Optimal tint (California mostly)

[Oriental Life]

I will be tinting my DGM BRZ, but I can't make a decision on what % tint to use.

With California's 70% tint limit for front windows (driver and front passenger) there is not much you can do. Well, almost nothing

In our family people mover, I was able to get away with 20% in the back and 50% upfront, since the car is light-color and interior is also light. This color contrast creates illusion that front windows are Ok.

But with coupe, I'm having second thoughts:

40% all around

or

20% in the back, 60% on the sides.

What do you think? How do you plan to tint if you are in the state that aggressively regulates tint limits? Thanks!

[Fish]

I believe any tint on the front windows is illegal actually. I remember when they made me pull the tint off my Evo windows...

From chp.ca.gov

Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:

1. The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
2. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.

The law prohibits any person from driving any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows, with certain limited exceptions.

However, legislation signed into law effective January 1, 1999, exempts from the above prohibition specified clear, colorless, and transparent material that is installed, affixed, or applied to the front driver and passenger side windows for the specific purpose of reducing ultraviolet rays. If, as, or when this material becomes torn, bubbled or otherwise worn, it must be removed or replaced.


Probably not going to tint the windows on mine. I kinda like it the way it is.

[BigFatFlip]

I was originally not planning on doing any tinting at all but I'm having second thoughts. As Fish mentioned, any tinting on the front windows is illegal in Ca (I've gotten a fix-it ticket for it in the past). I am, on the other hand, considering doing some tinting for the rear window and those two tiny rear side windows, probably a mild to 40% tint.

Oriental Life, let me know when you do the tinting, I'm looking for a good tinter around the area (all I get from friends are "yeah, my cousin could do it for ya!")

[Fish]

My buddy actually just tinted his 3 rear windows. Forgot what the % was. But on a Raven black FR-S, it looks really good.

[SuperSatinBrz]

Let me know if you guys find a good tint place in the bay area. I was planning on going no tint for the life of the car, but depending on fellow close by owners, you guys might just change my mind.

[86design]

i just tinted my windows today... but I just tinted the 3 rear windows...

the two sides and the rear window...

the guy charged me $60 with life time warranty

Tinted windows 35% (still wanted a kinda stock look to the car)

[BigFatFlip]

^Very nice! Just what I had in mind.

[Fly Guy]

I'm thinking of the 3M Crystalline 90 to block the UV rays. It's a real light tint.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...omotive_Films/

[mrha]

Originally Posted by 86design

i just tinted my windows today... but I just tinted the 3 rear windows...

the two sides and the rear window...

the guy charged me $60 with life time warranty

Tinted windows 35% (still wanted a kinda stock look to the car)

Are those ARC splitters I see?

[Oriental Life]

Well, regulations aside (I know no-tint laws are there mainly to protect law enforcement officers at expense of our health, unfortunately), there are still legal ways of doing it in CA. Like getting a prescription from your doctor about your eyes sensitivity to light. Unfortunately, I can use similar 'bypass' to justify my tinting needs, but I won't.

I previously went with this place, which properly bakes tint film onto the glass: http://www.calautotint.com/auto-tinting Cost me something like 400 to do the entire SUV all around (minus windshield) As always, every place gives you free removal if you get fix-it tickets. I will go with them again, once I get all DMV docs cleared.

I want to do sides with one tone (%). Its either flush, or nothing. If I go 60% that will give me UV protection + better car appeal. But I definitely want back at 20%, considering how low the car sits (and those SUVs flushing lights on the highways)

[Liquidsnake]

I did 35% all around. I live in LA. I do it to keep the sun out, as my eyes are sensitive to bright light. That and The police will never dictate how my car looks I don't care how much money I spend. I will never have a front license plate and my windows will always be tinted.

If I get ticketed, 24 hours after the write off, they will be back to the way they were.

[Oriental Life]

Originally Posted by Liquidsnake

I did 35% all around. I live in LA.

Whats your car color? I bet with my DGM I need to step one grade darker to match it appropriately.

[Liquidsnake]

Originally Posted by Oriental Life

Whats your car color? I bet with my DGM I need to step one grade darker to match it appropriately.

Whiteout. Looks bad ass but it's not too dark. I had 35% on my Z and never got a ticket for it.

[Oriental Life]

Originally Posted by Liquidsnake

Whiteout. Looks bad ass but it's not too dark. I had 35% on my Z and never got a ticket for it.

Gotcha. Thanks! Yes, I agree tickets for tinting seems like a rare thing up here too. Cops look more at your driving patterns rather than looks (well, most of the times )