Tint or not to Tint - That is the Question...

In the morning.

You can keep your humidity.

 

I dunno, just cuz one lives in Florida AND has tint, is not proof that tint really is effective. It becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, eh? I have not yet seen any scientific proof that tint reduces temps appreciably. The key word is APPRECIABLY. 2 -4 degrees F lower than 130 deg F in the FL sun is not a consolation to me.

Only thing I am convinces is tint can help reduce fading of upholstery/color of dash, etc.

Dark tint here is associated with drug dealers/pimps/the like. Not saying the fellow members here are such, just that it becomes a profiling thing. Cops DO give tickets for too dark tint. They scratch easily if say, that seat belt bumps it a tad, too. Once they scratch a few times, man, who can stand a scratchy window. Yank the stuff out with Ethyl Alcohol and a carbon mask.

 

Our 3.2 came with the tint from the PO. I will leave it intact though.
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Some data since I started poking around (from wikipedia)

Tint Limits by U.S. state (when measured on the front side window)[4]:
Current as of 7/17/10
(Lower number is less light transmittance, thus darker tint)

State VLT
Alabama 32%
Alaska 70%
Arizona 33%
Arkansas 25%
California 70%
Colorado 27%
Connecticut 35%
Delaware 70%
Florida 28%
Georgia 32%
Hawaii 35%
Idaho 35%
Illinois 35%
Indiana 30%
Iowa 70%
Kansas 35%
Kentucky 35%
Louisiana 40%
Maine 35%
Maryland 35%
Massachusetts 35%
Michigan 70%
Minnesota 50%
Mississippi 28%
Missouri 35%
Montana 24%
Nebraska 35%
Nevada 35%
New Hampshire 70%
New Jersey 70%
New Mexico 20%
New York 70%
North Carolina 35%
North Dakota 50%
Ohio 50%
Oklahoma 25%
Oregon 35%
Pennsylvania 70%
Rhode Island 70%
South Carolina 27%
South Dakota 35%
Tennessee 35%
Texas 25%
Utah 43%
Vermont 70%
Virginia 50%
Washington 35%
West Virginia 35%
Wisconsin 50%
Wyoming 28%
District of Columbia 70%

 

Solar heat comes from two primary sources, the visible light you can see and the infrared light you can feel. Crystalline window films reject up to 97% of the sun's heat producing infrared light and block up to 60% of the heat coming through your windows. These industry-leading, spectrally-selective films are designed to keep you cool, comfortable and protected.

Designed to maintain the appearance of your car, Crystalline films allow up to 90% of the light into your vehicle. Because these films are non-metallized, you can be assured of zero interference with GPS or cell phone signals.

 

IN calif it's illegal to tint your windshield over what the factory provides, in Texas, you might want to check the law.

 

Is the rear screen tinted?

 

OK....the only thing that keeps me cool is R12 or propane. Tint is a gimmick, mostly. Aftermarket add ons. debateable benefits.

Only benefit could be, like I said, for upholstery....

 

Mine too and it does make a difference as long as the sun isn't shining through the huge windshield.
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The rear window is tinted also

 

Heya buddy. That is actually 5%.

VERY dark. We are not allowed to tint the front screen. All the other windows are ok though.

5% is illegal in Aus also. It was done on the "hush hush".

I have been pulled over a few times by the Cops, they have not said anything.

I think 35% is the legal limit here.

 

The 308 I just got has a light tint on the side windows. Is that factory?

 

After years of running on the track, my windshield has hundreds of minute sand chips. They become annoying when the sun hits them from head on and they sparkle to the point where it become difficult to see. I was wondering if tinting the windshield might reduce /eliminate the sparkling effect. Anyone with experience with this condition?

thanks,
Paul

 

Does it look this bad Paul?
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Dang, that's a horrible picture. Show some mercy, please. Maybe a link to the photo instead, with a "Warning, GRAPHIC CONTENT".

 

I will likely do very light tint on the 308 eventually for long trips - probably around 50%.

There is a clear product that can block a tremendous amount of heat, UV, etc. A good tint place should be able to get it. Might be something to look into...or not : )

 

Yup - I have it on a number of my cars from track and winter use - sparkle effect.

I've heard there are clear shields which can be applied but have no experience.

The windshield can also be polished by expert detailers which might make it good enough that you don't notice...

Just some ideas : )

 

Polishing the windshield can and usually does leave a wave distortion that if in the line of sight will drive you nuts. Any time the two surfaces of the glass are not equal thickness or parallel then it produces aberration. Also, only a tint that reduces infrared wavelengths will reduce heat. Uv blockers will protect interior plastics and materials but not effect heat. For really shallow scratches any good furniture wax can be used to build up the scratch applying layer after layer. Of course it will need refinishing from time to time. (Also good on plastic eye glass lenses) there are also chip fillers that are available where technique in application and finishing is key.

 

I say no, plus its illegal in CA....

 

I have been seriously considering tinting the side windows on my 328. It is much cooler for the person on the "shady" side of the car than it is for the person with the sun shining on them. IOW, the AC is able to keep up on a warm day but the sun shining directly on me makes it uncomfortable. 30 or 35% (I cant recall) is the max allowed in MD but it seems like many cars have tint so dark you cannot see into them so clearly once the car passes an MD State inspection you can have any sort of tint you want and it doesn't seem to matter.

I think I will give it a shot. As mentioned, you can always remove it.

 

I removed mine. No tint for me.

 

To follow up, I emailed this request to 3M. Their response was:

"In evaluating your specific application, we currently do not manufacture or market a product which would meet your needs. We suggest you check with ThomasNet (formerly theThomas Register) at ThomasNet® - Product Sourcing and Supplier Discovery Platform for manufacturers of an appropriate technology."

In other words, it's time to buy a new windshield.

 

And I researched their Crystalline product, looked good everywhere I could find BUT it has to be installed by one of their official installers.. so it looks like a trip to Dallas for me..

 

I don't like tinting in general, I've never added any additional tint to what came from the factory to any car. The clear UV tint that's usually on auto glass is a good thing, as is the dark band at the top of the windshield, but I'm not a fan of the dark aftermarket stuff.

 

I couldn't make it through another summer. The AC fix never seems to make it on the top 10 list of things to do. Now I think I am going to push off that big job until I do the belts here in a few more years.

So I went for the cheapie tint job. I kind of like it with the boxer paint scheme. I didn't go gangster dark but a tad in between that and legal. The tint guy told me not to worry if I get pulled over. I just need to get a letter from a dermatologist. ha ha. I never heard that before.
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