C5 dot matrix solution
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: West Virginia
C5 dot matrix solution
I am wanting to tint the windows on my C5 but have learned that the dot matrix causes some challenges. The only thing I have seen to deal with this is a black vinyl decal to cover it up. I have a small section of this on my rear window and it is showing signs of clouding but removal of this piece seems to be a nearly impossible since it is a bit brittle and would need to be scraped off. So I kept it there for now. When inside the car looking out of the rear window through the rear view mirror I could just barely see the bottom of the dot matrix on the window. So I decided to tape off the upper section of the window with the dot matrix and kept my tape line along the first defroster element on the window. With the surrounding area protected from any overspray, I painted the dot matrix section of the window. I am happy with the results. I have the same available view in the rear window that I had before only now the dot matrix is not visible. I'm not sure if this will help with my tinting effort but I won't have to deal with the dot matrix now. I will post some pics of the process and results. I'll post some better pictures when I can take it out on a sunny day. Any input or comments are welcome (positive or negative). Thanks for reading.
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I have heard of some tinters doing that to take care of the dot matrix area. Looks to me like you did a great job.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 143
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From: Greenwood IN
I am wanting to tint the windows on my C5 but have learned that the dot matrix causes some challenges. The only thing I have seen to deal with this is a black vinyl decal to cover it up. I have a small section of this on my rear window and it is showing signs of clouding but removal of this piece seems to be a nearly impossible since it is a bit brittle and would need to be scraped off. So I kept it there for now. When inside the car looking out of the rear window through the rear view mirror I could just barely see the bottom of the dot matrix on the window. So I decided to tape off the upper section of the window with the dot matrix and kept my tape line along the first defroster element on the window. With the surrounding area protected from any overspray, I painted the dot matrix section of the window. I am happy with the results. I have the same available view in the rear window that I had before only now the dot matrix is not visible. I'm not sure if this will help with my tinting effort but I won't have to deal with the dot matrix now. I will post some pics of the process and results. I'll post some better pictures when I can take it out on a sunny day. Any input or comments are welcome (positive or negative). Thanks for reading.
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looks good... I had the matrix on my old trans am covered with vinyl and plan to do it on the vette when I get around to retinting them... there is also a glue they can use to help the tint stick to the matrix but I don't prefer that because sometimes it can turn a milky white color once it sets out in the sun
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: West Virginia
After reading your response, I got to thinking about the section I believe to be vinyl decal. It may actually be plasti-dip and not vinyl. It almost looks like a thick black coating. I was thinking that it was vinyl or tape due to the edge line but that may be where the tape line was and not an actual vinyl edge. Around the electrical connection for the defroster it definitely looks like brush swirl. I'm glad I didn't put a lot of effort into trying to peel it off.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
paint?
Most professional tinters can get the bubbles out of the tint on the paint dots. Whiteness comes from not thoroughly cleaning the paint. Scraping with a razor blade is not enough. You need to scrub with a scratch proof scotchbrite after scraping then clean paint with rubbing alcohol. Tint will stick after that. Its all in the prep.