let them measure yours - but if it turns out to be illegal tint, they may make you take it off there. Another recommendation is maybe to ask local tinting shops around your area if they have a meter. I'd take a picture and upload it first though in various lighting conditions.
    Tint O Meter: [​IMG]
     
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I MOyou do not need to tint the lower window. From outside the car it matches 5% tint. From the inside looking out it is lighter which helps night visibility. I rare have issues with 5% tint in the rear unless trying to parallel park on an unlit street. :)

    If live along I-80 I'd be happy to show you what 5% looks like on a genii.
     
  11. nedear88

    nedear88 My 1st Prius.

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    I had mine done by Automalltint Specialist in Fremont CA, they put 30% on the rear hatch, 35% on the small window under the spoiler, from inside view, it's good visibility day and night, now my auto dimming rearview mirror seems not working that much. I had the most expensive 3M Crystalline 95% tint in the front windows and the small tri-angle windows just to block UV and heat, I don't want to deal with those "fix-it" ticket, the rear passenger windows and the small tri-angle window I had it tint at 30%. Overall it blend in well and it's looks factory finished.

    I notice that the A/C works differently and it cools the interior faster than before the tint job.
     
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    I am going to guess that the tint guy shipped a piece of Llumar CTX 15% for that tiny rear hatch window. And assuming he did, I do not know if I want to waste it either.

    Does anyone know what the VLT of the dark rear hatch window?

    MB860 ?
     
  13. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    It's 29% apparently.

    Look at the second attachment
     
  14. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Think I'm just going to have your same installer install Suntek Carbon CXP 18% on the rear windows + hatch and CXP 55% on the front windows. As you guys probably saw in my other thread, my BYO tint experience failed miserably and I'm ready to just pay someone to do this entire job from start to finish.