Hey,
Has anyone tried doing their own window tinting with the kits you can get at auto stores. I was thinking about it just to see if I liked them tinted and then go the profesional route if I liked it. Also, for those of you with tinting, what is a good price and what % tint do you recomment. What does the law allow. Also did you have all 4 sides done or just the doors. If you did the rear is their any problem with the defog elements? TIA.


[Modified by Piranha, 7:21 PM 3/19/2004]

 

:lurk:

 

I wouldn't try the tint you buy in the auto part stores. They are generally poor quality and will fade, peel, bubble, etc.

Here in FL the legal limit is 35% (allowable transmitted light) on the side windows and 20% rear (I believe). Try your state's website and look at the statutes for the legal limits, they should be in there.

That said, I had mine done by someone that has been doing it for over 10 years. He was very knowledgeable and told me a few things unique about the tining the C5's. First, the windows are "tinted" form the factory. what I mean is that are not clear, they have that "slight green tint" to them. He cautioned me about going with a metalized (reflective) tint. The reflective film will appear with a slight green hue. Second, the side windows are curved in both the left to right and top to bottom direction. This makes it difficult to have the tint adhere properly. I watched him apply the tint to the side window. He used a heat gun to help "mold" the tint to the window to help it match the curve of the window. Third, the rear window has small raised dots at the top edge (where it meets the roof line). This makes it somewhat difficult to have the tint adhere in between the dots. He offered me two solutions, tint just up to this area or tint over it and hope for the best. I opted for the latter, and it turned out pretty good.

I had 18% applied on the sides and rear window. I went with a non metalized film. The installer said the metalized films tend to last somewhat longer but the trade off it the greenish hue to the window; which I did not want against my black car.

If I were you, I'd bite the bullet and have a professional tint your vehicle. I paid $150 but mine paid very close attention to detail. Shop around and talk to several installers before you make your decision. Don't let the price sway you. It's better to spend a few extra dollars for a quality job.

Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps.


[Modified by Scott03Z06, 8:43 PM 3/19/2004]

 

:iagree: I tried doing it before and it was a disaster.

 

Take a look at mine!
See if you like it!
I had it professionally done!
I had dark tint and yes I expect to get pulled over for it one day!

When I see the cops near me driving I roll down my windows. But there will be a time where I won't be paying attention and they will get me.

So what do ya think?

 

:thumbs: Looks as dark as mine.




[Modified by Scott03Z06, 9:41 PM 3/19/2004]

 

Hey:

AWESOME DUDE! WE have twins!!!!! LOL

 

20% all the way around here! Pay and let a professional do it. Kinda feels like a capsule :D :cheers:

 

:thumbs:

 

nice blkvette, looks just like mine....sorry no pictures :( ......I did 35% all the way around, the legal limit in the uptight state of VA. Love it!!!!!! Looks great with black. :D

 

You gotta get pics so we can see!!!!

Pictures are a must!!!!!

:thumbs:

 

Hey BV, can't wait to hear the post when you see the cop's and roll the windows down and it's pouring cats and dogie's. :lol:

 

Slong!!!!!

You :jester

 

Just had mine done in Arizona. I got 50% on the sides only. 50% is the Ohio limmit.... Looks OK, but would have gotten 35% if it would pass in Ohio! :cool:

 

Should have got the 35%!

Just roll your windows down when you see the cops!

It has worked for me.

But, yeah my time will come!

 

Scott excellent post, I will add one option if I may. I had mine tinted this week and am going back today for him to paint the dots with the same paint on the inside of the window. Another local Atlanta memeber had it done at the same place, and it looks really good. By thet I mean it looks Factory stock, with no chance of pealing.
I will let you know my final impression when I get back this afternoon.

 

Hey,
Took him 20 minutes to paint the dots. He used the same paint that GM uses on the inside of the window, You can see it around the perimeter on the Zo6 rear window. It matched perfectly, and you cant see that high up the window in the rear view mirror.
The back back window looks like it came from the factory like that, i.e great job. I am very pleased with 20% all around with the painted dots. :cheers:

 

Hey,
Thanks guys for all the comments.
I will probably have it professionally done when I decide to do it.
Thanks again...lots of great info.

 

I went with 20% all the way around. I too had issues with the dots on the rear window. At first he tinted over the dots but after a few days the water evaporated and left white splochy areas all over. I had him cut the top piece off just below the dot line. I then painted the dot area using an air brush and black paint. It turned out awesome. I had to do a few coats but, you would never know it wasn't factory. I think painting the dots is the only way to go. I paid $120 to have mine tinted. Air brush paint was $3.95.
I need to update my Sig to include the tinted windows.