I know, weird question, but I don't want to get into it unless there is someone who is knowledge and has installed tint before, preferably professional.....Intel???

 

What's your question?
Applying window tint is easy, the key is the cleaning/prep of the window.

 

I agree that tint installation on flat windows is very easy, but care must be taken in the preparation steps and following the instructions. You ought to try it, with patience, before paying to have someone do it.

The trick is to have mildly soapy water and slowly working out the large bubbles. It can be done...and you'd never pay someone to do it again!

 

For those do-it-yourselfers...where did you get the tint? Is there a certain one that is better quality than others?

 

I got my tint at a Walmart, you can also pick it up at any of the auto parts stores as well. I can't remember the brand. As Sacto mentioned one of the keys is to use soapy water to position the film where you need it. From there you start squeegie the water out from under it.
However before that the key to the prep work is to vacuum your car real well so your not moving dust around. Then clean your windows very good and then clean them again by scraping every inch with a box scraper razor. This is to remove any lint or dust spots.
When you see other tint jobs even ones done by shops that have little white spots in them, it is from dust pieces keeping the film from bonding to the window in that spot.

The key to the curved rear windows is to cut it in strips after you have properly sized it. Make sure you use a straight edge so when you line the film strips up then will be even.

Good Luck

 

I don't install tint.

Might have to attempt it though since you all make it sound so easy...

I need tint on my truck anyways and planned to go next week. Maybe I'll get some and attempt it myself.

Now it is my turn to ask questions

How do you cut the tint to fit the windows properly?

Would there be any problems in using a glass polish on the interior before installing the tint?

 

Most installers do it on the OUTSIDE of the window before peeling the backing off, then a heat gun to conform the tint to the arch and curve of the window.

I have installed tint before and have had it done by a real pro before, there IS a difference.

I know, Intel, that you are a perfectionist from reading your posts...


Also, the tint they sell at WalMart is JUNK. Unless you install in perfectly, it will bubble and peel in a year or two.

 

PW, did you do that tint job yourself, or is that pro. It looks great. I need some tint but I was wondering what is the nicest % to go with, and what is legal. Also about how much would it cost to have it done by a pro?

Thanks
Jim

 

You do use the outside of the windows to cut the size needed. As far as the issue of the film at walmart being junk that is up for debate. They used to have about four different manufacturers tint when I did mine. So there may be some differences in the film. Now saying that just because you pay some one that you will get a good job is a joke as well. I have seen plenty of bad "pro" jobs just as much as I have seen bad "amatuer" jobs.
After seeing the quality of work in the area I was stationed at I decided to try it myself. If I messed it up I was only out the $$$ spent on the film and the time invested.
I will look and see if I have any old pics of the tint job I did on my Honda. I cut strips to do the back window, I can't speak for using a heat gun to get the curves done. Installing film on a truck would be a breeze.
Give it a try and if your not satisfied you can always remove it without any damage to your windows.

 

For F-150's, most of us have the back windows tinted from the factory, so we just need the front ones doen to match. Most good professionals will do it for $50-75. I had ours done about a week after we bought it, 20% to match the back. It looks darker here becuase of the overcast day, but I loved it until two weeks ago when I finally got pulled over for it after 4 years. So, it is gone right now, but it coming back.

Legality varies by state. Michigan only allows a 4" band from the top of the front windows. No other tint in the front.

 

Jim,

My rears are factory and I had them metered and the front done to match (fronts are 20%). In most states, the max legal for the fronts is 35% but enforcement won't occur until you start looking at limo or mirror tints.

I would reccomend 25% as a good tint for all windows, if you aren't matching a factory job.

My fronts were done with 20% film to match by a local pro installer for $40. Lifetime gaurentee from the tint manufacturer and the shop (in business for almost 15 years already). A complete truck should run about $125.

Last I looked they had one kind of tint that was made by lord knows who and sold in boxes labeled for sale at WalMart. It was quite thin and had no warranty of any kind.


I said a pro job. Just because you pay them doesn't make them a professional installer. A pro installer will have had actual training in the use of things like heat guns and such from tint maunfacturers. Check the credentials if you want a real professional job. Finding a pro that will stand behind their work and who has been doing it a long time is equally important.

 

i agree with the above post. just pay somone to do it. you only need two windows and its only around 50 bucks. well worth not havign to fuss with it yourself if ya ask me. i'm all for doing things myself but for 50 bucks let some other shmuck do it lol. i had mine done the day i got the truck. tinted windows by far look way better then non and improve the look of the truck 100 times over i think. not to mention the fact that once you have them tinted wont have to feel like your in a fish bowl with everyone looking at you throw your big ol windows lol. letting a shop do it will give you 100 percent warrentee for the life of the truck. cant beat that for 50 or so bucks if ya ask me. i got mine done litteraly the same day i got the truck and wouldnt have it any other way