Tinted windows & UV protection

[tonyk72]

I've been thinking about tinting the windows with the darkest tint I can possibly find. I'm not too worried about the local laws (I think they might be illegal, I'd have to double check) since I'll always be driving with the windows down. What I'm looking for is protection from sun damage, keeping nosy people from seein' whats inside & looks.
Do they make a tint with UV protection? Anybody got pics of their C3 with tinted windows? I'd like to see! Any reasons why I should't tint? Other than possible traffic fines! :nono
Thanks,
Tony

 

[Wamp]

tint

Here in AZ you can tint rear as dark as you want, side windows must be 45% or less. I went with black Limo tint on back window and 45% on sides. Hard to see inside unless sun is shinning directly in front window. Driving at night is a little restrictive but not to bad. Best pic I have....

 

[Last Ride]

All tints are going to offer some measure of UV protection. Here in IL, the backs windows can be painted black as far as the law is concerned, but the fronts are not to be tinted. That said, I have a surveillance vehicle for work that had privacy glass on the back. I went with a light shade on top of that for a near-limo darkness. I did tint the fronts a little, but it is still pretty easy to see into if you are looking staight through from the side. I also tinted the entire front windshield with the lightest possible tint. At first glance, it doesn't even seen tinted. But it reduces a lot of glare, and it does help keep people from seeing in. Now, your application is a little different, granted, but I don't think you need to worry about going as dark as possible just to get the effect you desire. Good luck!

 

[Enigma]

I'd like to add my experience with tinted windows.

I had the rear hatch on my 1980 tinted back in 1983. The tint was fine for 10 years. Then gradually bubbles started to appear randomly. Now to remove the tint, it will cost over $200 which was more that it cost to put on. I have heard of people taking it off themselves but it is a real messy job. That being said, it does make the car look meaner. Reduces the heat inside the car somewhat. Reduces headlight glare at night.

You may just ask the guy how it will cost to remove if the need ever arises.

Have Fun

Enigma

 

[klb76]

When I bought my car it came with a tinted rear window, I don't believe it was a professional job, but it was on well enough that I couldn't touch it with a razor blade alone. I went to the local autoparts store and picked up a bottle of "gila window tint remover" in a small spray bottle. I followed the directions on the back and had the tint completely removed in less then 30 minutes. This was done for under 10$ and it wasn't to messy at all, the hardest thing was getting the tint off that was behind the window trim. I believe this is a fairly new product tho because nobody at the store knew about it, I had to find it myself. Just a thought in case you were worried about how you would take it off someday.

klb

 

[Chas]

mine were tinted when i bought it from a police officer......they are as dark as can be bought , all 3 windows......no problem with the law....he told me the windows were down most of the time....it will keep it cooler in the heat....expecially if you have black interior like mine.....it does make backing up in the dark of night very difficult....i have the 4 california style rear lights , so i dont have a back up light .....other than that i would get it....looks real good

 

[tonyk72]

Is it a pain in the butt to tint them yourself? Is the film difficult to work with? I just plan on doing the rear and the sides...
How 'bout a mirrored tint? You guys think that would look good?

 

[Chas]

hire a pro

it is hard to get it to look like its not film.