Another tint question.

B Rad · 06-23-2006, 07:59 PM

A tint guy I spoke two said he thinks metalized window tints will not work with a Prius. Does anyone know just what it would interfere with if anything. I prefer the metalized over carbon based as it holds out more heat and will (IMO) look better on a Silver Prius.

SCDrJ · 06-23-2006, 08:47 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(B Rad @ Jun 23 2006, 04:59 PM) [snapback]276069[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

A tint guy I spoke two said he thinks metalized window tints will not work with a Prius. Does anyone know just what it would interfere with if anything. I prefer the metalized over carbon based as it holds out more heat and will (IMO) look better on a Silver Prius.
[/b]

In theory, metallized tints can interfere with GPS systems. That's the main rationale behind not using them, which should be a problem in your Package 3 (like mine). I have dye/metal "hybrid" tint in my Acura with no cell phone problems. Satellite radio should be unaffected since the antenna is outside, in my estimation, but I haven't tried it, I have Sirius in the Prius and my Civic, both of which aren't tinted yet. I think I will do either "hybrid" or ceramic tints in those cars soon, haven't decided. Full-metal tint is a tad too relective-looking on the outside for my tastes.

Dye-only and ceramic tints don't have any issues. I think dye tints are old tech, but ceramic tints are $$$.

hycamguy07 · 06-25-2006, 10:08 AM

You forgot to mention what film he wanted to sell you in-place of the metal? I had the Llumar metal film installed on my 04, no problems to report.... (note I had the film installed two days after bringing the car home in Dec/04)

I went to one tinter and he told me the metal interfeared with the de-icer on the back window (but this was false)...

DocVijay · 06-25-2006, 10:25 AM

I have metallic tint on my 2006, and I have no problems with cell phone, GPS, or anything else. Not an issue.

HybridVigor · 06-25-2006, 11:23 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(B Rad @ Jun 23 2006, 04:59 PM) [snapback]276069[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

A tint guy I spoke two said he thinks metalized window tints will not work with a Prius. Does anyone know just what it would interfere with if anything. I prefer the metalized over carbon based as it holds out more heat and will (IMO) look better on a Silver Prius.
[/b]

Just as a data point, since I'm not sure what you're considering: I had the Huper Optik Drei (99%) installed in Scottsdale. They wouldn't do the front window for legal reasons, but did all others except the mini window the lower rear. I've been exceedingly impressed with the heat reflective qualities of the tinting. I've had people be able to use cell phones in the back seat, and I have a GPS mounted on the windshield. What I've seen regarding the GPS-tint conflict is that the Huper Optik coating does indeed interfere with the GPS signal. If I move the GPS unit to the back seat where all windows are tinted, then it cannot lock onto satellites. On the other hand, leaving it where it is, attached to the front window with a clear view of the sky, the GPS functions without problem. Were I to (illegally in AZ) tint the front window, I would probably try to excise a patch in the lower left corner of the windshield to permit the GPS to "see" the satellites without having to go through the tint coating. I don't think it would work otherwise, or at least not very well. Please don't take this to be in any way a knock on the Huper Optik tinting which to me has been worth every penny I paid for it, by the way.
Chris

B Rad · 06-25-2006, 02:15 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Jun 25 2006, 09:25 AM) [snapback]276457[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I have metallic tint on my 2006, and I have no problems with cell phone, GPS, or anything else. Not an issue.
[/b]

DocVijay: Maybe I missed it, I checked your whole mod posts and could not find a good outside picture of your car with the metallic tint. Think you could post it here? I have a tint appointment on Wednesday June 28th and just can't decide which way to go.
Metallic tint pro's-----Less Heat
Longer life
better apperance on Silver Prius ???
possible Cell phone interferance (very small problem for me)
possible Nav system interferance (not a problem for me)
Harder to see out back window at night

Carbon tint pro"s
Less cost (minor)
better visability

ANYONE WANT TO ADD TO THIS LIST ???

benighted · 06-25-2006, 02:32 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HybridVigor @ Jun 25 2006, 08:23 AM) [snapback]276480[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Just as a data point, since I'm not sure what you're considering: I had the Huper Optik Drei (99%) installed in Scottsdale. They wouldn't do the front window for legal reasons, but did all others except the mini window the lower rear. I've been exceedingly impressed with the heat reflective qualities of the tinting. I've had people be able to use cell phones in the back seat, and I have a GPS mounted on the windshield. What I've seen regarding the GPS-tint conflict is that the Huper Optik coating does indeed interfere with the GPS signal. If I move the GPS unit to the back seat where all windows are tinted, then it cannot lock onto satellites. On the other hand, leaving it where it is, attached to the front window with a clear view of the sky, the GPS functions without problem. Were I to (illegally in AZ) tint the front window, I would probably try to excise a patch in the lower left corner of the windshield to permit the GPS to "see" the satellites without having to go through the tint coating. I don't think it would work otherwise, or at least not very well. Please don't take this to be in any way a knock on the Huper Optik tinting which to me has been worth every penny I paid for it, by the way.
Chris [/b]

Your problem with the GPS not seeing the sattelites in the back seat is most likely because you don't have a clear sky view, not because your tint is blocking the sky but because the roof is.
There is no place in the back seat, with tint or without, that a GPS can see enough sattelites to triangulate your location.

J.Wilkie · 06-26-2006, 10:22 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Jun 25 2006, 07:25 AM) [snapback]276457[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I have metallic tint on my 2006, and I have no problems with cell phone, GPS, or anything else. Not an issue.
[/b]

No problems here either.

Jennjay · 06-26-2006, 10:59 AM

I also have the Huper Optik tint. The reflective qualities are great and the car seems cooler than my previous vehicle which had Llumar metallic. The interior of both cars was about the same color leather. It is hot here, year round, as it is in AZ. I think upgrading to ceramic is the way to go.

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06-23-2006, 07:59 PM	#1
B Rad Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 295 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	A tint guy I spoke two said he thinks metalized window tints will not work with a Prius. Does anyone know just what it would interfere with if anything. I prefer the metalized over carbon based as it holds out more heat and will (IMO) look better on a Silver Prius.

06-25-2006, 10:08 AM	#3
hycamguy07 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 2,707 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	You forgot to mention what film he wanted to sell you in-place of the metal? I had the Llumar metal film installed on my 04, no problems to report.... (note I had the film installed two days after bringing the car home in Dec/04) I went to one tinter and he told me the metal interfeared with the de-icer on the back window (but this was false)...

06-25-2006, 10:25 AM	#4
DocVijay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,455 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	I have metallic tint on my 2006, and I have no problems with cell phone, GPS, or anything else. Not an issue.

06-26-2006, 10:59 AM	#9
Jennjay Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 142 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	I also have the Huper Optik tint. The reflective qualities are great and the car seems cooler than my previous vehicle which had Llumar metallic. The interior of both cars was about the same color leather. It is hot here, year round, as it is in AZ. I think upgrading to ceramic is the way to go.