Hey all,

I have researched a bit and attempted to find some answers but instead I am left with more questions.

I want to tint my car all around. First off, I'm gonna start with the rear window. Seeing old threads here, many suggest vinyl because of the dot matrix and it'll stick better. Ok cool, but does that mean using vinyl only on the dot matrix area? Is the vinyl clear and going only on the dot matrix and then the actual tint over that? Oorrrr, are we doing a tinted vinyl on the entire window instead of regular tint? Some also suggest doing the rear window in two pieces instead of one. I get that's for better adhesion so I don't mind it if the end result is better and is unnoticeable. But my question is the same, what areas are these 2 pieces covering? I'm going to assume dot matrix area one piece and the other piece is for the remaining.

Now that that's outta the way, how many kinds of tints are there? I've heard there's three. The lesser one being only for looks, middle one being for helping with heat, and best being for helping with heat and UV protection. I want to know a bit more and be more informed before a shop tries to sell me something that's more convenient for them rather than for me.


What I actually want is tint that protects from heat and UV on front windshield because my leather dash is starting to unglue in a few spots and that's driving me crazy. I've heard this doesnt actually have to be tinted and can be clear while still providing these benefits. The rest of the car I want tint that'll help keep Temps down since I am in south texas.

Lastly, how much am I looking at spending. I think general consensus is anywhere from $450 to maybe $800?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Serg

 

Personally I feel like vinyl is a cop-out method. If you're not super experienced doing curved glass with a dot matrix like the C6 has, I would just diy the doors and pay a reputable shop who warranties their work to actually "tint" the entire rear glass.

 

My plan has always been to take it to a shop and let a professional do it. Maybe it didn't seem that way in my OP. I'm just trying to be informed a bit before I make my decision on where I'm taking the car.

 

If I have anything to add to this thread it will be to interview many installers in your area and find one who you feel absolutely has actually successfully tinted a C6. I had mine in to a shop with an impeccible reputation who tinted several cars for me in the past. After trying unsuccessfully 5 times over the course of 6 hours I got a call from the shop that they were unsuccessful due to the curvature of the rear window. They threw in the towel and my Vette remains a fish bowl to this day. Good luck! Many have had success. As you’ve seen some with vinyl over the dot matrix. Others without.

 

Too long of a post to read, but I'm guessing you are over thinking this. An installer that cares about his/her work is all you need since tinting isn't rocket science.

 

for the dot matrix you just use black vinyl if your going that route. You loose zero visibility by doing it and it looks alot better over time imo. As for price if you pay over $450 you got ripped off... A good tint job on a vette should cost around $300-400 (that being the high end, lots of shops will do it for less and still put out quality work)

 

I paid $250 for the tint on my car, and that was with the best tint the shop had to offer.

 

Yeah I think the most I've ever paid for any tint job was $300 (that was a big SUV)

 

Do those costs include removing the old tint? This is on our winter list as well because we started bubbling the old tint.

Thanks!

Chris

 

Likely a bit more for removal, it can be a pain.

 

I just bought my C6. The driver and passenger windows are tinted. Now, on my 2 mach e's, I had a shop do ceramic window tint, 30%, and a 8 inch sun band on the front window. That stuff was bulletproof. The cost was 300 bucks for the 3 areas per car.

 

That's for install only. Removal can get pricey because it takes a long time. Probably double the cost.

 

I did clear ceramic on my Grand Sport on the windshield as well as the rest of the car. And don't let anyone tell you that installing ceramic on the rear of a coupe can't be done because it can. My installer does it. In fact, he did my 2010 ZR1, and it was perfect. Not all installers have the experience and/or the patience to make it look good, and you certainly don't need to sand down the dots like some people might suggest.

 

A quality installer at a reasonable rate is key, one that is familiar with the C6 rear glass for sure.

The more you research the more you find the quality and even color of tints vary significantly, which does impact price. Higher quality tints also have greater heat block capabilities resulting in lower car temps. Even within a specific line such as LLumar FormulaOne you have several series that vary in price. I was quoted $340 for Pinnacle and $620 for Stratos by the same shop. Difference was the product. 3M Crystalline is another good line.