Has anyone had their windows tinted

[cpautler]

I'm interested in getting my windows tinted as I thought it would help keep it cooler, but I want to make sure it's done right. I've seen a lot of cars with horrible looking tinting with bubbles and all, and I've heard that there's a couple of methods, one is computer cut tinting and the other uses razor blades to cut it on the glass.
Anyway, I'd love to hear about anyone's experiences with this and if anyone knows of a good place to get this done.

Chris (Silver '04)

[efusco]

Chris,
Several of us have, and I think it looks great on the Prius.

You don't mention where you live...that would certainly increase your chances of getting a good specific recommendation. Also, ask around. Look for a car that has a nice tint job and ask the owner where they got it done.

I doubt there's any true advantage to computer cut vs human cut, assuming the operator of each is experienced and good. Likewise, the bubble issues are strictly due to how the tint was applied.

Also, before you ask, despite the warnings about interference with GPS operation, no one has reported any significant problems or interference...including me.

[Danny]

I'm guessing the OC since this is their Local Club forum....

I rarely pay attention to the forum categories when I use the "Posts Since Last Visit" feature, too

[efusco]

I'm guessing the OC since this is their Local Club forum....

I rarely pay attention to the forum categories when I use the "Posts Since Last Visit" feature, too

Duh, thanks Danny... I hope you can get things where we can 'opt out' of these local forums and such soon, some, particularly the NW one is getting a bit too active and I have almost no interest.

[InTheWASide]

I'm interested in getting my windows tinted as I thought it would help keep it cooler, but I want to make sure it's done right. I've seen a lot of cars with horrible looking tinting with bubbles and all, and I've heard that there's a couple of methods, one is computer cut tinting and the other uses razor blades to cut it on the glass.
Anyway, I'd love to hear about anyone's experiences with this and if anyone knows of a good place to get this done.

Chris (Silver '04)

Chris, I had mine done right off of 28th and Cherry in Signal Hill at:

Picture Perfect Detailing
2060 E 28th St
Signall Hill, CA 90755
562-988-1777

Rene Cisneros was the guy that helped me with it. I payed $169 and it's covered for as long as I own it against peeling, bubbling, etc I absolutely love the job they did and would go back to them again and again, even after I move to WA It took a couple hours, but just have a cell phone on you and wander up a couple blocks to Willow and Cherry. There's a Home Depot, Costco, Petsmart, Office Max and some fast food places. Plenty of places to occupy your time and they called me right when they finished. JUST DON'T FORGET YOU CAN'T REALLY ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN FOR 2-3 DAYS!!
There were four tint options and I picked the third (just under limo)
It keeps the car SO cool even after it's been sitting in the parking lot at work for hours... The combo of my canvas works heat shield and the tint is amazing! Driving at night isn't difficult with it either.
Only thing they did "wrong" was at first they didn't get those two tiny windows in the front by the side views.. I brought it back the next day (when I noticed) and they did it no charge, no problem.

Happy shopping. If you go through these guys you won't be disappointed!

[LeVautRien]

How many windows did you do?

[pdamski]

See:

http://www.priuschat.com/forums/viewtopic....3443&highlight=

[cpautler]

Thanks, everyone, for the great info. By the way, I'm in Lake Forest, about as far south as you can get in the O.C. But I may try out your place in Long Beach(bradca21) The price seems great, I'm just wondering why there's such a difference between that price and other prices I'm seeing that seem to be around $450.

Hopefully I'll get this taken care of soon!

Did you get anything done on the front windshield? Is there some kind of line that it can't go past or something?

Well, Thanks again!

Chris

[InTheWASide]

Originally posted by LeVautRien
How many windows did you do?

If this Q was meant for me, everything was done except for the already tinted strip below the spoiler and the windshield. That includes the tiny ones behind the back windows and the tinier ones in front of the front windows.
I didn't put a strip in the windshield because I have VERY dark polarized prescription lenses with a mirroring on the outside so I can pretty much stare at the sun and be fine (I don't though, lol) (The glasses were like $279 at Lenscrafters for the Rx, mirror and polarization and took just a little longer than the 1 hour they always say because of the extra treatment to them)

[InTheWASide]

Originally posted by cpautler
Thanks, everyone, for the great info.  By the way, I'm in Lake Forest, about as far south as you can get in the O.C.  But I may try out your place in Long Beach(bradca21)  The price seems great, I'm just wondering why there's such a difference between that price and other prices I'm seeing that seem to be around $450.  

Hopefully I'll get this taken care of soon!

Did you get anything done on the front windshield?  Is there some kind of line that it can't go past or something?  

Well, Thanks again!

Chris

No idea why it's SOO different but like I said, I was told it's covered for as long as I own it guaranteed not to peel or bubble. I've also used regualr glass cleaners a few times. I noticed others afterward that say "safe for tint" (does that matter, btw?)

One thing I KNOW I forgot to mention is that this is the place that was referred to me when I asked the Toyota Dealership (Toyota of Long Beach). That's how I found out about them. You can pay more if you want also, and they do some amazing detailing work (may need to make an appointment for something like that though... actually I'd make one anyway come to think of it). I've never taken advantage of it, but they have pics of all these exotics they've done ALL OVER THE PLACE (They told me I was the first Prius [at least the 2nd gen Prius], and after I explained the SS/SE they told me they fell in love)

Like I said, I would definitely go to them especially if you have an excuse to either go to Long Beach OR one of those stores in the area there. Didn't mention last time, but there's also a new Starbucks so if you just wanted to get a magazine or a book from the Home Depot or Costco and come to Starbucks and read the whole time, it's only about a 3 block walk.