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Subject:Want to put tint on windows and looking for thoughts and opinions
From:Doug in CA
Date:Tue, 13 Apr 2004 19:12:31 -0700

Hi Volks,

I am considering tinting the windows on my 87 syncro to give both some privacy and solar protection.
I have looked into tint before from Tap plastics and they carry several percentages of window tint.
The 3M stuff they sell for auto does not turn purple from the sun after time like other tints do.

Here's the rub, When I put the dark limo tint on my 85 and tried it out I found that it really does not help the solar gain as much as one might think.  A "black" glass gets very very hot in the sun, this heat then radiates into the vanagon.  

In California the do not allow metallic or reflective window tints which do reflect the heat. 
I have noticed on many new cars that they are using a metallic tint from the factory but it is very slight.

Has anybody found a good interior shade or tint that will reflect the heat and keep the glass cool?

I believe even a standard curtain that is light in color or silver reflective which the Eurovans use is far superior to keeping the interior temps down vs. the dark tint.

Any thoughts are certainly appreciated.

Doug