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Window tinting in North SF Bay Area

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by rufaro, Jul 14, 2006.

  1. rufaro

    rufaro WeePoo, Gen II

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    After driving back from LA last weekend, through the Central Valley with 110 degree temps for HOURS, I realized just how much MORE glass the Pri has than my cute little '91 Acura Integra had...or just about than any other "normal" sedan around--including DH's '02 beemer 5-series. This, I realize despite my deficiencies in comprehending most basic physics, is because of its height and the extreme pitch of the windshield and the hatchback. So, while I never before even considered getting window tints, I really think I need it now. And, no, it really is NOT just because the car is black. I got SUNBURNT after 8 hours on the road in the Pri...So--can anyone a) recommend an installer in the North Bay area, and/or B) give me some clues as to how much is reasonable to expect to pay, and/or c) how to tell if someone is probably just a crook/cruddy installer...?
     
  2. berylrb

    berylrb Member

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    I saw someone at the gym that had tinting, I'll check. I thought about it but decided not to because of the fog/low clouds in SF, I seldom wear shades in the city, whereas I go across the bay bridge and immediately reach for them.
     
  3. SaeGai06

    SaeGai06 Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Jul 14 2006, 12:52 AM) [snapback]286128[/snapback]</div>
    I recently got my windows tinted. All windows for 260 at California Window Tinting in San Jose. There reputable and have been there for over 5 years. He did a great job and finished in about 2 hours. Before I found this place I check others and they were asking for 300 - 350. If your in the area, I highly recommend them.
     
  4. DavidTO

    DavidTO New Member

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    I don't know, but I've been told that http://www.huperoptikusa.com/ is the kind to get. Ceramic, doesn't interfere with GPS and is better at reducing heat than any other kind.
     
  5. whodat

    whodat Member

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    We got all the windows tinted except the front windshield and it really makes a difference in Silicon Valley.

    We got the ceramic huper-optik (spelling?) type for the back and rear side windows. In CA its technically illegal to tint the front side windows, and so we went with a lighter tint on the front side windows.

    We paid about $300 in the Santa Cruz, CA area and it took a few hours to have the installation done.

    After the installation you are not allowed to roll the windows down for a 3-4 days to allow the film to cure.

    We would open the trunk in the garage to allow the outgassing of the interior (which still smells the new car smell) when parked in the garage.
     
  6. glenk

    glenk Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SaeGai06 @ Jul 14 2006, 10:47 PM) [snapback]286560[/snapback]</div>
    SaeGai06,
    Do you know what brand of tint film they used and was $260 for four doors and the hatch?

    Tnx,
    glenk in Cupertino
     
  7. Manksgloob

    Manksgloob Member

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    I am interested in that information as well, SaeGai06.

    $260 for all your windows sounds like a heck of a deal.
    How much would a lifetime warranty cost?
     
  8. SaeGai06

    SaeGai06 Member

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    glenk, Manksgloob,

    Sorry guys, I didn't get the brand of film they used, or what the warranty is, but it is the best deal that i've found and the workmanship is great.

    Give him a call, the owners name is John Kim

    California Glass Tinting Co.
    2959 S. King Rd.
    San Jose, CA 95122
    408-270-6785

    and yes, 260 for all windows except for the windshield and the little portion on the rear hatch (has light tint already from factory). They even tinted the little windows on the left and right side of the dash.
     
  9. xlarimer

    xlarimer New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Jul 14 2006, 12:52 AM) [snapback]286128[/snapback]</div>
    I got mine done at "A Shade Darker" in Santa Rosa. They are very good and a lot of the dealers in the area use them. [Marcos Ramirez uses their shop to do his invisible bra application. He's doing my imported turn signal side mirrors right now. Since he did the rest of the car already, they also did the tinting at the same time. So that is how I heard of them.] The tinting cost about $300 or so... You'd have to call. I did some special stuff because ... Well, I'm a little special that way. ;)

    So anyway it looks GREAT and pretty much like factory. You have to keep windows up for a few days and I haven't seen any streaking like they said would happen for the first few weeks.
     
  10. Ryn01599

    Ryn01599 Hybrid Owner for Life

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    In the North Bay I was quoted $270 for ALL windows, even the tiny ones, with full lifetime warranty preincluded. I have yet to drop in and have them throw it on.
     
  11. Manksgloob

    Manksgloob Member

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    Ryn, do you have any contact information on the place that quoted you that price?

    With a full lifetime warranty, that sounds really really good.
    Any idea as to what sort of film they'd be using?

    Thanks