Should I tint my windows?

[CieraSL]

OK, so here's the deal. What I would like to maybe do is tint the windows on Cutty. I know a guy who could tint my windows for $175. I've seen his work - he does an excellent job, so I know I wouldn't get gypped. So what do you think? Would the tint be a bad idea?


And just to give you an idea, here are pics of a couple of Cutlasses I found on the internet with tinted windows:

Obviously, this tint is too dark, and the rims are stupid IMO, but you get the idea.


This is a little more what I had in mind.


Now, picture my windows tinted and tell me what you think. Actually, could somebody Photoshop that? Is that possible? Thanks!

[Murr1525]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Perhaps you should just send me the $175? Or buy some more Meguiars products.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

I'm a big fan of window tint. I think it really finishes a vehicle, and I love the privacy it gives.

Another thing I notice is that tinted cars stay and get MUCH cooler than those without.

You would think with our current push for more gas efficiency by the government that they would try and take advantage of it... maybe someday? I can only hope!

[dope92cc]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

The only con with tinting is getting debris between the film and the glass. It happens but you have to live with it. Ask if he will redo a window if your not satisfied. Most won't but it's worth a try.

[Nappers]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

I'm at work but can photoshop later maybe tommorow.....

I hate working night shift at the ol' lockup!

[Eddie6th]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Yes...The first pic has tints that are too dark and the wheels.... !


175$'s is a very reasonable price. There are some considerations. One consideration is the quality of the film,so ask the person that can do this for you. The quality of the work....You said he does a good job,so that is okay. State laws....You don't want to be told that you'll have too remove it,but normaly with something like 'light smoke' that's not a problem.

I had my car done professionaly,about 7/8 years ago by a company in the UK called 'Pentagon'.They are considered one of the best.I think it cost about 400$.About 2 years ago I discovered problems. My film is speckled and i don't know why. Was it heat lamps from a body shop?...Was it sunlight creating too much heat?...Also shrinkage on the back screen where there is a curvature.

Anyway,your car would look something like this with light smoke,

Without:




With Light Smoke:




Hope this helps give you an idea.
By the way...I like the wheels on your car.
Why on earth did the person in the first pic put those awfull things on? With the Midnight Tint.... "I think I'm gonna be sick!"

[CieraSL]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Why on earth did the person in the first pic put those awfull things on? With the Midnight Tint.... "I think I'm gonna be sick!"

Who knows. Maybe it's a ghetto car?

EDIT: Thanks for doing the Photoshop, Eddie. That helps me get a better idea.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Your Welcome...That's pretty much what my car's tint looks like. It definitely improves the overall appearance of any car.

I'm aware that you're a detailing person,but also be aware that they can scratch easily. I don't mean by you cleaning,but more to do when you are transporting others. Maybe a ring can touch,or someone wipes it in the winter with a hankie etc.

$175 is certainly a very good price.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

You may want to double check local laws and regulations regarding window tint before proceeding. Generally the worst thing that happens is you get a "fix-it ticket" and have to remove the tint, then take the car to a local police station and have them sign off that you did indeed correct the issue. But of course you're out the money you spent.

There's a local window tint shop here in SoCal that, for an additional $40 fee provides insurance against such infractions. If you are forced to remove your tint they'll do it for free (other than the $40 "insurance" you paid them upfront), otherwise their standard removal fee is in the range of $150 to $250, depending on how much has to come off. Apparently it's a bit more difficult to remove than it is to install!

This same shop openly admits that, technically/legally, all the tint they sell is considered illegal in California. That said, I have personally had half a dozen vehicles tinted over the years and have pulled up next to police cars at stop lights, looked over at the officer, and not once have they ever done anything. Then again, I don't fit the profile that often gets stopped for such things. I really hate to say it, but a male latino in his early 20s driving a Honda Civic with custom wheels and a loud exhaust is going to get stopped more readily than a middle aged white guy in an otherwise conservative vehicle. That should not be the case, but unfortunately it often is.

Something tells me that a Cutlass Ciera of your vintage (and in near perfect, like new condition - which is pretty darn cool actually!) isn't going to attract that sort of attention from law enforcement. Having said that, keep in mind this is not an endorsement from myself or Meguiar's for you to tint the windows!! I am not going to pay to have the tint removed, nor will Meguiar's, should it come to that.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Michael,I wish I could get mine removed for free!

I like cars with or without tints. It is actually illegal for me here to have any tint on the front side window,but being light smoke,nobody bothers.

I'll tell you what really bugs me. Some cars that are produced today actually have a darker color glass from the factory,than a light tint film..?
Can't argue with the law!

[dope92cc]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

You think that doesn't make sense. I always see cars with trash bags for windows(usually a side window). Now what is more transparent, 25% or lower transparrency glass? Or a thin plastic bag?

I think the side limit for side windows could be lower, but not enough people know the unwritten protocol for being pulled over; and that what makes the police nervous.

I bet I got off with a warning just because I did everything correctly. That or he really liked my caprice.

[john m.]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

I think it would look good either way. Like Mark, I just like tint on most cars, I think it would look good it you did it

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

I think the way Eddie photoshopped your windows looks good. If you are happy with the guys work. I would do it. I think it would look very good.

[Nappers]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Hope this helps give you an idea.

Very nice Photoshop Eddie!

Working nights I haven't had a chance yet!

Looks very nice with Light Smoke!

[dope92cc]

Re: Should I tint my windows?

Very nice Photoshop Eddie!

Working nights I haven't had a chance yet!

Looks very nice with Light Smoke!

It looks like my tint. Sadly, it's of a legal shade for Texas' laws. Long story short TX highway patrol have a very keen eye for tint.
Oh well it could be worse.