Help with tint comparison

[Rancid13]

Looks good!

My tint guy didn't tint the lower hatch window either, as it already had some tint to it. I got 20% tint on all the rear windows, and I don't notice any real difference between those windows and the lower hatch window. My guy said it looked like that tint was in the 30% range, FWIW. I did get 30% tint on the 4 front windows (nothing on the front windshield).

[San_Carlos_Jeff]

Originally posted by bgdrewsif@Mar 22 2006, 03:18 AM
Just to add to this topic i found this resource that details the window tint laws state by state: http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/  You may want to check your states laws before having any tinting done... I know ohio has very specific regulations... i.e. different tint %for front and rear windows, mandatory state certified tint sticker on each tinted window, etc.

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Helpful site, thanks for the link.

[AlphaTeam]

I really like the 32%. I'm going to have it done and the installed reccomends "medium tint" does anyone know what percentage that is?

[BellBoy]

Originally posted by the fish@Mar 21 2006, 06:18 PM
Got the tint job done today.  Used Llumar High Performance ATR 30 which is 32% VLT.  Here is the before pic of just the windows:[attachmentid=2665]
Here are the windows just after the tint job:[attachmentid=2666]
And here is the whole car:[attachmentid=2667]
I am pleased with the job they did.  It's no problem to see out of the windows.  I passed on the windshield strip.  They did not tint the lower hatch window, and that now seems lighter than the upper hatch.  May have to get that done.

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That does look great. I was planning to have a tint done as well, but I was curious...why tint the back window? Doesn't that interfere with dealing with traffic issues? I have the auto tinting mirror (or whatever ya call it) for night driving and during the day it doesn't seem to be an issue either. Would it look weird if I just did the side windows?

[PetersPrius]

what is the factory tint % on the windows as delivered?

[the fish]

Originally posted by Rancid13@Mar 22 2006, 01:15 PM
Looks good!

My tint guy didn't tint the lower hatch window either, as it already had some tint to it. I got 20% tint on all the rear windows, and I don't notice any real difference between those windows and the lower hatch window. My guy said it looked like that tint was in the 30% range, FWIW. I did get 30% tint on the 4 front windows (nothing on the front windshield).

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Thanks! Perhaps it will look different out the upper hatch after the drying process is complete.

[Rancid13]

Originally posted by BellBoy@Mar 22 2006, 01:33 PM
That does look great.  I was planning to have a tint done as well, but I was curious...why tint the back window?  Doesn't that interfere with dealing with traffic issues?  I have the auto tinting mirror (or whatever ya call it) for night driving and during the day it doesn't seem to be an issue either.  Would it look weird if I just did the side windows?

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I have my rear windshield tinted (20%-pretty dark) and haven't experienced any interference with traffic, even while driving at night in very rural areas. You can still see out very well with the tint, but it's harder for outsiders to see in. I did it to maintain a uniformity with the windows all around the car and to get a sense of privacy.

I like to keep some items in my cargo area, but don't want to deal with pulling the tonneau cover out every day to prevent people from seeing what's in there. Honestly, one would have to have their face literally pressed up against any of my rear windows to be able to see what exactly is inside. My front windows are only 30% tint, so it's a little easier to see in, but not by much.

[the fish]

Originally posted by AlphaTeam@Mar 22 2006, 03:01 PM
I really like the 32%. I'm going to have it done and the installed reccomends "medium tint" does anyone know what percentage that is?

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I think they use medium/light/dark as a description to keep it simple. Any film should express the visible light transmitted in terms of a %. And, as bgdrewsif pointed out above, this is important to know as it relates to whether the tint is legal or not. I would not rely on the dealer for that legal determination as you would get the ticket.

The installer for the dealer should know that %. For example, in GA, 32% (+/- 3%) is legal and my installer advised me on what % film I was having installed.

[the fish]

Originally posted by PetersPrius@Mar 22 2006, 04:38 PM
what is the factory tint % on the windows as delivered?

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I don't know the official % - I called my dealer (sales and parts) and Toyota Customer Service but got no answer. You really need a visible light meter to tell.

With both qoutes I got, the installers estimated no more than 5% reduction already (so 95% VLT). The flim applied was 32% so my net should be 30.4%. GA allows 32% +/- 3% so I should be alright.

Makes me think ... why the need for the +3% - that should certainly be legal since it is higher than 32%.

[cgraham]

Why is there a reluctance to tint the upper 1/3 of the windshield? Or am I misinterpreting the comments? I think I need it there more than anywere, in New Mexico (STRONG sunlight). Even in winter I frequetly drive with the visors down.

Recommendations?

C