Tinting Buying Advice Needed

Ibizan · 05-25-2003, 10:54 PM

I'd like to tint my 04 WRX wagon but haven't had this done before on any of my cars. I've done some research but hoping some of you could offer some words of wisdom on any of the following...

1. How many of you have a metallic-based tint as opposed to plastic? I've heard that metallic is better in quality and worth the cost difference.

2. I'll be moving to Wisconsin where the tinting % is different b/w the front doors (50%) and rear doors (35%). Wouldn't this look strange? I'd think that 50% is pretty light so would you take the chance on a tint ticket and match the doors?

3. Do any of you have a lifetime replacement warranty on your tint? Again, I've heard this is easier to get for metallic than plastic.

4. Are there any brand names of tint that are recommended or does this differ from installer to installer?

5. Any pics of your vehicles with percentages would be great. I'm overseas until next month and my WRX won't be delivered until I get home. My dealer is able to set me up with his tint installer but pics would give me some idea of what to do.

Thanks all. Cheers.

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NeoteriX · 05-26-2003, 01:07 AM

I've used Formula One metalized tint.

Apparently the metalized stuff doesn't fade, I like it.

DrD · 05-26-2003, 08:30 AM

Make sure you see some examples of the shops work before having them do it - the tint should go all the way to the edge of the glass, otherwise it looks weird.

3M makes a decent product

UncleMeat · 05-26-2003, 12:48 PM

Where in Wisconsin will you be moving? That makes a difference.

In Milwaukee, the rules are the same, but I've yet to know anyone to get stopped for tint alone. I drove around in a car for awhile that was 18% all around (windshield and all). Cops never looked twice. However, if you get stopped for something else, you will get a fix-it ticket as well.

It's honestly not a concern of the police around here. I am planning on tinting my car 50% windshield and 30% everywhere else. That doesn't look the best, but it looks far better than 0-50-30

EDIT - Also go to a shop that has a good warranty. Lifetime isn't hard to find. And if you're going to be moving soon, you may as well wait until you get to where you're going. That way if there is a bubble or something, you don't have to go all the back to your old home to get it fixed.

White2.5GT · 05-26-2003, 02:53 PM

Here's my Legacy with 35% front and 15% rear...

http://members.nasioc.com/UserPics/1...cysideview.jpg

mike270 · 05-26-2003, 03:10 PM

Definitely spend the extra money and get some Formula 1 tint. The stuff is amazing. It comes with a lifetime warranty and 1 free repair for something you do (scratch it etc..) I think it looks really good too.

IIRC some JDM STi's came with tint on the back windows only...looked fine to me.

mike270 · 05-26-2003, 03:12 PM

Also as part of the lifetime warranty they will replace your tint if it ever starts to fade...thats the main benefit of the metallic is it is small pieces of metal that make the tint compared to the dye used in other tints. Metal doesn't fade so..... I have had mine for about 1.5 years and still looks just as good as the day I put it on.

Ibizan · 05-26-2003, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UncleMeat
Where in Wisconsin will you be moving? That makes a difference.

Most likely Madison or LaCrosse, depends on the job location.

Ibizan · 05-26-2003, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mike270
Definitely spend the extra money and get some Formula 1 tint.

I checked the F1 site and the nearest dealer appears to be in Minneapolis, about a 4 hour drive from where I'll be (Madison and LaCrosse, WI). I'll keep looking and see if there's one closer. Thanks for the referral. Have also heard good things about Llumar.

Cheers.

UncleMeat · 05-26-2003, 09:43 PM

You should be fine, it's only in those nothing towns where you have to worry about Barney Fife with nothing better to do stopping you for tint.

05-25-2003, 10:54 PM	#1
Ibizan Scooby Newbie Member#: 31945 Join Date: Jan 2003 Vehicle: 04 Forester XT Platinum Silver	Tinting Buying Advice Needed I'd like to tint my 04 WRX wagon but haven't had this done before on any of my cars. I've done some research but hoping some of you could offer some words of wisdom on any of the following... 1. How many of you have a metallic-based tint as opposed to plastic? I've heard that metallic is better in quality and worth the cost difference. 2. I'll be moving to Wisconsin where the tinting % is different b/w the front doors (50%) and rear doors (35%). Wouldn't this look strange? I'd think that 50% is pretty light so would you take the chance on a tint ticket and match the doors? 3. Do any of you have a lifetime replacement warranty on your tint? Again, I've heard this is easier to get for metallic than plastic. 4. Are there any brand names of tint that are recommended or does this differ from installer to installer? 5. Any pics of your vehicles with percentages would be great. I'm overseas until next month and my WRX won't be delivered until I get home. My dealer is able to set me up with his tint installer but pics would give me some idea of what to do. Thanks all. Cheers. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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05-26-2003, 01:07 AM	#2
NeoteriX Scooby Specialist Member#: 20999 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: NJ Vehicle: 2002 PSM WRX Stg 2 knee - Aw - teh - rix	I've used Formula One metalized tint. Apparently the metalized stuff doesn't fade, I like it.

05-26-2003, 08:30 AM	#3
DrD Scooby Guru Member#: 22412 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Albuquerque, NM Vehicle: 2012 Legacy 2.5GT Ice Silver Metallic	Make sure you see some examples of the shops work before having them do it - the tint should go all the way to the edge of the glass, otherwise it looks weird. 3M makes a decent product

05-26-2003, 12:48 PM	#4
UncleMeat Scooby Specialist Member#: 33256 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Milwaukee, WI Vehicle: 2010 subasuckbox vomit	Where in Wisconsin will you be moving? That makes a difference. In Milwaukee, the rules are the same, but I've yet to know anyone to get stopped for tint alone. I drove around in a car for awhile that was 18% all around (windshield and all). Cops never looked twice. However, if you get stopped for something else, you will get a fix-it ticket as well. It's honestly not a concern of the police around here. I am planning on tinting my car 50% windshield and 30% everywhere else. That doesn't look the best, but it looks far better than 0-50-30 EDIT - Also go to a shop that has a good warranty. Lifetime isn't hard to find. And if you're going to be moving soon, you may as well wait until you get to where you're going. That way if there is a bubble or something, you don't have to go all the back to your old home to get it fixed.

05-26-2003, 02:53 PM	#5
White2.5GT Scooby Newbie Member#: 25142 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland, Cana Vehicle: 1998 Legacy 2.5GT White	Here's my Legacy with 35% front and 15% rear... http://members.nasioc.com/UserPics/1...cysideview.jpg

05-26-2003, 03:10 PM	#6
mike270 Scooby Specialist Member#: 12863 Join Date: Nov 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: 2002 2.5RS	Definitely spend the extra money and get some Formula 1 tint. The stuff is amazing. It comes with a lifetime warranty and 1 free repair for something you do (scratch it etc..) I think it looks really good too. IIRC some JDM STi's came with tint on the back windows only...looked fine to me.

05-26-2003, 03:12 PM	#7
mike270 Scooby Specialist Member#: 12863 Join Date: Nov 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: 2002 2.5RS	Also as part of the lifetime warranty they will replace your tint if it ever starts to fade...thats the main benefit of the metallic is it is small pieces of metal that make the tint compared to the dye used in other tints. Metal doesn't fade so..... I have had mine for about 1.5 years and still looks just as good as the day I put it on.

05-26-2003, 09:43 PM	#10
UncleMeat Scooby Specialist Member#: 33256 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Milwaukee, WI Vehicle: 2010 subasuckbox vomit	You should be fine, it's only in those nothing towns where you have to worry about Barney Fife with nothing better to do stopping you for tint.