Window tinting - questions

[tsigoloeg]

I'm sure there are other threads out there with these answers but I can't find them. I tried searching but half the ones I try to look at also say "invalid topic." Not to say I didn't find some useful info tho.

Basically, I am trying to decide b/w 3M, Madico and this new stuff called Wincos. 3M is carbon injected, 50% heat block. The Madico is 68% and the Wincos is crazy high, around 90%, it is also the most expensive at $350. 3M is $270 and the Madico was $250. I believe the Madico was also metallic and I'm moderately concerned about using my aftermarket GPS mounted down in the center console. Will it also screw with the in-glass radio antenna? Anyone have experience to share?

Also, anyone know the appx factory VLT% on coupe windows? I'm not too interested in getting dark look, just heat rejection, and want to keep my total VLT at 35-40%.

[notaverage]

I used Madico non metallic tint. It is called Charcool (I believe). It is an extruded tint, and because it is non metallic, should not affect any electronics in your car.

BTW I paid $200 for 5 pieces of glass to be tinted (including the small triangles). 35% all around, isn't too dark, but looks clean IMO.

[notaverage]

On a side note, if you're going to spend $350 to get your car tinted, go for the best of the best, which is ceramic tint. I've heard very good things about the brand FormulaOne ceramic tint. I could've gotten ceramic tint for $340 from rocky mountain tint. But went with Madico instead, cuz the installer was only 5 miles away.

[LongBeachCoupe]

is there any advantage to this expensive tint? dont do metal.. you will screw with std radio

[notaverage]

The biggest advantage to ceramic tint is the reduction in heat. Ceramic tint will keep your car cooler than any other tint, and it's slightly thicker.

[LongBeachCoupe]

i dont really touch the tint to know how thick it is... but my car stays cold.. i guess its different in cali weather...

[adidas2go]

Yea i have formulaone. Great product

[vballer22]

Iv'e got 20% on the side and rear windows. Anything less would be suicide here in phoenix.

[dangeris]

I had Lumenar tints installed on mine. 20% on the doors and 5% for the rest. I haven't had the tints on the car yet in the dead of summer as I had bought the car in late September of last year. However, I might be moving to Las Vegas so I guess I'll find out how well these tints are.

[tsigoloeg]

Thanks to the responses so far.

I researched the Wincos a little more. Can't find much on the 'net about it. This is the only real info I found http://www.smlwindowtint.com/wincos.nxg Lintec doesn't seem to have a decent website touting their product. Wincos is a carbon-injected film like the 3M CS but apparently has a higher level of IR rejection and is more scratch-resistant than the ceramic films.

Do any of you with 20% (or any tint I guess) have any issues with night-time/overcast visibility? What have your experiences been with that?

[adidas2go]

Yea, lots of times I need to roll down my windows before I back into parking spaces and such

[stsxcrle]

I'm running twenty all around, took a little getting used to but highway driving is fine, when backing into or parallel parking in a spot at night I'll roll the windows down. Love the 20% though and wouldn't go lighter personally.