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Different Tint Types

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by BellBoy, Mar 31, 2006.

  1. BellBoy

    BellBoy Member

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    I just spoke with my "tinter" (if that's actually a title) and he told me of two different types that he carries that Prius drivers have requested and used. One is the metallic tint...the other is the more expensive ceramic tint.

    He brought up the ceramic tint because of his concern of the metallic possibly interfering with GPS/radio reception in the newer Prius. Does anyone know if this is true? He also asked about whether antennas had been incorporated into the glass...something I couldn't tell him for sure.

    The heat/light control are comparable so I'd obviously rather go with the less expensive product. This is coming from Joe @ Sundimmers here in L.A. He's quoted me a little over $200 for everything with the metallic and closer to $400 for the ceramic--both have lifetime warranties.
     
    #1 BellBoy, Mar 31, 2006
  2. H2OSkier

    H2OSkier Member

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    I had Joe @ Sundimmers in Van Nuys do my Clear Bra and my tinting. I had Formula One Pinnacle 50 installed on all windows except the windshield. I had read about more issues with cell reception than nav issues, the nav antenna is under the front dash I believe. I can tell you I'm very happy with the results. Joe is very easy to work with and I like his attention to details, going out of his way to make sure the work was top quality. I picked the 50 because I wasn't after a real dark tint just for uv and heat rejection. I know Joe has worked on a few cars from PC already.

    Ken
     
    #2 H2OSkier, Mar 31, 2006
  3. BellBoy

    BellBoy Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(H2OSkier @ Mar 31 2006, 02:18 PM) [snapback]233132[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the reply Ken.

    Can anyone else corroborate the cell reception issues after getting the metallic tint?
     
    #3 BellBoy, Mar 31, 2006
  4. kinged

    kinged New Member

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    I talked to Joe at one time. The Formula one premium was just too expensive for me. I ended up having 3 M stable color tint done at my local tint store for around $235. 3 M is non-metalic and also comes with lifetime warranty. I am quite happy.
     
    #4 kinged, Mar 31, 2006
  5. H2OSkier

    H2OSkier Member

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    You might just try to google on tint and cell and see what you find. Also try going here http://www.tintdude.com I always look for trends when doing research and do not rely on one or two posting.

    Ken
     
    #5 H2OSkier, Mar 31, 2006
  6. samoan_ridah

    samoan_ridah New Member

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    I just did the 3M tint (35%) all-around for $200 even from my local tint guy. This was the 10th car I've had him do for me in 5 years, very good work.
     
    #6 samoan_ridah, Apr 4, 2006
  7. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samoan_ridah @ Apr 3 2006, 11:08 PM) [snapback]234525[/snapback]</div>
    Where are you located? If in San Jose I'd appreciate the name of your guy.
     
    #7 San_Carlos_Jeff, Apr 4, 2006
  8. ckbarnard

    ckbarnard New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samoan_ridah @ Apr 3 2006, 09:08 PM) [snapback]234525[/snapback]</div>
    Hey, Samoan--Please tell us where you are and who your tint guy is and his business name and location, if you will. Thanks!
     
    #8 ckbarnard, Apr 4, 2006
  9. BellBoy

    BellBoy Member

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    I wound up doing the metallic tint. So far no complaints about cell/radio reception. It also looks amazing. :D
     
    #9 BellBoy, Apr 4, 2006
  10. H2OSkier

    H2OSkier Member

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    Where did you get it done ? What tint did you decided on ? How dark ?

    Ken
     
    #10 H2OSkier, Apr 4, 2006
  11. samoan_ridah

    samoan_ridah New Member

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    I am in the Los Angeles area and the guy that does my tint comes out to your house. He has contracts with a few Toyota dealerships in the area but he has always done my cars directly.

    Tell him that Brian with the silver Prius referred you and he should know who I am.

    Andy's Mobile Window Tinting
    (310) 522-1009

    I'll upload some pics of the car with the tint tonight when I get off of work.
     
    #11 samoan_ridah, Apr 4, 2006
  12. BellBoy

    BellBoy Member

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    #12 BellBoy, Apr 4, 2006
  13. H2OSkier

    H2OSkier Member

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    Like I said before you can't go wrong going to Joe :) Glad to hear you liked his work. I'm sure he has had quite a few PC Priuses in his shop by now.

    Ken
     
    #13 H2OSkier, Apr 4, 2006
  14. NuShrike

    NuShrike Active Member

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    Hey, as long as you didn't put metallic tint on the front window, you're not really affecting anything like the GPS except for celphone reception for the rear passengers.

    I have the Hüper Optik ceramic tint on 3 sides and no problems 60% & 40% and the b-pillar hides the difference giving it a smooth gradient.
     
    #14 NuShrike, Apr 4, 2006
  15. BellBoy

    BellBoy Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NuShrike @ Apr 4 2006, 08:30 PM) [snapback]235068[/snapback]</div>
    I did all metallic as I mentioned and no problems so far with cell/radio/GPS. As far as the back passengers are concerned...f 'em. :D
     
    #15 BellBoy, Apr 5, 2006
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