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Window Tinting?

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

  1. winebuff

    winebuff Proud owner of a 2010 Prius

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    Has anyone got their 2010 windows tinted and if so, can you give me some pointers please? Not sure if I will do it but looks like it would look great. I am in Oregon so not sure if there are some people who are more reputable than others. Thx!
     
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I got mine done 50%, charcoal gray tint. I'd just say check out the work a place does first by looking at a car done there. And some places use cheaper tint that has a minor mirror finish from the outside. I hate that, just looks cheap. I'm not talking the full on mirror finish like two way glass, or the ones the kids were getting some years back where it faded from tint to mirrow but some cheap tints have a very minor mirror look to them from the outside. I'd stay away from that...

    Here's mine with 50% Charcoal Gray... Sorry, but I do not know the brand of tint they used...



    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
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  3. ssekien

    ssekien New Member

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  4. phunkopathic

    phunkopathic New Member

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    I've always been a fan of 3M tint. Being from Phoenix, I have tinted all of our vehicles. I have tried other brands and they have all bubbled and had to be removed.

    My 1995 Tacoma was parked outside in Phoenix 99% of the time. The 3M still looks great (I've sold it to a family member), and has been on for six years.

    I have not been able to find a 3M installer around me, but will travel for it if necessary.
     
  5. rlr66

    rlr66 Junior Member

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    Hi. I just ordered my 2010 and was thinking of getting the windows tinted but I was concerned about night driving. Did you get the back window tinted also? I'm in Orlando too. Where did you get yours done? Were you happy? Any suggestions as to what I should look for?
     
  6. ssekien

    ssekien New Member

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    I did get the back tinted also at 20%. For the night driving, I don't have a problem with the tint at night. I think it rather helps with headlights in the side and rear view mirrors (so it doesn't blind you at night). If I ever did have a problem with the tint on the front sides... well I can always roll down the window to see.

    Legal tint in FL is 30% front side windows and 15 or 20 on the rear sides and back. You might want to keep that in mind since FL just enacted the law where they can pull you over for seatbelt infractions (meaning they will probably be looking into cars more now... and probably giving more tickets for illegal tint too). The 20% on our Prius doesn't seem to be too dark... I think people can see into the side windows fine if they are so inclined.

    I think I sent you a PM regarding where I got my tinting done as I didn't think anybody else wanted to know that... if you didn't get it let me know :p
     
  7. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I'd watch out for 20% and don't even think of 5% for night driving. The kids where I work have 5% and they admit to having to put the windows down at night under certain circumstances just to see while parking etc...

    I got all 9 windows done except for the small one right above the rear emblem since it is tinted already. I got 50% and am quite pleased with it. But tint here is a no-no, so I went kinf of light. If I were in Orlando such as yourself, and when I was stationed in Sacramento, I went with 35% and was always pleased...
     
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  8. rlr66

    rlr66 Junior Member

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    Hey. Thanks for all the info. I got your PM. I guess the people doing the tinting had suggestions and know the norm. Thanks again.
     
  9. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    When getting a quote for Ceramic tint - a local tinter didn't have a 24" roll to do the back in 35% and was trying to convince me to go with 15% on the rear (he did have that in stock). I expressed concerns about it being too dark and his response was that most SUV's come w/ 15% when sold here in AZ. Hrm...

    Geoshield Ceramic quote: $375 onsite, 10% off at his shop - 35% front, 15% back window
    Suntek Carbon quote: $225 onsite, 10% off at his shop - he does have 35% all the way around.
     
  10. eglmainz

    eglmainz New Member

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    Uhm, there are 11 Windows in my 2010 Prius. Did you tint the two little windows ahead of the side mirrors too, or are you forgetting those?
     
  11. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    And for the illinois people, the tint laws are about to change. Just need Gov "Whoever is in charge today" to sign off. Here is the new law as I understand it:


    Correction:

    1) If the rear windows are darker than 30%, you can't go darker than 50% on the front windows.
    2) If the rear windows are lighter than or equal to 35%, you can't go darker than 35% on the fronts.
    3) If you have a car that has factory window tint that is lighter than 50% (I can't think of any), you are allowed to go as dark as 50%. This law is just stupid IMHO.

    Previously, it was illegal to tint the front windows to any degree. I'll find the change in legislation in a second...edit coming.

    Here is the current staus on the bill: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/Bil...D=76&LegID=46080&SpecSess=0&Session=0#actions

    Here is the amended law (Scroll to #6):http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ful...s=0&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=3325&GAID=10&Session=
     
  12. steve905

    steve905 New Member

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    What is the tinting law in Ontario?
    Recommend anyone?

    Someone told me you can buy a tint kit for $75 online which is cut already for the Prius. Anyone heard of that and can recommend if this is a good way to do it?

    Thanks.
     
  13. Kirk C.

    Kirk C. New Member

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    The only issue I see with tinting the windows of your new Prius is the fact that you will be covering up the water repellant film on the driver and front passenger windows.
     
  14. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    The water repellent film is on the outside of the windows. Tint is applied on the inside.
     
  15. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    The tint goes on the INSIDE of the window.
     
  16. cgrigel

    cgrigel New Member

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    I had my 2010 tinted with NANO tint. It reflect 90% of the heat and 99% UV. I live in Tucson, so heat is a big thing. They also have a 70% heat reduction film for the windshield, but I didn't have it installed, maybe in the future. Cost was $239, but it is a new tint for heat resistance.
     
  17. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

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    Strange, but when my new 2010 came in, the dealer called and said that it was ready for pick up. So when I got to the dealer, they told me they had just tinted all the windows and to be careful not to roll them down for a few days. I didn't ask for tint, nor did they charge me for it. Looks great, though!
     
  18. wave_slider

    wave_slider New Member

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    How'd you pull that off? If you didn't pay for the tint, they must have made a mistake and tinted the wrong car. You definitely scored on that one. Tinting costs $350+ at our store.
     
  19. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

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    Did anyone use GeoShield product to tint their windows??? I am considering a local dealer install it on my 2009 and I know nothing about the product. Is it any good?

    How much tint do you suggest for a Super White...considering of course legal restrictions. I live in Louisiana if that helps.

    Please give me all the information you can....anything will help!!



     
  20. grahamy

    grahamy New Member

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    I had mine done by FormulaOne in Cary, NC. Their "Pinnacle" tint is non-metallic and seems to have high heat block compared to light transmission. I'd asked for 50% front and 35% rear. However the Prius 2010 already has a tint, barely visible, and after testing their conclusion was that the rear windows had to be at least 40% to be legal in NC. I've encountered no problem at night, feel the car is now more comfortable in our summer heat and the solar roof is more effective. So, in short, I believe it's worth it. Whatever the brand, go for the highest quality.