solar window tinting
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
solar window tinting
ok no laughing, Ok I am new to the corvette this is my 1st corvette, I learned something the hard way today. I own a 1979 black on black C-3. ok I have had many many many cars on hot days leave the windows down just a bit and I put a sun shade that was cut down to fit. Bad Bad mistake it was very hot today playing with 100 degrees I went to go home jumped in grabbed the steer wheel I still think I have the burn mark then I put my elbow on the center rubber arm rest I think I left flesh on it. I had to go back in to work and get my mech gloves just to drive home. My windows are all clear no tint, has anyone had any of the solar tint installed? out side was 100 the inside had to be 8000 degrees. Can you please share what you use to keep the car cool while in work?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Having endured many a southern summer with black vehicles, I feel your pain. A quality window tint will definitely make a huge difference, but be aware that there is such a thing as taking it too far. IMOE 35% sides and 15-20% rear is about the practical limit - any darker likely to be a legal liability, not to mention presenting a genuine hazard at night. JMHO, but I also wouldn't reduce the windshield's light transmission, other than to perhaps do a band of 15-20% across the top of the windshield (as done in my latest DD). In any event, getting a referral for a professional installer from a car guy you trust could help you avoid a hack causing you nothing but grief (BTDT).
Another thing you may consider in addition to tinting is Lizard Skin. It looks like this stuff might be the perfect product for coating the underside of FRP T-tops, and anywhere else heat transmission is a problem. I plan on doing my whole cockpit before the interior goes back in. My $.02
Another thing you may consider in addition to tinting is Lizard Skin. It looks like this stuff might be the perfect product for coating the underside of FRP T-tops, and anywhere else heat transmission is a problem. I plan on doing my whole cockpit before the interior goes back in. My $.02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Check the legal limits for tint in your state / city before you do this. Coming from someone in the desert SW, trust me, it does help, and it protects your interior from direct sunlight.
The other advantage I found is that it blocks some of the headlight brightness from cars behind you. Since our cars sit pretty low, this is something to consider.
Adam
The other advantage I found is that it blocks some of the headlight brightness from cars behind you. Since our cars sit pretty low, this is something to consider.
Adam
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 149
Likes: 3
From: Downingtown PA
Get a cheap car cover, one that's the plasticized silver. Most are water resistant in case it rains. Carry it with you, cover the car. Leave the window cracked just a little as even then, the interior will heat up, but nothing like leaving the car out in the open.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Thank you very much I got a quote for the heat blocker tint, the rear I was going to go dark the driver and pass he said he knows the limits and what to use. 3 windows average is $285.99, I can get the 3M just tint for $165.00 they say they will need the car 1 full day because of the rear window is hard. Is it worth spending the extra or run with the 3M, Then should the band on the top of the windshield be the blocker or just the tint, I am thinking the tint because you are leaving a area open, they want $89.00 to do the windshield
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
That seems a bit high. Had my 4-door DD done last summer for only $210, but that was "only" with 3M FX Premium (silver car). Assuming yours has a factory tint already, I'd ask to compare a couple of tint levels thru your windshield before deciding how much darker you might want to go on any band. I had 15% (same on the rear window) done across my DD's because the General hadn't bothered tinting it already. Can't testify as to LEO tolerance elsewhere, but where I live as long as the front-side windows aren't beyond the prescribed 35% they don't bother anyone for their rear windows being darker.
Oh, and I agree that a cover could well reduce heat soaking during the day.
Oh, and I agree that a cover could well reduce heat soaking during the day.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
I've used both Suntek and 3M. I find the 3M to be clearer.
The Suntek tend to have a haze like a dirty window. Suntek was cheaper though.
Whats nice with the crystalline is you don't need to go dark to block the heat.
I used the CR70 and it didn't even look tinted yet it blocks 50% of the heat.
Going with a 40% only gets you another 10% reduction.
Here is what 70% looked like compared to 40%
This is the Suntek on my sons car.
The Suntek tend to have a haze like a dirty window. Suntek was cheaper though.
Whats nice with the crystalline is you don't need to go dark to block the heat.
I used the CR70 and it didn't even look tinted yet it blocks 50% of the heat.
Going with a 40% only gets you another 10% reduction.
Here is what 70% looked like compared to 40%
This is the Suntek on my sons car.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I definitely echo Dawson’s recommendation about including all windows, plus the windshield if possible. I work with the 3M window Film team, and our Crystalline series would be a perfect fit for your situation. It has superior heat rejection properties and can be as dark or light as you want. Many people go with CR 90 on the windshield. I would recommend this in your situation. Let me know if you need additional help or would like to find a dealer near you.