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Window tint on 2013

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Azonie, Feb 11, 2014.

  1. Azonie

    Azonie Junior Member

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    I have 2013 and had windows tint. They did not tint lower hatch. Didn't notice much in winter since dark when I go to work and dark when I come home. But when I drive in daylight see diff in upper and lower hatch.

    Some say not to tint lower as will be issue with night driving. As lower is already darker than upper.

    What is everyone doing.
     
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    My tint shop didn't tint that window for the same reason. Well, actually, they said it's because the window is plastic, which it isn't.

    Yes, the color is kind of strange, kind of pinkish or something.

    SCH-I535
     
  3. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    I don't think my lower hatch window came tinted any darker than the rest of the car. Maybe, but I didn't notice.

    The window tint shop tinted it however, the same shade as my rear windshield and I don't have a problem driving at night with it tinted.
     
  4. maurices

    maurices Member

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    I did not have mine tinted as the window is almost vertical. The question is, how much hot sun rays are going to come through this window when the sun would have to be a such a very low angle in the sky?
     
  5. Josh83

    Josh83 Junior Member

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    I have my windows done with 20% all around, and had them put 35% on the lower hatch window. It is a VERY close match to the others with 20%.
     
  6. rannnddeee

    rannnddeee Junior Member

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    I just got my car tinted yesterday and I didn't get the lower hatch done. The rear windows are all at 5% and it actually helps not having the lower hatch tinted because I can see when backing up at night.
     
  7. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Any pics? I'd like to see how it looks without that part tinted and with it tinted lighter.
     
  8. rannnddeee

    rannnddeee Junior Member

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    20140301_143934.jpg 20140301_144357.jpg 20140301_144409.jpg 20140301_144445.jpg It just takes a lil getting used to seeing 2 different shades when looking at the rear view. From the outside it looks like they're the same shade.
     
  9. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    I specifically did not tint mine. It's shaded pretty much by the spoiler anyway. Also, it would cause visibility problems. I have a long, narrow unlit driveway. Backing out would be a challange if that section was tinted.
     
  10. oldtone

    oldtone Junior Member

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    Any change in radio reception after the the tint?
     
  11. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Mine are tinted top and bottom. I hate glare from headlights. The darker, the better, I say.

    Why would radio reception be affected by tint?


    iPhone ?
     
  12. Levelheadsteve

    Levelheadsteve Junior Member

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    I have two Priuses, both with tinted windows. The 2010 does not have the lower hatch tinted, but the 2012 does have it tinted. I like it much better tinted. I plan on having the 2010 lower hatch tinted when I have time. I have no reception or visibility issues with the extra tint and it is much better when a car is following to have the tint there.
     
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  13. Bingee

    Bingee Member

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    Mine are all tinted top and bottom , perfect match , no issues
     
  14. TLCESQ

    TLCESQ Member

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    Any recs re tinting? Cost, percentage/degree, etc.do not like having clear windows!
     
  15. robertk328

    robertk328 Member

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    I had mine tinted with Pinnacle series for $349 :)
     
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  16. Bingee

    Bingee Member

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    No regrets cost $ 275
    Check your state laws on tinting , I have a prescription from a doctor requiring tint due to eye troubles
     
  17. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Mine were done by the dealer. A popular option, so they put it on most every car they got. Worked fine since it met the max allowed by my state.
     
  18. LOLGuy

    LOLGuy Member

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    I went with Formula One Pinnacle for the new 2014 III - Florida legal for the front and back (30 & 15, respectively) and 50 for the windshield (not FL legal but REALLY cuts down on the heat). Looks great.
     
  19. acceleraptor

    acceleraptor Member

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    Factory VLTs are:
    74% rear hatch upper
    29% rear hatch lower

    I put 35% tint on upper and 75% tint on lower for effective net VLTs of:
    0.74 * 0.35 = 0.259 or 25.9% upper
    0.29 * 0.75 = 0.218 or 21.8% lower

    which is about as close as I could get to getting them to match.

    Appearancewise, they look about the same in terms of visible light transmission to my eyes, when looking directly at the glass (perpendicularly to its plane). They still appear different due to angle of the pane + glare (or higher ratio of light being reflected off the upper due to angle), and particularly due to the slightly different color cast in the factory glass (green on the upper, and gray on the lower).
     
  20. KeepitSimple

    KeepitSimple Member

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    Most films have metal in them which causes the vehicle to be a shell.
     
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