Conflicted with TINT%!

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by SigmaHyperion

All glass has some tint to it already, and vehicle glass a little more -- about 8% give or take a couple percent. So installers in Texas use something in the range of 30-35%, as that actually puts you at about the legal light transmission rate in the state when a meter is used on the window (the law specifically states that the limit is 25% "when measured in combination with the original glass")

As for the OP: I'd go with Option 2. As far as the little windows goes most people go with something darker, simply because the laws allows it (in many places). But, given their size, and how relatively light is visible through them and you mostly see just black interior through them from most angles, they're always going to appear significantly darker than the door windows either way, so it's really a moot point.

Didn't know the stock glass already had tint to it. Looks super un-tinted to me!

I am now leaning towards option 2 after reading everyone's comments. But I think I'm going to keep the sides a uniform tint instead of two different percentages because the back window is the tiniest little triangles. Thanks!

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by kALMIGHTY

Not sure about the laws where you live, but here's what 20% all around looks like for reference. Just FYI, where I live, it's completely illegal to have ANY % tint on your front windows. You can only do rear windows here, and I still haven't been given any grief. A lot of cops have come up to me and told me my car looked nice.

Thanks for the picture references! I think 20% in daylight looks awesome but I think I'm going to have trouble at night driving with them In NY, 70% is legal for the front. Not sure about windshield but I'm not going to tint that anyway. When I said "front" I meant the sides of the passenger and driver. Sorry if I was confusing! You're super lucky to not have any problems with the cops with your 20%!

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by Wyattkb

What are your reasons for getting tint? Are you going for the look or functionality or both?


I personally just wanted the heat and UV protection. The black out looks is cool, but gets real old when backing out at night. I also planned on tracking the car and I wanted the best visibility.

With that being said I went with the 3m Crystalline 30% all around. I don't have pics but I will get some. At night it looks blacked out unless there is a light on in the car. During the day its pretty visible, just think legal 35% tint.

The advantage comes in with the heat rejection and UV protection. The crystalline tint has dropped the interior temps substantially. Perfect visibility out all windows at night. Superb visibility during the day. I highly reccomened it if your going for function and looks.




If your just tinting it for the privacy + heat get whatever tint. But I think the 20% all around (including front) is asking to get a ticket. Remember when you tint the windshield it makes it much darker all around.

Since the legal is 70% id say the best combo is 35% with 50% or even 70% windshield. Any darker than that and it is going to very noticeable.

I'm going for both look and functionality. Completely un-tinted looks "naked" to me and it would be nice if the interior didn't feel like an oven as well as having some privacy!

Is "Crystalline tint" something extra they add into the tint? Like do they have normal 3M and 3M Crystalline? I'm leaning towards my second option: 35% on the sides and 20% on the back. Windshield untouched.

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by frslee

I have 20% except windshield. Few months ago, I almost hit someone who was walking on crosswalk when I was trying to make a left turn. It was raining/night, so it was kind of hard to see. Even now, to get a perfect sight, I would have to lean forward and look through front windshield... I know it's dumb, but the vision isn't good at night.

Yup, that's one of my main concerns in getting it too dark.

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by Muskokan

Don't be a puss and get 5%, your girlfriend will thankyou.

If I get 5%, I might as well just crash the car into a tree because that's probably what's gonna happen LOL. I'm a female and straight, so no girlfriends for me

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by Steve201brz

20% all around except windshield.
Seeing through the windows at night is a little tougher. I started taking a few extra seconds checking for pedestrians. I didn't even think about visibility when I got tints but it doesn't make me regret getting 20% at all. Just gotta be safer at night. Day-time driving is amazing
Can't recommend tinting the windshield

I wasn't planning on tinting the windshield. I already have enough trouble seeing out of my little Asian eyes HAHAHA

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by Anomie

I had 20% all around with a 5% 6" visor on the windshield on my last car for a couple years. I also live in New York, never had a problem with cops and even when pulled over for other things they wouldn't check my tints or say anything about them. This could be a different situation when driving an 86 though, as I'm sure it would be much more of a cop magnet than a family sedan...

I have heard that it's best to drive with your windows down if you're on a state parkway like southern state & northern state etc. because state police are much more strict than just regular Suffolk cops (This is Long Island of course, not sure where in NY you are).

