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View Full Version : DIY Tint kits


Kurz
07-08-2008, 10:43 PM
Curious if any fellow Hypermilers did your own tinting.
And if you did What company/brand do you guys recommend to buy from?

Takashi
07-12-2008, 01:02 AM
I would pay someone to tint my car. It's difficult to DIY and expect good results (e.g., no bubbles, tint applied straight, even coverage...etc)

sailordave
07-12-2008, 01:52 AM
You're better off paying a professional. Go to a professional shop and make sure you ask them to install a window tint that is within your state's legal limits. If you do it yourself you may go darker than legal and be forced to scrape it all off. Side door windows are easy. It's the rear window that causes the biggest headache.

Ophbalance
07-12-2008, 06:42 AM
Yeah, I came to that same conclusion when I was 16 and bought some limo tint. The side windows were acceptable, but that rear window just never worked out. Paying a pro is much easier, and you'll get much better results.

A024523
07-12-2008, 08:45 AM
Agreed, and it's well worth the cost because it not only keeps the car cooler during the summer, but it makes it much easier to ignore road raging tailgaters. :D

laurieaw
07-12-2008, 10:45 AM
i have done it both ways. i put my own on my 93 civic and 98 forester. like someone said, the side windows aren't too hard, but the back can be bear. the civic was particularly hard because of the curves and having to sit in the back seat. the forester was moderately easier because the tailgate came up and you could get to it.

that said, it was difficult, but i was picky and took my time, so it looked good. however, with my current car, i had it done professionally, since i was tired of the time it took me to do it. i think it cost about $250 2-1/2 years ago when i had it done.

R E P U B L I C
07-13-2008, 09:11 AM
Just a reminder...be careful to use a NON ammonia window cleaner on tinted windows.

A024523
07-14-2008, 10:21 AM
Just a reminder...be careful to use a NON ammonia window cleaner on tinted windows.

Good point, as Windex will eventually ruin your tint. I use "Invisible Glass" http://www.invisibleglass.com/ mainly because it is the only non-ammonia cleaner I can find at the local auto parts store, but I'm sure there are other similar products out there.

Kurz
07-14-2008, 08:03 PM
Well I guess I'll look around for pre cut for my model.
I am very patient and I pick up things pretty quickly.

I just wondering if any members did a DIY tinting job.
Thanks for all the input guys.

degnaw
07-14-2008, 08:36 PM
I tinted the backside windows and rear windshield of an 05 camry myself, but there's obvious lines/overlap on the rear windshield and bubbles all over...

Takashi
07-14-2008, 11:18 PM
If you are going to tint your window, make sure you pre-clean the window very well to remove finger prints, duts, oil...etc. If you don't, your tint wil not be smooth and you will be able to see dust stuck between the window and the tint.

Good luck, buddy.

BailOut
07-14-2008, 11:52 PM
I've tinted my own before and I did not care for it one whit. It's a PITA and despite following every direction exactly within 2 years it started to bubble.

There are certain projects that are simply worth paying someone else to do. The $160 I spent for a full tint job on my Yaris with a lifetime warranty was well worth it.



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