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Window Tinting?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by winebuff, Jun 30, 2009.

  1. AlexT

    AlexT Junior Member

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    Tinted my 2010 IV with Llumar 30 ATR charcoal and it looks great the shop did a good job. The tint mixes with the Toyota factory slight green tint to make it look like it's a dark green similar to RayBan sun glasses. I live in Orlando, FL and the tint does help keep the car cooler, than without tint and only the solar fan running. I would suggest finding someone with a good reputation in your area and don't worry about spending a few extra bucks, if it's done wrong you will have to pay 2x
     
  2. patrix

    patrix New Member

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    Looking at F1 Pinnacle here in Virginia. Requested for a quote online. Will get back with price later. I also requested a quote for F1 Classic.
     
  3. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    4 on either side, and the top hatch window = 9
     
  4. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    Looks really nice, but seems very dark for 50%. Do you have a dark colored interior?
     
  5. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Keep in mind that the factory glass is already tinted ~75% so it's an aggregate of around 35%, but yes, dark colored interior as well as looking through two windows can make a tint look darker.
     
  6. car78412

    car78412 Member

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    just got my barcelona red 2010 IV and I was considering tinting the upper rear and side windows at 35%. I am somwhat confused about the tinting laws in different states. Pennsylvania law says that you must allow more than 70% of light to pass through. I checked other states and there are quite a few with the same law. This basically tells me that I cannot tint my windows if I want to drive through those states with strict tint laws. :confused:
     
  7. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Yes, I have the dark grey interior. I noticed that immediately as well after having it done. I had a 06' with 50% all around but the grey interior in the 06' was lighter than the dark grey in the 10'.
     
  8. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    it's ok, just roll down the windows when you see a reason too........;))))))
     
  9. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    My understanding is that each State's own tinting law only applies to the vehicle that are registered in that State. In other words, if "California" for example requires no darker than a 70% tint, you can still operate an Arizona-registered vehicle in California with a 50% tint and not be unlawful (assuming 50% is lawful in AZ).

    I haven't reviewed the exact vehicle-code but this is what I understand it to be.
     
  10. Mr. Prius

    Mr. Prius Junior Member

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    Got a quote from a reputable place and they use Llumar window film. It's $209 for "Smoke" that comes with a 2-year warranty and $259 for "High Performance Charcoal" that's a lifetime warranty. Their standard install is for 50% front, 35% back, 15% rear window. Thoughts?
     
  11. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    I've had to do that quite a bit actually, especially when it's dark out. Raining makes it worse for me.
     
  12. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Mr. Prius, definitely go for the High Performance Charcoal. Although I'd prefer a black color, not charcoal. There is a difference.

    Anyways, a 2 year warranty on the other product does not sound reassuring.
     
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  13. epi117

    epi117 Junior Member

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  14. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    I have a 50/35/30% setup, which is considered on the light side. Having 50/35 sides with a 15 back seems out of proportionate. Maybe a 25 rear? If you want a 15 rear maybe you need to go a step darker on the sides.

    What color is your interior?
     
  15. SDM44

    SDM44 SeƱor Member

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    The 2010 Prius is like a light house, where it has lots of big windows that allows lots of light in. So a 35% tint on the Prius won't be as dark as say a 35% tint on a BMW 3-series or other sedan (I know because I went through this last year). To really get approx the same 'darkness' as say a 35% tint that you would see on another car, is you need to go a shade darker. I have approx 23% on my car and that looks pretty much exactly the same as my 335i sedan with 35% tint.

    On the flip side of that, if you tint your windshield then you want a lighter tint because the windshield is at such a low angle. On my truck, it has a more vertical windshield so 50% is fine. On the Prius, 50% on the windshield made it look as dark as 35% on the side windows and that was way too dark.
     
  16. Iceman04503

    Iceman04503 New Member

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    Im in portland oregon and paid 200 for all 10 windows to be tinted in a 20%. Done professionally.
     
  17. Mr. Prius

    Mr. Prius Junior Member

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    Found another guy to do just that. My original place wanted to charge $259 then realized that there were the additional small windows on both sides and wanted another $40 for those. I found a competitor who will do everything with lifetime warranty for $199. I'll attach some pictures next week. I'm going with 50% on the front which is the law in Ohio and 35% everywhere else.
     
  18. twinmom

    twinmom New Member

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    I live in southern Maryland and am thinking about tinting my windows. I did some research and received the following quotes for my 2010 Prius:

    [FONT=&quot] Huper Optik Ceramic[/FONT] $475.00 complete (all 4 doors and back window including the quarter lights)



    Carbon $195.00 complete (all 4 doors and back window including the quarter lights)


    Is it worth the extra for the ceramic rather than the carbon. Both have lifetime warranties but how do they really last? Any advice is appreciated.

    Thank you.
     
  19. MattsGen3

    MattsGen3 Junior Member

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    Window Tinting Shop in Tucson ?

    Reading this tread, I see some members in Tucson AZ. I have just moved to Tucson from PA. I need to get my Gen3 prius' windows tinted.

    Could anybody suggest me a reputable shop.

    Thanks
    Matt
     
  20. Mr. Prius

    Mr. Prius Junior Member

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    Paid $199-wouldn't go higher.