tint

[pr086]

how do you guys feel about it? my dealer has it as an option, but i'm not sure if it is installed at the dealership, port, or sent to a local shop once they get it.

i've seen it on a few of their frs' that i took for a test drive, but i didn't "inspect" it to check the quality.

i've heard too many bad stories about bad installs to really want to take the risk. especially since they have to remove the third brake light. i don't like the idea of someone taking apart my brand new car.

then theres the fact that tint doesn't last forever... and i plan on keeping this car a very long time. at some point i would have to have it removed and possibly reapplied. i don't like the thought of that.

plus, what if i end up moving to a different state has different laws on tint. seems like a safer bet to leave it off.

i'll most likely not tint it. it looks nice, but there seems to be too many risks.

[kappaknight]

It doesn't matter who installs it as long as its a legit professional that offers a lifetime warranty/replacement on it. (For most that's about < 10 years of owning the actual vehicle.) If a tint shop does a bad job, (i.e. tiny bubbles, dust trapped in the window, etc.) many will peel it off and redo that window for free.

Tint actually comes off pretty easy when you have the right equipment to remove it. Do it if you want but I wouldn't chicken out due to risks that aren't really there.

[FT-86GOD]

sounds like u had made up ur mind already lol.....

Re-applying is no trouble but tint is much better quality than 20yr old stuff u see bubbling on old cars these days....

Does keep the sun from beating down on the interior and lowers the cab temps also...

Just depends how dark u go... Around 35%-40% is usually the lowest u can go legally...

But being that the cab in the 86 is so small ill probably go 15% all round and upgrade my reverse lights...

Good luck

[rikdrt1]

Dont let the dealer mark it up and charge you 5-10x more to do the same job. I walked away from an FR-S that had the back window and two tiny port-hole windows tinted for 850dollars from the factory (as they say) - yea right !

went to the nxt dealer and walked out with no tint and MY car -- thank you! took it to a professional shop and did it all for 150 - lifetime warranty forever.. all 5windows+the small front ones -- total of 7 actually.

Just find a good place -- there are plenty --- unless you have money to burn...

[pr086]

can anyone else weigh in on the dealer installed tint?

[White64Goat]

Since you listed "U.S." as where you live, it's hard for anyone to possibly suggest where to take your car. Dealer will probably charge you way too much.

[pr086]

the dealer option is $400 for a ceramic based tint. (protects against the suns rays) i know i could probably get it done cheaper elsewhere, but cheap is not what i'm looking for. i want quality.

plus the fact that it is included as part of the cost of the car, it will barely effect montly payments and will be under warranty as part of the car.

[Texas BRZ]

Had my tint thrown in complimentary with my FR-S purchase.

Don't know the exact percentage, but I told my dealership to not make it too dark and not too light at the same time... They did a good job, and I have no regrets. It all depends on if you have that trust with the dealer (almost impossible, lol). I knew that my dealer would back-up their work if I was going to be upset with the quality afterwards... But honestly, I'm happy with the way mine looks. Just the standard 3M tint, I was told.

At the end, just do what you're most comfortable with... No pressure & no harm.

Good luck.

[kappaknight]

Originally Posted by pr086

the dealer option is $400 for a ceramic based tint. (protects against the suns rays) i know i could probably get it done cheaper elsewhere, but cheap is not what i'm looking for. i want quality.

plus the fact that it is included as part of the cost of the car, it will barely effect montly payments and will be under warranty as part of the car.

Here in Atlanta, (at least the NW Vinings area), there is a shop that does tinting for many of the local dealerships. So basically, the same guy is doing your tint except when you go directly, they charge you $200-$250 and you get a lifetime warranty. If you want to have the dealer make the call, they mark that up to $400 and iffy on the warranty.

[uptown]

All dealerships outsource tinting, as well as many other services. The only "factory" tint is what is on the rear windows of Tahoes, escapades, expeditions. And that actually isn't tint as it doesn't offer any protection from sun. I think they call it smoked. Personally, I can't stand driving without tint. I've "limo" tinted everything I've driven for years. 20% fronts and 5% rears. Its not exactly legal but I've only run into problems when passing inspection.

[roddy]

I wouldn't have the dealer look after it. Deal directly with a local shop. You'll get better service, a better price, more selection, and (generally) good advice on what film to go with. If you post your location, someone here is bound to have had some experience with a local shop, and be able to offer some suggestions.

[pr086]

called around to some dealerships today, they all had the same "code" for it and same price, it turns out it is installed at the port and is delivered to the dealership already tinted so it falls under the vehicle warranty.

[FBaxteR-S]

Originally Posted by pr086

called around to some dealerships today, they all had the same "code" for it and same price, it turns out it is installed at the port and is delivered to the dealership already tinted so it falls under the vehicle warranty.

...And independent tint shops offer lifetime warranties through the tint manufacturers, so what are you getting at?

You've heard the feedback: it's cheaper, just as reliable, and offers a lifetime warranty if you go through someone local.

Now you decide, pay more, or pay less.

/thread