As far as visibility, it can be difficult to back up at night if you're not comfortable with your surroundings. I've parallel parked hundreds of times in Brooklyn with 20% tints all around without a problem though. Some bright LED reverse lights always help too. When I get my 86 I will most likely be going with 20% all around again but since she'll be new and pretty I may invest in a back-up camera for added safety.

BTW, if you're looking for a good place to get them done, I got my last job done at underground tinting in bohemia, they did a great job and it was at a good price too. Once again I don't know if you're on LI, but if you are I recommend them!

I'm sure I'm more of a target now especially since it's RED too. I hate the cold so I can't be driving around with windows down when it's cold out, boooo I'm actually located in Nassau County and mainly drive in LI (both Nassau and Suffolk) and Queens. Someone else mentioned a back-up camera which I think is a great idea. Definitely looking into that. Thanks for the recommendation in Bohemia but I already have a place. I'm getting clear bra + tints together at the same time this weekend

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by jarviz

I got 20% in the back and 30/35?% for the front/sides. Visibility is fine, but then again 99% of my night driving is in NYC. Question for you - do you drive through Westchester 'cause I've seen a firestorm every once in a while on 9A. when going home from work.

I think that's what I'll be getting. 20% in the back and 35% on the sides. The place I'm going to has 20% and 35% along with the other percentages but not 30%. I hate driving in the city! Those darn taxis!!! I don't drive through Westchester at all, I'm predominantly out in Long Island and Queens

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by ZionsWrath

Location: NY

First of all legal in NY is 75%, the stock tint

Second anything you do will be factored by stock tint. So if you get 50% it will really be 35%

See how many tint tickets you get before you decide stock (75%) is fine. It took me 2 years on my last car. When I got my ticket at 21% I realized looking good is not worth the price.

Then I guess I will cross my fingers, knock on wood and hope I don't get any tickets!

[babylobster]

After reading everyone's comments, I think I'll stick to my second option with 35% on the sides, 20% on the back and nothing done to the windshield. I'm getting both the clear bra and tints this weekend, woohoo! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR HELP! It was super helpful and I'm very grateful!

[mwjcyber]

State: New Mexico
20% all around with 5% visor strip, which meets state law.

I recommend going as dark as your state allows.

[Wyattkb]

Originally Posted by babylobster

After reading everyone's comments, I think I'll stick to my second option with 35% on the sides, 20% on the back and nothing done to the windshield. I'm getting both the clear bra and tints this weekend, woohoo! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR HELP! It was super helpful and I'm very grateful!

Good choice. Clear bra is the best investment I've done. After 1000 miles of freeway driving in the desert it still looks brand new. If they offer it also get your headlights clear bra'd.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[kALMIGHTY]

Originally Posted by babylobster

Thanks for the picture references! I think 20% in daylight looks awesome but I think I'm going to have trouble at night driving with them In NY, 70% is legal for the front. Not sure about windshield but I'm not going to tint that anyway. When I said "front" I meant the sides of the passenger and driver. Sorry if I was confusing! You're super lucky to not have any problems with the cops with your 20%!

I meant front sides as well. My windshield is untouched. But yes, it does get a little annoying sometimes at night if you're not in an area where there are no street lights or something because visibility through the tint sucks. In daylight, it's super clear from the inside and dark from the outside. Good choice on the 35% fronts and 20% rear.

[Anomie]

Originally Posted by babylobster

I'm sure I'm more of a target now especially since it's RED too. I hate the cold so I can't be driving around with windows down when it's cold out, boooo I'm actually located in Nassau County and mainly drive in LI (both Nassau and Suffolk) and Queens. Someone else mentioned a back-up camera which I think is a great idea. Definitely looking into that. Thanks for the recommendation in Bohemia but I already have a place. I'm getting clear bra + tints together at the same time this weekend

Nice, good luck with everything! Post up pics here when it's done!

Which place are you using for the clear bra/tint and what kind of deal are you getting? I know I want to get a bra and probably an opticoat on my car ASAP, just don't know where to get it done yet around here.

I've read good things about Signature Detailing, and I remember seeing a deal they posted up on these forums for full clear-bra and opticoat for $1500, but that's out in Jersey.