First off, Solargard is the right spelling (not Solarguard), and here's
their web page with specs for all their tints:

http://www.solargard.com/Performance/AutoPerf.htm

Sputtered aluminum is charcoal. HP Charcoal 32 is 32% tint....

This is another page on their site with some general info on tints:

http://www.solargard.com/Performance/

>From: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
>
>Just had my 89 syncro westy tinted with sputtered aluminum... great film.
>forget the brand, but everything john has said here is right on.  I didn't
>go extremely dark... 35% on the front windows (max allowed in Hawaii) and
>20% on the back (no maximum on rear glass tint here).  Percentages sound
>backwards to me, but that's what the shop told me.  It's plenty dark for me
>anyway... reduces the heat considerably... you can still see into the car
>somewhat, but the metal makes the glass more reflective from the outside.
>
>Anyway, I'm very happy with it and the cost was right around $200.
>
>Mick Kalber
>89 Syncro Westy "Daddy-O"
>Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
>62 Halaulani Place    Hilo, Hawaii  96720
>ph. 808-935-5557    fax 808-935-0066
>hotlava@interpac.net
>www.volcanoscapes.com
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
>Of John Rodgers
>Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2000 4:12 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Vanagons in hot climates
>
>
>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?

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