window tinting

[ten1426]

Just purchased a 07 Prius. Dealer suggested a tinting company called Excalibur. They charge $199 for the service.
Has anyone had experience with the company? Are their tinting service good quality?

[jstack]

do you know the specs on the pinnacle formula one ? Like how much heat (IR) it blocks compared to other films ?

[cbrchris]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jstack @ Jan 7 2007, 08:12 PM) [snapback]372290[/snapback]</div>

do you know the specs on the pinnacle formula one ? Like how much heat (IR) it blocks compared to other films ?
[/b]

Product UV Protection Heat Rejection Glare Reduction
Pinnacle 50 99.5% 43% 44%
Pinnacle 35 99.5% 50% 60%
Pinnacle 15 99.5% 59% 81%

[cbrchris]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jun 22 2006, 08:47 PM) [snapback]275605[/snapback]</div>

I just got back from having my windows tinted at this little place in Tempe, and I think they did and awesome job and want to support thier business and let others know about where to get great work done. I've been reading about the Pinnacle Formula One tint by alot of people here who have used it and liked it so that's what I got and am greatful for the recomendation. There is only 3 places in Az who install it and this place was the closest (others Tucson ect..) It's a great tint, won't interfere with nav signals or cell phone (non-metalized). I got 35% all over and love it (not too gansta dark). He does do 15% too, which is alot darker. The place is called Perfect Symmetry #480-921-2381. Ryan did mine nice guy(I think he's the owner). The only thing is that it took 2 1/2 hours and I sat there and read a book (wasn't the most comfy waiting room) so i'd have someone drop you off, other than that, i'm so happy, and my Prius feels complete now.
[/b]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jul 5 2006, 03:00 PM) [snapback]281618[/snapback]</div>

The dealer paid for it for me but I know it was a little pricey, I think around $400. I was going to actually come back and try to delete this post because I went out of town after the tint job and couldn't roll my windows down for 5 days while it dried, and when I finally did, I was not happy. He left the interior rubber seal tucked in in all of the windows which made a horrendous shuddering noise as the windows rolled up. Half of the rubber was out and half in and folded in spots which warped slightly. Needless to say I was pretty upset about this. He did it on my friends car as well. I called him and he said he accidently forgot to untuck them. It warped the rubber on one of my windows which he said he would replace after much discussion. The tint he used is great, and aside from his little mistake (which ended up big), he did a good job on the tint. If he was reminded to not forget to untuck the seal maybe, maybe, I would consider him, but at this point, I regret recomending him at all. Sorry for the long explaination, but wanted to give you the heads up on this. Wish I could just delete this post all together honestly. If there's a way, let me know.
[/b]

I had my wife's Prius tinted by Ryan at Perfect Symmetry recently. Ryan stated he is one of the owners of the shop. I felt he did a great job. I asked Ryan about what you had posted regarding the tucked rubber. He stated that his normal process is to remove the panels so that the entire window can be completed and ensure that the tint goes low enough to not cause problems and that he does not normally tuck the rubber. He stated that you had requested to not have the panels removed. He does not tuck the rubber during the install normally and had forgotten to untuck it. He said he had offered to fix the problem since it was his mistake.

All tint installs recommend that you not roll the windows down for 3-5 days, yeah its an inconvenience but you should not be mad at the installer for that reason. I dropped my car off and went to work while it was completed so I did not sit in the waiting area. I must say though, that place looks like a much better waiting area than a lot of repair shops I have been to. They even had a couch. I didn't notice a TV, but you had a book, so I am not sure what you didn't like.

I had 15% Formula One installed and think it looks great. My wife is happy with the tint. I just wanted to say to anyone that is considering having their vehicle tinted in the Phoenix area that they should contact Ryan from Perfect Symmetry.

[jstack]

Originally Posted by lloyd51

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jun 22 2006, 06:47 PM) [snapback]275605[/snapback]</div>
.
On another note can someone tell me how hard it is to get the electric motor to stay engaged. On a trip recently the battery graphic changed from blue to orange and showed a full charge. This was coming down the mountian grade into Globe. My car mainted 0 to 40 mph on the battery for a short time, it was great. Normally I have to treat the gas pedal like I have an egg under my foot to get good batteryuse.The service manger at the dealship where I bought the car says I have to wait for a 5000 mile break it before they can check the computer.I love the car but would like to know more about the electric motor and how it should work.

A few companies are coming out with higher capacity battery packs. Check calcars.org for the companies. Even Toyota is testing a double battery pack. This would make it a plug-in hybrid. About 80 cents for a gallon of AC electric energy.
I also got a costal technology EV mode switch. I cn make my Prius go in EV mode anytime, but the pack is so limited.
To make an Prius go into EV mode and show 99 .9 mpg let up just a little on the peddle after reaching speed. IE on a 55 mph road get up to 55-59 then let up just a 1/4 inch. It will go into EV mode and sometimes even stay that way for miles and miles.
It will jump back to gas mode if you speed up to pass, or go up a hill. As soon after let up a little again, and go back into EV mode.
Using this I have had 84 mpg on a 2 way round trip tio work and back on city streets. It was 20 miles each way and little traffic.
See PLUG-IN PHEV POSTS

[Native_Prius]

Does anyone else have suggestions on places to get tinting done besides the places already mentioned?

I have a black prius and want the darkest tint possible - so I will have one stealthy looking prius!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions! I want to get this done soon before it gets any hotter!

[alanh]

I had mine done at Made in the Shade in Mesa, and I'm happy with the job. I got 3M Colorstable, with 35% in the front windows (Arizona legal) and 5% in the back for $290. It looks great.

[jstack]

I'm going to try some removable solar sceen on my Prius. I can't find tint that is mostly clear yet blocks the IR Infra red heat. I want the heat in winter or cold mornings.

With a removable screen I can place it in the side windows with the sun hitting them in summer, remove them in winter and have more control.

[jstack]

I finally found the place with the tint I want. The car is being done today with solar shield, it won't fade and better is it blocks more of the IR72-78% than any other film. I can't wait to see how it works. Solar Shield 480-961-4611 7050 W chandler blvd NW corner of Chandler blvd and 56th st.
very nice people to deal with too. no pressure just good honest facts. I almost didn't call them when their AD had a big white hummer, why not a prius?

[tranders]

jstack, let us know how they treat you (once these clouds roll through). Would like to do mine and my wife's. Also, was the price right?