[Z06] Rear window tint
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,462
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
Rear window tint
I had my side and rear windows tinted yesterday and was disappointed to see the results on the rear - the "dots" at the top of the rear glass prevent the tint from making good adhesion. We agreed that we would let it cure for 2 weeks and that time (1) cut away the top strip and perhaps (2) replace that section with black vinyl.
Has anyone else wrestled with this?
Has anyone else wrestled with this?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 222
Likes: 73
From: Kansas
I ran into the same issue - and unfortunately was unable to find a way around. My tint was film. I suspect you would not have the issue with a spray tint - which is what I'll try the next time around.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 293
Likes: 282
From: Snohomish, WA
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23
You need to see if your tinter can get their hands on Dotrix which is designed to minimize this issue. When I had my Vette tinted, I was very unsatisfied with the rear window. After doing some research on this issue, the best results appear to come from using the Dotrix product. I suggested this to my tinter and he bought some and re-tinted my rear window (no charge even though I offered). Is it perfect? No, but it is MUCH better.I have read about (and watched videos about) everything from sanding the dots down (to allow for better adhesion) to using spray tints and some suggest to paint the top portion of the rear window flat black (inside) and not deal with the dots. .Some tinters online suggest it boils down to the experience of the tinter (they claim they can use standard tint and have it lay perfectly...I don't know). I will be curious if anyone has found a perfect (or near perfect) solution. Like I said, mine is VERY good but unfortunately I am pretty **** so if someone shows perfect results...I may be tempted... Good Luck
Eric
Eric
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 14
From: Tuscaloosa Alabama
When I had the windows tinted on my FRC I ran into the same issue on the rear glass. I tried my best to press the tint into the dots and it got a bit better but ultimately I wasn't happy with it and went back to the shop to have it re-done.
The shop recommended cutting the tint right where the dots begin and placing a black gloss vinyl over that portion. I thought it would look out of place but once it was completed it looked good. You can't really tell that it is vinyl unless you "know its there" or look from a low angle - you don't see it from inside the car.
The shop recommended cutting the tint right where the dots begin and placing a black gloss vinyl over that portion. I thought it would look out of place but once it was completed it looked good. You can't really tell that it is vinyl unless you "know its there" or look from a low angle - you don't see it from inside the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
When I had my C7 done several years ago, one of the primary considerations on choosing the right shop is how they deal with the upper portion of the rear hatch window. The emblem dots, which are actually shaped like tiny C7 emblems, can be tricky if they are not handled properly. The film can delaminate around the raised emblems, causing whitish spots to appear around the emblems, if the tint is not applied using the correct technique.
Some tint shops will paint that section black while others will glue a strip of opaque black plastic to it to avoid dealing with tint film over the area. Other shops will attempt to sand the emblems to reduce their profile so the tint film might stick to it better but my tint guy said that was a bad idea since the C7 emblems were significantly harder than the C5/C6 dot material and it would just create a mess or damage the glass. My tint guy knew just how to deal with them and they came out perfect (he asked me not to reveal his secret since he spent so much time perfecting it). He has done many Corvettes, including C7's and has 40 years of experience so I trusted his judgement.
Here's a shot of my rear glass (sorry about the dust).
Some tint shops will paint that section black while others will glue a strip of opaque black plastic to it to avoid dealing with tint film over the area. Other shops will attempt to sand the emblems to reduce their profile so the tint film might stick to it better but my tint guy said that was a bad idea since the C7 emblems were significantly harder than the C5/C6 dot material and it would just create a mess or damage the glass. My tint guy knew just how to deal with them and they came out perfect (he asked me not to reveal his secret since he spent so much time perfecting it). He has done many Corvettes, including C7's and has 40 years of experience so I trusted his judgement.
Here's a shot of my rear glass (sorry about the dust).
Last edited by Patches; Jun 2, 2020 at 01:15 PM.
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they never, gave me, the right answer. I, finally found, a tinter, that
knew his business. He used, a piece, of vinyl, and ,it worked out well
I have had it on, for 10 years, in the Florida sun...no problems.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,462
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
What launched me on this journey was that I had the front windows done in my 2016 4runner - and my left arm was really pleased when I put the window up on a sunny day. And the AC in the C5 is marginal - even when working - so I figured the tint would be a good idea (and look good on a Pewter car) - but I did lose the $30 I paid for that hard-to-find "GM Roadside Service sticker" on the drivers door 
Anything on the insides has to be removed or they won't warranty the work.
These guys also offered to tint the windshield! They said it would block all the UV and be so light as to not be noticeable - almost went for it but figured it would mess up the HUD - even though they said it would not...
Anything on the insides has to be removed or they won't warranty the work.These guys also offered to tint the windshield! They said it would block all the UV and be so light as to not be noticeable - almost went for it but figured it would mess up the HUD - even though they said it would not...
Last edited by jjc508520; Jun 3, 2020 at 09:35 AM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 293
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From: Snohomish, WA
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23
