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Getting windows tinted. Any input?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by roverguy78, Jun 7, 2010.

  1. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    I'm planning to take my '06 to a tint shop tomorrow morning. They use Suntech film and provide a "lifetime" warranty.

    Here in Texas, you can have 25% on the front windows. I am thinking about doing 30% all the way around (sides and hatch). I would prefer to have them all match. Does 30% sound reasonable without causing problems at night?

    I know that the rear hatch tint will cause some distortion with headlights at night. I don't mind that.

    Appreciate any input!
     
    #1 roverguy78, Jun 7, 2010
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I run 30% all round, (28% is legal in MS) and they cause no trouble at night. The car is a lot easier to cool.
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Jun 7, 2010
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  3. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    30% will look like you didnt even get a tint in full sunlight but is ideal for night driving. Ohh the trade-offs.... :(
     
    #3 macmaster05, Jun 7, 2010
  4. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    30% is good... 20% is too dark for nighttime, hard to see when turning.

    I have 35% titanium (Johnson Executive Series). If I had more money, I might have done ceramic.
     
    #4 silentak1, Jun 7, 2010
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  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Good thing I did not get a tint to look cooler, but to be cooler.
     
    #5 JimboPalmer, Jun 7, 2010
  6. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    Should I ask for a little darker tint on the back windows or do you think 30% all the way around is a good choice?
     
    #6 roverguy78, Jun 7, 2010
  7. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    30% all around.
     
    #7 silentak1, Jun 7, 2010
  8. s3nfo

    s3nfo Member

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    Whatever their next step up from limo black is on the rear (18% in some places) and whatever's legal on the fronts. Just can't be too dark!
    That's how I always have mine done and I've never had a problem at night.
     
    #8 s3nfo, Jun 8, 2010
  9. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    Update: They did 30% everywhere except for the rear hatch, which they did at 20%. I'm very pleased with the results. I didn't want it too dark or too light. This seems like a good middle ground, and it's nice to know that it's 100% legal as well.

    I told them not to do the small lower window on the back hatch as it's already tinted at about 35%. From the outside, they look the same. From inside, the lower section is lighter, but that could come in handy when backing out at night.

    Much more comfortable in the cabin now. The tint job definitely makes the car look nicer as well! I'll take a photo when I can.
     
    #9 roverguy78, Jun 9, 2010
  10. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    Awesome, i forgot to mention that my place also didn't tint the lower part of the lower rear windshield since it is actually tinted 35% from the factory. You get used to the difference in tint %.
     
    #10 silentak1, Jun 9, 2010
  11. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    [​IMG]
     
    #11 roverguy78, Jun 9, 2010
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