Hatchback with tint advice needed
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Austin Texas
Hatchback with tint advice needed
My hatchback is tinted and I'd like to keep it that way as the tint makes it difficult to for the curious to see what is in the hatch.
The problem - and here's where I need advice - is when I stow the top (red) it sets up a terrific reflection that makes it virtually impossible to see to the rear using the header-mounted rear view mirror.
I bought some black felt to wrap the top when it's stowed and that helped a little but wonder if anyone has found a solution (other than removing the tint).
Thanks in advance!
John
The problem - and here's where I need advice - is when I stow the top (red) it sets up a terrific reflection that makes it virtually impossible to see to the rear using the header-mounted rear view mirror.
I bought some black felt to wrap the top when it's stowed and that helped a little but wonder if anyone has found a solution (other than removing the tint).
Thanks in advance!
John
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From: Austin Texas
Four months later and lots of views but not a single reply and since I've seen other posts like this one that ask a question I'm interested in but never get any traction in the Forum, I'll follow up myself.
The black felt I mentioned helped a lot BUT was a headache itself as if wind caught it (and it usually did), then I had a second problem - "flying felt". So I bought the Mid America Motorworks Roof Panel Storage Bag which worked better but still there were reflections, especially at night.
So finally to the last alternative: I had a shop remove the hatch tint ($50, 45 minutes and a flawless job) and problem solved.
I wish I still had the tint as I agree it looks neat and adds to the "look" of the car but I feel safer night and day, can see to the rear sides better as well as the rear and I'm a happy camper. I've undoubtedly given up some UV and heat but that's a trade I'm willing to make. And the rear hatch cover is available when I've got something to hide.
John
The black felt I mentioned helped a lot BUT was a headache itself as if wind caught it (and it usually did), then I had a second problem - "flying felt". So I bought the Mid America Motorworks Roof Panel Storage Bag which worked better but still there were reflections, especially at night.
So finally to the last alternative: I had a shop remove the hatch tint ($50, 45 minutes and a flawless job) and problem solved.
I wish I still had the tint as I agree it looks neat and adds to the "look" of the car but I feel safer night and day, can see to the rear sides better as well as the rear and I'm a happy camper. I've undoubtedly given up some UV and heat but that's a trade I'm willing to make. And the rear hatch cover is available when I've got something to hide.
John
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From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I did not see this before, but I would have told you to get one of those things that raise the hatch a couple of inches to allow air to flow though the cabin. I'm sure it would have helped your problem.
Randy
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From: Houston TX
It's a Corvette!... just drive fast enough that you don't need to worry about what's BEHIND you !!
I'm kidding... sorta...
I just got a Vette and have a very dark tint in the hatch... I've noticed the same thing with the top stowed... but I like the tint. I may try that hatch-latch vent thingy... just changing the angle of the glass a tiny bit might make a huge difference in the reflection.
I'm kidding... sorta...
I just got a Vette and have a very dark tint in the hatch... I've noticed the same thing with the top stowed... but I like the tint. I may try that hatch-latch vent thingy... just changing the angle of the glass a tiny bit might make a huge difference in the reflection.
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From: Austin Texas
Josh - It's possible there was a factory tint altho I don't recall seeing a RPO for it. Mine - at least on the side windows - was aftermarket as the installer's decal was on the driver window with the installer's name and degree of tint. John
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Philadelphia Pa
I was thinking about removing the tint on my 87. I really don't like it, it make for terrible visibility.
My questions are: how did the removal affect the rear defroster stripes? Were they able to remove the tint without screwing up the rear window defroster? How do they remove the tint?
Thanks
Steve
My questions are: how did the removal affect the rear defroster stripes? Were they able to remove the tint without screwing up the rear window defroster? How do they remove the tint?
Thanks
Steve
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Austin Texas
I was thinking about removing the tint on my 87. I really don't like it, it make for terrible visibility.
My questions are: how did the removal affect the rear defroster stripes? Were they able to remove the tint without screwing up the rear window defroster? How do they remove the tint?
Thanks
Steve
My questions are: how did the removal affect the rear defroster stripes? Were they able to remove the tint without screwing up the rear window defroster? How do they remove the tint?
Thanks
Steve
I used a local family-owned tint installation company with loads of good reviews. The fellow who did the work told me he would know within a minute how hard it would be. He said one of the "hints" of a hard removal job is any bubbling or separation in the tint and mine had none (in fact they couldn't understand why I wanted to remove it as it looked so good).
The tint all came off in one piece and it actually took them longer to clean the glass than to remove the tint. I don't know how to know for certain there was no damage except to test it once the weather turns cold enough (which in Austin may not occur until January) but it looks fine and he said there wasn't any damage.
John
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How do you remove the tint residue? The PO had tint on the windshield that I had removed. And when the windshield fogs, it doesn't fog where the tint was. Or if I spray Windex on the windshield, it is still clear where the Windex was.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Gurley (Keel Mtn, Sweet Home) Alabama
I also just came across your posting.
Too bad you already resolved the "problem" by removing the tint. Come the summer, you'll again wish to have the window tinted.
Anyway, I know exactly of which you speak. The bright yellow roof panel in the hatch caused a lot of reflection on the rear glass, tint or not.
So I went to my nearby auto upholstery business and had them make a custon black leatherette bag for it. Velcro straps keep the backside flaps in place and it stows neatly with the corners cut out so to fit the holders.
Works well, and eliminated all the glare.
I use the hatch lifting device all summer, but that is for ventilation moreso than reflective glare reduction.
Too bad you already resolved the "problem" by removing the tint. Come the summer, you'll again wish to have the window tinted.
Anyway, I know exactly of which you speak. The bright yellow roof panel in the hatch caused a lot of reflection on the rear glass, tint or not.
So I went to my nearby auto upholstery business and had them make a custon black leatherette bag for it. Velcro straps keep the backside flaps in place and it stows neatly with the corners cut out so to fit the holders.
Works well, and eliminated all the glare.
I use the hatch lifting device all summer, but that is for ventilation moreso than reflective glare reduction.
