What Kind of Window Tint??

[VairKing]

Its time to retint my windows. Last time I did it myself, with a film I bought from JC Whitney, and was really impressed with the results. Now its about a year later, and they havn't bubbled, but have gotten quite scratched. I want to redo it, but am not sure what brand tint to use. What is good, and anybody know online where I can buy it? I know a couple shops around here use 3M, but wouldn't sell me any, they wanted to put it on. I have heard Johnson is good too, but what is a good source?

 

[LStoudenmire]

Does your EB have the privacy glass? If so, I have found the tint they sell at Wal-Mart (7500 Series 20% Dk Gray)to match the privacy glass almost perfectly. But the downfall is that you need to check the tint for imperfections before you install, as I found half the rolls to have blemishes. But I have also installed the Gila Brand Film. The quality is much better and I really like the way it turned out.

 

[VairKing]

No, It doesnt have privacy glass. I dont think it was available in 91. I just want something fairly dark that wont bubble, or scratch. Also anybody know the best way to apply it to the windows that roll up? I had a little trouble getting it past the rubber seal. Is it best just to take out the seal?

 

[LStoudenmire]

I have tinted with putting the film on the outside of the window and trimming it, but the last time I made a template out of some cardboard about the thickness of a manilla folder with great success. I tinted mine with the door panels off and took off the rubber seal thats at the top of the door that the door panel sits in. On our models, it's really not a big deal to take the panels off, and the ruuber seal comes off with a few careful wacks with a rubber mallet. Good Luck.

 

[Hartman]

You tinted on the OUTSIDE of the window? If that works, it might be good for eliminating some of my privacy glass.

 

[VairKing]

Any durablility problems with doing it on the outside of the glass? Seems like it would scratch easily with tree branches, and other trail runs and stuff.

 

[NaplesBill]

I think he meant that he "trimmed" on the outside before applying it to the inside. If you cut the tint a little longer than needed you can tuck the bottom inside the molding!

 

[LStoudenmire]

Thanks Bill. That is what I meant. I basically place the film on the outside of the glass backwards to trim it so that it will fit the window. Then peel the backing off and soak the adhesive side of the film and the INSIDE of the window. Then flip the film to the inside, and then spray the non-adhesive side of the film after you have it on the inside of the window. That will make the squegee slide across the tint w/o scratching it.

 

[VairKing]

That is a good idea...I will have to try it. Does anybody know of any good sources for 3M or Johnson Film? Anywhere cheap?

 

[ajevenson]

Here's a site that has some instructions and useful pics on it. Dead Link Removed

 

[Alec]

My local tinter used Johnson film and I'm very happy with it. They used lots of water, and cut the pieces to size using the outside of the vehicle, then installed on the inside. Very clean install, though I couldn't roll the windows down for 3 days, and it took about a week for all the water to get out.