Window tint advice needed
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Window tint advice needed
I just got the windows tinted on my FRC, and the tinter told me that he wasn't able to tint all the way to the top of the window due to the "teflon dot matrix" that is at the top edge of the windo. He tinted up to tha point, and then stopped. He said he has put a strip of black vinyl on other vettes like this that he has done, but that the tine won't stick to the teflon, and will eventually sag and look bad..
Can someone give me some advice - is this normal, or total BS. He did a good job on the tint, but I am not too thrilled that it doesn't extend to the top.
Thanks.
Can someone give me some advice - is this normal, or total BS. He did a good job on the tint, but I am not too thrilled that it doesn't extend to the top.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 31
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Sorry to say but it's BS. A good tinter can go over the dot matrix and all you have to do for a few days after the install is keep rubbing the tint with your fingertips and it will tighten up real nice and look good.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
But i have seen them put vinyl on the top and it looks pretty good.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Really? That is good news to me that someone has seen the vinyl method used.
I don't feel that bad now. He did it for a great price compared to another shop I went to 150 vs 500+
I guess I will see what the vinyl looks like, and go from there.
I don't feel that bad now. He did it for a great price compared to another shop I went to 150 vs 500+
I guess I will see what the vinyl looks like, and go from there.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Topeka Kansas
I actually believe this is normal. Everywhere I have ever got my car tinted has told me that. 3 different places with 3 different vehicles. With a little extra work it can be tinted or vinyl is always a good option.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Chula Vista CA
Hey Munky, if the guy is good, you can't even tell where the vinyl strip ends and the tint begins, looks like it is all one piece. Mine is done this way, and I dont even notice it while driving. I can't speak for every one, but I was happy with the vinyl method.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,301
Likes: 6
From: LAND OF OZ Kansas
A good tint guy will apply the black vinyl on the dotted part. If he just goes over the dotted part with the tint you will be able to tell where the nasty air bubles are, and it isn't pretty. Start looking at the top of cars, and you will see the air bubles on the dotted part of the glass at the top of the rear window.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: croydon pa
what is the tint % ?....looks good
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
You guys are awesome!!! thanks so much - My biggest concern was that I would notice it from the outside... doesn't sound like that will be an issue. If I can ever learn how to post pics I will get them up soon.
I have never had this issue with tint before, and was surprised about the vinyl method. The guy has done really good work so far, and he said the vinyl is the best way.... Hopefully it will look good.
I have never had this issue with tint before, and was surprised about the vinyl method. The guy has done really good work so far, and he said the vinyl is the best way.... Hopefully it will look good.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Chula Vista CA
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Hayward California
I have 5% all around and the vinyl strip up top. I wish I had a better picture of the rear window to show you...I can't even notice the strip inside while I'm driving, and you cant see it outside either.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Hayward California
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 41
From: Conn.
St. Jude Donor '21
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Hayward California
Here's a few quick pictures. Not the best shots, but I dont really know how to take detailed pictures of a strip of vinyl. 
And excuse the dirty windows and r/c antenna...
And excuse the dirty windows and r/c antenna...
Last edited by GTLYKME; Mar 28, 2008 at 06:08 PM. Reason: space out the pictures
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 22
From: Massachusetts
When I had my tint done, he not only went over the dot matrix but did the back in one whole piece. Ive never had a problem! Find a new tinter vinyl strips like like @$$
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
Had mine done at the "high-end" place in Memphis: Window Tint of Memphis. I asked that very same question and here's what I was told:
They use (of all things) an Elmer's Glue Stick on the dots and then install the one-piece film. The tech then used the finishing tool and a heat-gun to work the area. When I took it home it looked okay, but the next day it looked GREAT......and still does five years later.
Bottom line: it can be done and done well, find another place !