Window tint,good or bad?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 90
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From: Onoway Alberta
Window tint,good or bad?
Im considering tinting back window on 1980. headlights behind me at night suck and I was also hoping it would help keep the cabin a little cooler in summer. Does it look good, or would I get hacked on for being too "ricey?"
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
From: Ocean County NJ
I have the rear window tinted in my '80. I can see fine out the window through the rear view during the day..at night it's a little more tough.
It was tinted when I purchased the car so as far as cabin heat being decreased, I can only imagine that it is decreased in some way..just have no way to compare.
Looks good too
Andy
It was tinted when I purchased the car so as far as cabin heat being decreased, I can only imagine that it is decreased in some way..just have no way to compare.
Looks good too
Andy
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
They make a big tinted piece of plastic to fit on the back window and you can take it out when you want.
I had 1 in my 79.
look it up in like corvette central to find out what its called then buy it somewhere else.
I had 1 in my 79.
look it up in like corvette central to find out what its called then buy it somewhere else.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I'd make sure to check the prospective shop's work on such large, complex windows before letting just anyone attempt it, as IMOE few of those in the tint business actually have a gift for it. And make sure they use quality film that won't fade or turn purple.
Highly suggest not going any darker than 20% transmission on the back with 35% on the sides, or 35% rear if none on the sides. Having had the former combo on several vehicles, including current DD, planning on having my '78 done that way if/when I get it back on the ground.
BTW, I think I might have one of those removable pieces (NOS), if anyone might be interested...
Highly suggest not going any darker than 20% transmission on the back with 35% on the sides, or 35% rear if none on the sides. Having had the former combo on several vehicles, including current DD, planning on having my '78 done that way if/when I get it back on the ground.
BTW, I think I might have one of those removable pieces (NOS), if anyone might be interested...
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Oct 14, 2011 at 09:07 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,936
Likes: 3,344
From: NYC NY
Good point! You can wind up with lots of unwanted seems if the shop is not experienced. 
There are lots of vehicles with tinted windows and I think it's safe to say the majority especially in the sun belt were done to cut down cabin heat not for looks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
Check with your state to see what the limits are.
I like tint but the very light version. Still keeps the light blocked for driving but still lets enough in to see, that and if not to dark the cops are less likly to give you a hard time.
Get a good quality one and you should not have any issues.
I like tint but the very light version. Still keeps the light blocked for driving but still lets enough in to see, that and if not to dark the cops are less likly to give you a hard time.
Get a good quality one and you should not have any issues.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 955
Likes: 50
From: Jersey Shore
I own a shop that does window tinting... If you do tint it, make sure they do it in one piece. Some shops will try to do it in two pieces. It is a very difficult window to do in one piece so make sure you go to a shop that has a good reputation for tint.
Most shops carry 5%, 20% 35% and sometimes 50%
5% is "limo tint"- very dark
20% is what most SUV's come with from the factory.
35% is dark enough to notice from outside the car but has very little affect on night time viewing
50% is very light, not very noticeable
IMO 20% on the back window would look the best.
Most shops carry 5%, 20% 35% and sometimes 50%
5% is "limo tint"- very dark
20% is what most SUV's come with from the factory.
35% is dark enough to notice from outside the car but has very little affect on night time viewing
50% is very light, not very noticeable
IMO 20% on the back window would look the best.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 256
Likes: 1
From: Burbank, Ca
I also own a tint shop using Llumar Brand film, There standard Dark is 15 % / Atc-15-ch-sr ( Its two 35 % mediums laminated together at factory . 20 % is actualy a medium dark a 50 % and 35% laminated together or its equelvilance. Most of my customers get 35 % on the driver and passenger doors and 15 % rear. I perssonaly like the 5% rear window 35% doors. 5% percent is no problem during the day but it can be a little dark at night if your in a poorly lit area backing up. If you want to go conservatively 35 on the doors and 20 as stated by vette 427-sbc or 15 rear window will do it.
Former Vendor
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