Window tinting
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 708
From: Sunnyvale CA
I'm not sure of the cost in your area but be aware that some states (such as California) have limits to how much tint can be applied to the windshield and various windows. You may want to investigate before having tint applied.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,613
From: Southwest Florida
It all depends on your choice of window tint. There is a lot of crap, and yes, cheap window tint products on the market. There are however, a few top quality window tint manufacturers. IMO XPEL makes the best window tint on the market.
Here’s how much I paid for their top of the line product. It amazing how it keeps the heat out. Worth every penny.
Driver & Passenger Windows XPEL XR PLUS Tint = 30%
Quarter panel (small) Windows XPEL XR PLUS Tint = 20%
Rear Hatch Window XPEL XR PLUS Tint = 20%
Total (material & labor) = $499
Here’s how much I paid for their top of the line product. It amazing how it keeps the heat out. Worth every penny.
Driver & Passenger Windows XPEL XR PLUS Tint = 30%
Quarter panel (small) Windows XPEL XR PLUS Tint = 20%
Rear Hatch Window XPEL XR PLUS Tint = 20%
Total (material & labor) = $499
Last edited by Maxie2U; Feb 2, 2020 at 01:09 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 630
Likes: 81
From: VA
If you live in a hot climate, Xpel XR Plus ceramic tint is the way to go. It does cost more, but it really does significantly reduce the heat inside your car. Cost may run in the $500-$600 range. It is worth every penny in the long run. Every vehicle I own will get it moving forward.
Last edited by McRCN; Feb 2, 2020 at 11:08 AM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Thanks for the info on the Xpel tint. I’ll have to ask my installer what they charge.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 144
Likes: 37
From: Henrico North Carolina
Most likely varies according to geographic location. My shop here in N.C. does excellent work. Had the ceramic tint installed on my C7 - $125 for driver and passenger doors and another $125 for the rear hatch window and both quarter windows. I definitely recommend the ceramic coating.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 677
Likes: 414
From: Pensacola, FL
I live in Pensacola, FL area and it gets HOT here in the summer months. I went with the ceramic EXPEL and it does a great job at keeping the heat and UV rays out of the car. It's not cheap by any means, however it will save the interior of your car for many years. Mine was $399 for all the windows except the windshield. I dont remember the percentage I got but I went with the darkest allowed by the state of FL. Good Luck!
Last edited by Akcajunz; Feb 3, 2020 at 08:03 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 241
From: Latham New York
Just had mine tinted two weeks ago. The installer came to my house to do it. Charged me $ 180. gave him $ 200. Great work, glad I did't try this myself. 35% tint. PM me if your near Albany N.Y. Sully
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 797
Likes: 283
Just be sure that they actually install XPEL or 3M despite what they say. A good friend of mine owns a tint shop and is continually undersold by other shops who charge less than his material cost for the good stuff. There are ways to tell the difference.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 850
From: Southern California
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If you live in a hot climate, Xpel XR Plus ceramic tint is the way to go. It does cost more, but it really does significantly reduce the heat inside your car. Cost may run in the $500-$600 range. It is worth every penny in the long run. Every vehicle I own will get it moving forward.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 629
Likes: 170
I found that the type of ceramic film I put on had a whitish haze when the sun hit it at certain angles so I replaced it with a less expensive type of film that still had good heat reduction qualities without the haze.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 126
Likes: 47
I paid 380 for Formula One tint. 35% all around ceramic tint. Located in DC area. Agree with others you get what you pay for. Ceramic tint wont fade or discolor and also has wonderful heat rejection. Also when you go with a high end tint like Formula one it comes with a lifetime warranty. Any issues and you can go to any Formula One dealer nationwide for replacement.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,040
Likes: 4,610
My new C7 came with 35% tint all around from the Chev. dealer's. It's perfect, and the level of tint is great.
