Cheap and Dirty Way to Tint Windows?

[untrueparadox]

I've always wanted some tinted windows and I just stumbled upon a precut window kit on ebay here:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...orted

how difficult do you think it is? the seller wouldn't release any info on the instructions and wants me to pay before he provides anything. it isnt too bad, $30 for a tint vs the $50+ an auto shop wanted to charge per window depending on the tint color.

im thinking 50% tint for the front 2 and limo tint the rest?
Modified by untrueparadox at 12:57 AM 6/13/2009

[MinisterofDOOM]

the seller wouldn't release any info on the instructions and wants me to pay before he provides anything.

I'd tell him to jump off a cliff, only not so nicely. What a jerk.

As for the tint, I have NEVER seen a single do-it-yourelf tint job that hasn't looked like complete crap. You'll either end up stuck with bubbles or hate it so much you'll have to go through the tedium of removing the tint and adhesive. If the guy's not willing to release details on his "quick install" setup, I see no reason to believe this is any different.

[DallasDrift]

save some time and piece of mind and go to the pros, you will be glad you did. as for the hack whose got the kit on ebay

[sweet3rdgen]

Always remember, you get what you pay for. There is a reason professional cost what they cost. We would be willing to pay if it wasn't worth it.

[untrueparadox]

yes i truly agree with you but..

i want to do a tint that is possibly illegal in california, and i went to several shops requesting it and they either flat out dont do it or gave me ridiculous totals because they have to "custom order" them. i either want the silver reflective tint my friend has, or the upgraded tint from the stock Lexus RX300. the greenish shiny looking tint. i think it would look better and block out more light than having 5% limo tint.

my friends silver tint is something like this:http://tropicalautosound.com/c...T.jpg

and the rx300http://upload.wikimedia.org/wi...r.JPG

edit: did a bit more research, instructions are something like this?http://www.snaptint.com/install_window_film.html

[allensteiner]

yes i truly agree with you but..

i want to do a tint that is possibly illegal in california, and i went to several shops requesting it and they either flat out dont do it or gave me ridiculous totals because they have to "custom order" them. i either want the silver reflective tint my friend has, or the upgraded tint from the stock Lexus RX300. the greenish shiny looking tint. i think it would look better and block out more light than having 5% limo tint.

my friends silver tint is something like this:http://tropicalautosound.com/c...T.jpg

and the rx300http://upload.wikimedia.org/wi...r.JPG

edit: did a bit more research, instructions are something like this?http://www.snaptint.com/install_window_film.html

you can watch a movie on tinting on youtube. buy the film online and take time/care installing

[untrueparadox]

you guys know where to get high quality tint pre cut? like the 3m or llumiux or madico? i really like the madico onyx ones but nobody, not even the shops i called up, have them.

[ABNRML4U]

Gee, How many tint shops are in CA? I would shop around for the best prices Dude, Just think if you get a shop to tint your windows you will get a warranty.

[untrueparadox]

ya, im probably gonna call up some shops in the yellow pages. what price do you guys think is good for a full window tint job? im got prices from $200-350 for brand name films like madico, lumiux, etc and one for even $400 for the madico onyx metallic stuff. those include 4 door windows, one rear, and one sunstrip.

any recommendations for shops in the los angeles region? i guess i live in an expensive neighborhood and the local shops are crazy ripoffs.

[my98i30]

Damn! I've never heard of shops charging that much. Out here, the most you'll hear is 200 but several shops will do what you just mentioned for like 140-160. My place does it for 125.

As for tint DIY, it is possible to get clean results. I have. However, if it's your first time, don't expect to get it right. It'll take you a couple of times. If this is something you'll want to do again in the future, it's worth learning. But if it's a one-and-done kind of thing, pay the shop. Or check out craigslist. A lot of the shop guys will do work on the side. Good luck.

[untrueparadox]

there we go, completely forgot about craigslist.

heres what i figured, if it takes me more than one try to do it myself considering it costs $50 per kit, and spend time to install and remove, it would probably be cheaper just to pay a professional. found guys with like $80 for 4 windows and rear, only problem is "Our films are provided to us under private label agreements with ISO registered manufacturers. Because their films are also sold under their flagship brands, they prohibit us from disclosing their trade names." sounds like bs?

and even check this out. $50 lol.http://losangeles.craigslist.o....html
Modified by untrueparadox at 11:05 AM 6/15/2009

[my98i30]

That's a pretty common post. The 49 special will most likely be for a coupe. If you call them and ask them for pricing a sedan, it'll be more like 99 or 120. Give 'em a call and see.

[untrueparadox]

haha, theres a catch. "legal tint" only. so only the rear and back side doors. he asked for $100 for 4 doors, rear, and sun strip. now i dont trust his warranty because hes not a shop.

edit: just need some advice on which one, all of them charge the same for different shadesjohnson lifetime warranty $135+tax for back, 4door, sun strip.suntek from the guy above everything $100 flat cash, 80 w/o strip. says lifetime warranty but i doubt ill find this guy after he tints.solarguard metallic 10 year $195+tax3m lifetime $200 everything.
Modified by untrueparadox at 6:50 PM 6/16/2009