Tinted Rear Window
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: St. Marys GA
Tinted Rear Window
I just had my windows tinted on my C5. Before they did it the guy warned me about the possibility of the tint not being perfect around the top of the rear window where the black dots are. Afterwards it did have the issue of the tint not adhering in that area. He said give it a few days and it might get better. It didn't. The only option he has offered that still may not look the best is cutting the tint off that top section and putting a black vinyl over it. He's still warning me that it might not be any better.
Anyone have any input?
Thanks,
Anyone have any input?
Thanks,
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Cudahy WI
Get a better tint guy. I had a friend who owns nothing but high end vehicles recommend my guy, and the dot matrix is completely tinted and even.
Two options I have seen tossed around are sanding the dots to lower them or applying a glue stick to the dot matrix to make the tint stick evenly. I don't know what my guy did but it looks fantastic.
Two options I have seen tossed around are sanding the dots to lower them or applying a glue stick to the dot matrix to make the tint stick evenly. I don't know what my guy did but it looks fantastic.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 943
Likes: 3
From: casa conejo california: my casa sue's casa
I've been using the same tint guys for 30+ years and they are remarkable at what they do. When I purchased the 'vette last year the existing tint in the back glass was already jacked up in the upper dotted pattern. They told me straight forward that these are a crap shoot. Depends on the particular back glass, but mostly the weather. They prefer to do it on a hot day as the film glue has a better chance to adhere.
It did come out much better than what was already there, but not perfect. I'm a little **** so they did also offer to do the black vinyl. Probably the most difficulty was cutting a straight line at the defrost line. Came out very nice. Blends with the existing painted black border(on the outside;inside is a little glossier than flat black border)and can't be seen from the rearview mirror due to the headliner.
Before I saw the final results, I initially thought I'ld just have it redone in the summer. But I'm completely satisfied. Leaving it alone.
FYI;This is on a ZO6 back glass.
Mik
It did come out much better than what was already there, but not perfect. I'm a little **** so they did also offer to do the black vinyl. Probably the most difficulty was cutting a straight line at the defrost line. Came out very nice. Blends with the existing painted black border(on the outside;inside is a little glossier than flat black border)and can't be seen from the rearview mirror due to the headliner.
Before I saw the final results, I initially thought I'ld just have it redone in the summer. But I'm completely satisfied. Leaving it alone.
FYI;This is on a ZO6 back glass.
Mik
Last edited by LS2NSUV; Jul 25, 2011 at 12:29 AM. Reason: Add info
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I have heard of some people having the dot matrix area painted black. Not sure I would go that route - I would try and find someone that can do a better job with the tint on that area.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: pueblo co
i had the vinyl strip applied to mine..and it held perfect ...i really do think its the best option out there...cause in the event you want to for what ever reason remove the tint years down the road...it will still be orginal glass and not the sanded down type.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 43
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From: St. Marys GA
Thanks everyone. I'm going to go by another tinter's place tomorrow and see what he says. If he agrees that he couldn't do better, I'll talk back to the original guy about the black vinyl.
This is what I did to mine and happy to not have to worry.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
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From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
I did what my tinter recommended....
Take a soft rag (can be damp too for less friction) and press it hard rubbing across the dots working out the air around the dots.
It worked and stayed adhered just fine and looks good from the outside.
They did a great initial job but told me to follow up with this process.
Take a soft rag (can be damp too for less friction) and press it hard rubbing across the dots working out the air around the dots.
It worked and stayed adhered just fine and looks good from the outside.
They did a great initial job but told me to follow up with this process.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
I had the same issue with mine and the tint guy told me it would get better when it had been exposed to the sun. He also said that if it didn't, I was to bring it back and they would do what Oh 2 Fun suggested above. Sure enough the problem totally disappeared on mine in about a week so I didn't have to take it back.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 263
I have the black out vinyl on mine as well and it looks great. I'm very happy with the results and from the drivers seat you can't even tell it's there. All anyone can see from either seat is tint.
What I would recommend though, is have your tint guy cut the tint at the very start of the dots. On mine the tint covers one row of dots then vinyl and you can see a slight seam because the tint isn't completely flat against the dots. So have him cut away any tint that touches even a single row, and once the vinyl is applied you'll have a completely seamless tint/vinyl combo.
Aside from that it's rather common for Vette's to go with this and it turns out perfect. Good luck
What I would recommend though, is have your tint guy cut the tint at the very start of the dots. On mine the tint covers one row of dots then vinyl and you can see a slight seam because the tint isn't completely flat against the dots. So have him cut away any tint that touches even a single row, and once the vinyl is applied you'll have a completely seamless tint/vinyl combo.
Aside from that it's rather common for Vette's to go with this and it turns out perfect. Good luck
