Window Tinting

[ViperBite]

I am planning on tinting the rear hatch window on my GTS. I have noticed that most do not do this. Sitting in the sun seems to really increase the temp in the car and I figured this should help somewhat as well as keep the rear area from long term exposure and maybe add some privacy to what may be stored in that area. I was planning on keeping the side windows without tint. Is there a reason I may not have considered in doing this? I know I can get a rear cargo cover but I think I prefer the tint.

I have all my other cars tinted so looking out the rear through tint is normal to me.

 

[tim721]

IMO i think it would look better if all the windows have the same % of tint

 

[CANTDRIVE55]

Hi,

I had the rear window tinted and I am very pleased with the results. According to the professional doing the tinting (side glass and rear) the matt texture surrounding the clear glass causes the most headaches since the tint doesn't want to adhere to the matted surface. He fretted over this for a good 30-45 minutes until it was perfect. I went with the legal maximum sides and rear. Tinting is almost essential hear in Texas!

 

[ViperBite]

Doc, I would not like the cleaning nightmare you must have due to your "driveway".

The choices I have for rear tint is 5, 20, 35, 50%. I will probably go either 5 or 20%. Max legal on the sides would be 35% in MO. I can always go back and get the sides done later if I don't end up liking the overall look of just the rear.

 

[Red Mist Viper]

I had my rear window tinted only. I tinted the rear window for several reasons such as privacy, looks, and to help keep the car cooler during the summer months. Get it done, it's worth the money.

 

[CANTDRIVE55]

Yep...

I "idle" down the 860-foot driveway!! I usually drive the Viper as my "economy car" (19mpg) three time per week and the H2 (10.5mpg) twice a week. I can take the driveway at speed in the Hummer!

I believe the final tint was 35-sides, 20-rear.

 

[ViperBite]

Doc,

With the 20 rear, can you see items in the rear area looking from the outside or is it still pretty transparent?

Ha, first I have heard of the Viper being the "economy" vehicle for anyone!! Best I have gotten is 21 mpg driving the car from Omaha to the house. Of course that was 70+ with AC so I am not complaining.

I lived in the Texas area for about 20 years. Lived in Hurst, Highland Village, Richardson, Farmers Branch and Lewisville. If I ever move back I think I would settle in Fort Worth area. Just don't like the permanent traffic jam in Dallas.

 

[CANTDRIVE55]

Hi,

SooooooTrue about the Dallas snarl. Thank goodness I live in the "suburbs" of Lone Oak (pop. 541)!

I think that the 20% is a pretty good choice giving good rear view vision but also giving you real good screening from casual eyes. But someone up to serious mischief might be able to transilluminate the rear storage with a powerful flashlight.

 

[DarcShadow]

If you're wanting it to help keep the car cool I'd say get it on rear and sides. Also be sure not to get just privacy tent. Most tint that comes standard on cars these days does nothing to prevent UV rays or help keep the car cooler, they just make the windows harder to see in.

 

[RX VIPER]

ViperBite,

I had a place in St. Charles (about 15 min from you) tint the windows on my Lexus. I was pleased with the quality of work. Let me know if you want their #.

 

[ViperBite]

I am going to Cool Shades Tint or something like that in St. Charles on Sat. Is that the place?

Are all your cars blue??? Cant tell if you added white stripes to the GS. I see it has a wing though.

 

[RX VIPER]

No stripes on the GS. My wife thinks it's ricey enough with the loud intake and Borlas. We just traded my wife's white Town and Country minivan for a new one with the Stow-n-Go. And yes, it is blue. The 500SL is the stand alone in red. We laughed about having 3 blue cars when we bought it last week.

I took mine to Total Tinting on Midpoint Lane. I just looked, they're in O'Fallon.

 

[ViperBite]

I will keep Total Tint in mind in case these guys seem to struggle with the job. Of course it comes with the usual lifetime guarantee so I don't think I can go wrong. Thanks for the tip though.

I guess I have a similar deal in that my Lexus and Highlander are both Silver. Thought about a silver GTS but just could not pass up the faster, better looking color I got.

I have submitted both VCA membership and Regional registration. Vebally told that both are in process. So will see you in a few weeks unless another cruise happens before then.

 

[RX VIPER]

VB- Actually, we have an event coming up this Sunday. The Make-a-Wish event at Queeny Park in Manchester. It's a great time giving rides and puting smiles on kids faces. PM me if you can make it and I'll send the details.