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Static Cling Window Tinting???

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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 12:52 AM
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Default Static Cling Window Tinting???

Was considering tinting the windows and came across this product by Gila in my search...

http://www.gilafilms.com/Automotive/...atic-smoke.htm

Anyone ever try this "static cling" window tinting? Since my windows do have some noticeable scratches in them, I thought that they would become future "bubbles" with standard tint, but with this, I could just remove and reapply if bubbles appear...???
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 01:13 AM
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I used this stuff on a JD tractor one time. It was thick, cloudy and had a bunch of glare on bright days. I would not use it again.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 01:35 AM
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Originally Posted by DR'76
Was considering tinting the windows and came across this product by Gila in my search...

http://www.gilafilms.com/Automotive/...atic-smoke.htm

Anyone ever try this "static cling" window tinting? Since my windows do have some noticeable scratches in them, I thought that they would become future "bubbles" with standard tint, but with this, I could just remove and reapply if bubbles appear...???
Do you know how much it would cost to get enough film to cover a tunnel back C3?
I would not mind trying this if it's cheaper than tinting.
Sounds like a very convenient system.

I had a gila plexi insert in my 78 that I used to own. It was really hard driving at night with that thing on.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 03:08 AM
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Originally Posted by kevinator80
I used this stuff on a JD tractor one time. It was thick, cloudy and had a bunch of glare on bright days. I would not use it again.
If you want a picture of what it looks like, I can go snap some pictures of an ol farm truck we have.

It starts to lose it's staticy-stickem after the heat and time get after it.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 74Blackfoot
If you want a picture of what it looks like, I can go snap some pictures of an ol farm truck we have.

It starts to lose it's staticy-stickem after the heat and time get after it.
Can you roll the windows down with them on?
I am not sure if I want to tint my windows or not, this may be a cheap way to test.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 12:32 PM
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For what a good professional tint job costs on a car as small as a Corvette, I can't see why anyone would want to go another direction. As for the original post, the small scratches that you have in your glass may be more visible with the tint on the glass, depending on location and whether they are inside or outside. However, those scratches should have no effect on the long term durability of the window tint. You will not see bubbles form due to scratches. Bubbles in tint come from two places typically, inferior products or poor workmanship during installation. The other possibilty is age, but this takes a great deal of time and stress from the elements that would have a much greater effect on the rest of the car. Modern window films are very durable, provide excellent visibilty, and are reasonably priced. I say go with a good tint job from a reputable shop. You will be much happier.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 10:01 PM
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Thanks for the input... even from you "funny guys"!

... but I do like the idea of "testing the waters" w/ this stuff. If you hate how it looks, just peel it off!
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by DR'76
Thanks for the input... even from you "funny guys"!

... but I do like the idea of "testing the waters" w/ this stuff. If you hate how it looks, just peel it off!
Post pics after you test the waters
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 03:27 AM
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Originally Posted by rajsid
Can you roll the windows down with them on?
I am not sure if I want to tint my windows or not, this may be a cheap way to test.
Right now it just has a skinny strip across the top of the front windshield. Like on a normal windshield the glass turns a blue color at the top. I'll go move it around to the side windows and see what happens.

I would think on our cars it might catch on the inner and door felts and bunch up.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 04:25 AM
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Static cling window tint looks like ****.

Regular window tint is cheaper and not as ****ty.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 07:29 AM
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I tried it in the back window of my pick-up truck because my kids complained about the sun. It went on easy and could be removed and reused. It was not a quality look that I would want on my vette. Also, when looking in my rear view mirror the window looked rippled. I had a pro tint done later and it was well worth the few extra dollars.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by rajsid
Can you roll the windows down with them on?
I am not sure if I want to tint my windows or not, this may be a cheap way to test.
I don't think you will be able to roll the windows down. This stuff is too thick and doesn't hold that well. I used it on my C4 rear window so I could take it off easy for inspections and not ruin the defrosters. I ordered it from JCWhit in a huge roll for like 20 bucks. It is in the patio door area. Wally used to carry it but don't see it anymore.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Shark Racer
Static cling window tint looks like ****.

Regular window tint is cheaper and not as ****ty.
What do you mean by regular window tint is cheaper?
It would cost under $50 to do static cling window tinting on a C3 corvette. I got a quote for $250 to do regular window tinting my Mr Tint in San Jose.

Do you know anyone who will do a good job out of regular window tinting close to $50?
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 11:51 AM
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You are unlikely to find quality or reputation for $50 or under. You should be able to find a quality job for $100-$150 on a Corvette. What you are paying for is a high performance window film that will be just a visually accurate as most glass, it will protect you interior and its contents from the elements, particularly UV rays and heat, and it will last for YEARS! Yes it may be more expensive than the static cling junk, but what you may not be factoring in is that you will replace that stuff dozens of times during the lifespan of one tint job. It is inferior in terms of visual clarity (read as "safety hazard"). I don't know how it performs in terms of UV protection, but multiple people have noted that it tends to peel and bubble in hot conditions. Also remeber to factor in the amount of time it will take you to cut and install the material just to get a reasonably close fit and keep most of the bubbles out. This is more difficult and time consuming than you might think. To do it right you would use a similar technique to laying tint film, so why not put tint film in yourself if you want to save a couple of bucks. Keep in mind that you not only have to go through the process of installing the static cling stuff the first time, but it you want to take it out or replace it, the process starts over. You might have days or weeks of your time wrapped up in this during the lifespan of one tint job. Invest now and save later.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by rajsid
What do you mean by regular window tint is cheaper?
It would cost under $50 to do static cling window tinting on a C3 corvette. I got a quote for $250 to do regular window tinting my Mr Tint in San Jose.

Do you know anyone who will do a good job out of regular window tinting close to $50?
You're working under the assumption that the only person who can tint windows works at a tint shop. You can tint windows using regular window tint yourself.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Shark Racer
You're working under the assumption that the only person who can tint windows works at a tint shop. You can tint windows using regular window tint yourself.
I agree...
I have gone back and forth about tinting my windows myself for several months. I think I am going to just jump in and try.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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Wear sunglasses...
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To Static Cling Window Tinting???

Old Jul 31, 2008 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by rihwoods
Wear sunglasses...
That way I can't see you.
I dont want you seeing me either.
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 06:18 AM
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I live in Woodstock area in Georgia USA. I searched many times on the internet and found many websites. I choose thetintguy.com. It was the first time I tinted my car and its a great experience for me. My car has a new look and as I have read tinting helps in summers
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 09:27 AM
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I would not use it on a movable window.....I used it on my C5 targa top only, it is not really any easier to get bubbles out than regular tint.
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