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Hatch Glass Window Tint - Any Effect on ability to defrost itself?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by cycledrum, May 6, 2010.

  1. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I'm about to check into a longtime and recommend local tint / detail shop. www.automalltintspecialist.com He's recommending Suntek HP charcoal and XP as well as Huper Optik ceramic.

    Before shelling out some bucks, has anyone had any problems with rear defrosting with tint film on that hatch glass? Defost less, somewhat slower, anything or the same?

    Thought it good to know.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 cycledrum, May 6, 2010
  2. mtnbkr

    mtnbkr Junior Member

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    On a somewhat related note, does visibility decrease due to the shallow angle of the rear window?
     
    #2 mtnbkr, May 6, 2010
  3. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    WOW Cycle, I was just at Auto Mall yesterday getting mine done too. Ask Sidney if be remembers me! He might mention what I got if you can't decide.

    I got 18% Carbon XP thinking Id be getting Suntek HP, but I got there and found out he just got the XP last week. I love it's warranty over fading and truer black color, over the HP. Sidneys been estatic about the XP too and I trust him. Well worth the extra $30 IMO. Sidney and I both thought it matches the color of my car so well. I'm very pleased.

    Just got the 3 back windows plus triangles done.

    As for your question (LOL sorry) I haven't tried the defroster since I'm still waiting for the tints to cure, but I doubt it'd be an issue.

    Tell Sidney that Matt says hi! Thanks!
     
    #3 macmaster05, May 6, 2010
  4. car2lvr

    car2lvr Junior Member

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    I have no issue with the defroster at the hatch glass being tinted.
     
    #4 car2lvr, May 6, 2010
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  5. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

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    Only thing you must watch out for is if you ever have tint removed, it can rip your defroster lines off if its not removed by someone who knows what they are doing.
     
    #5 Supreme, May 6, 2010
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  6. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Oh I'm sure it'll be a little harder to see through the glass when tinted, but I did bring it up with the owner - I still want to see what's behind, especially at night with the auto-dimming rearview mirror. so, I don't want a shade that's very dark, mostly for heat/light rejection.
     
    #6 cycledrum, May 6, 2010
  7. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Small world it is. How's the hatch tint jiving with your auto-dimming rearview mirror? Can you still see some detail at night in mirror?
     
    #7 cycledrum, May 6, 2010
  8. Malarkey

    Malarkey New Member

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    Your post looked kinda odd so I looked at posting history... it's funny, you had five throw away posts then starting linking Tintbuyer.com and nothing else in all subsequent posts. You sure you're not the same guy posting in comments on sites all over the web suggesting people go there?

    I suppose you could be consulting with them, even if you own or work for them........... and have a serious happy place for them, such that you don't ever have any other posts....

    :nono:
     
    #8 Malarkey, May 7, 2010
  9. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    I havent driven with my 18% Carbon at night - only back and forth to work in daylight. I've only had it for a couple of days now.

    Sidney told me a story that a few days a customer came in asking Sid to remove his 5% out of the back window. Sid asks him "why" - he says he almost hit someone while backing up. Now, Sidney doesnt recommend 5%. I think 18% will be ok for nighttime visibility. But again I havent tried it, I'm afraid of the dark.
     
    #9 macmaster05, May 7, 2010
  10. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    www.automalltintspecialist.com ....

    Best customer service I've ever had. Sidney was the coolest dude, very informative and upbeat. I didn't time it, but he tinted the hatch while chatting with me, must have been under 15 minutes. I would recommend his place to anyone.

    I went with the Suntek Carbon XP 35% a medium shade on just the hatch. I'll go back for the rear side windows/triangles.

    I mentioned Matt with the Gray Prius and they remembered.
     
    #10 cycledrum, May 7, 2010
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  11. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Awesome! Yes awesome experience indeed. I need to send in the warranty card. Did you pay cash too?

    I plan to post pictures soon in an album.
     
    #11 macmaster05, May 8, 2010
  12. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    No I used CC. Next time I'll pay cash to save them the 3% hit from the bank. It was no big to him using CC for a $110 job.
     
    #12 cycledrum, May 8, 2010
  13. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    I had all my windows tinted & havent had any problem with the defroster or seeing at night.
     
    #13 sfv41901, May 8, 2010
  14. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    SFV - What % tint do u have in the back hatch?
     
    #14 macmaster05, May 9, 2010
  15. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    I ended up putting 17% cause my wife didnt want the 5%
     
    #15 sfv41901, May 9, 2010
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