Metal sputtered film - a thin metal coating on a plastic base - are the
best. They have high heat rejection, UV rejection. These are the films used
on windows in museums and fine homes to protect the Persian rugs or the
painting on the wall of Uncle George. A new film has reached the market and
has a ceramic content but the info on it hasn't come to me yet.

The issue of legality of the dark/light of a tint is a thorny one. Right now
it seems what is legal in one state is not legal in another. It's a mess.
You can tint dark in Florida but if you come to Alabama you may be forced to
have it removed.

It really is a moot point if your main reason for dart tint is to be
"Cool!!"  There are lighter colored tints that do an excellent job at UV and
heat rejection.

Solarguard and Johnson Tint Films are good brands.

I have a Johnson film on my 88GL on all windows except the windshield. I
plan to have a 6 " windshield strip installed as well. I spent most of last
year in New Mexico and the tint made a huge difference. It was there that I
realized I needed the windshield strip.

Good luck on you tint search.

John Rodgers
88GL Driver in Birmingham, AL

=David-M= wrote:

> I am moving from NY to AZ (Tempe) very soon.
> In fact, I'll be driving my van there, all 2500 miles.
> I'm interested in hearing from anyone with tips on running a Vanagon in
> a hot climate.
> My Arizona orientation guide says rubber items deteriorate faster in the
> heat and advises frequent changes of coolant hoses. Is this fact or
> bull?
> Also what is the best type of tinted window film to have fitted.
> I was told its illegal to put it on the front side or back windows, but
> saw lots of vehicles with it on there in Phoenix recently. Is this the
> law or is it just not enforced?