Just had my windows tinted

[Nard]

Hi all!
Just got back from having the two side windows tinted and it's really nice. I took it to AutoXtremes in Roswell, GA. They use the LLumar tint which has a lifetime warranty. Only took them about 45 minutes and I'm very satisfied. Because of the Georgia laws I chose to use the legal 32% instead of the darker 20% which is in the back from the factory. This is my first mod and I'm on a roll now. I took off my first badge using a Ty-wrap an noticed some slight scratching which will wax out some now I'm going to try the fishing line and/or dental floss. Wish me luck!

[basmith]

Just wandering what the cost is these days to tint the front 2 windows? Thanks

[Bugser]

Last ones I had done were $100.00 for the front 2.

[Mr. Ving]

I paid $60 cash and got the front door and stipe on the windshield all to match the back factory tint. Try haggling and pay cash. At first they gave me some crap about it being too dark to be legal. They were easily persuaded.

[Nard]

Cost me $70. Could have got it darker to match the back but just didn't want the hassle from the law.

[Tundra00]

Got mine done for $45, both front windows (1 shade darker than legal) and the eyebrow on the windsheild.

Tundra00

[SiberianTundra]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you my take on getting your windows tinted. You will find that prices are going to vary depending on geographic region and then local competitiveness.

Southern Cal is considered one of the most competitive markets for the window film industry. Aside the regional difference in prices, there are a few other factors. One main factor in pricing is the type of film the company is planning to use on your car.

There are to variants of films on the market for autos: dyed (or colored) and metallized. The dyed films are generally the less expensive films and looks better because of it's dark grey/black appearance. However, these are also the films that you see on other cars that have turned purple over a period of years. The metallized films last longer, will not turn purple, and generally cost a little more. But they will have a slight reflective look to it once it is on your car.

I can write pages and pages of techincal information for you guys but won't waste your time. I will however give you TS peeps an idea of what to look for when shopping for window film.

Always...Always ask for referrals and company history if you were not referred to the shop. There are too many fly by night company's in this industry and even more "shady" people who remain. I've seen many come and go over the last 15 years.

It will be your choice of whether to go with a pure metallized or dyed film. This is where most of the cost difference is going to be. Also, the skill of the installer is going to make a difference. This is where you are going to have to judge for yourself if you believe everything that is being told to you.

Whoever you decide to go with, the one thing you must insist on is a copy of the invoice AND warranty papers/card from the film manufacturer with the LOT# written on the paper/card. EVERYONE should be offering you a lifetime warranty (a new generation of dyed films came out earlier this year and the manufacturers are saying it will not turn purple.) with their services.

Truth be told, nothing will last forever under the sun....even window films. The film manufacturers offer the lifetime warranties knowing you will sell/trade-in your car in 5-7 years. Most warranties are non-transferrable. But if you keep your car longer and something happens to the film you can get warranty coverage for it through the film manufacturer if the tinting company is out of business or if you move out of the area where it was tinted in.

If you would like more unbiased info on window tinting please visit: tintdude.com

I am a regular contributor to the message boards there.

Good Luck!

STundra