Hi All,

I'm just about ready to put my rear closet back in, but before I do so
I'm going to get my windows tinted. I've checked my local laws and on
the back five windows I can pretty much go as dark as I want. So now
it is just a question of esthetics.

What are your thoughts on a tinting the back five windows? Would you
go limo (very dark) or something somewhat lighter?

What are your thoughts about having a different shade of tint on
windows on the Adventurewagen top (to assist with stealth camping)? If
for instance I did the lower windows in a charcoal colour and the
upper windows in a black limo tint.

What shade would you do the skylight (a balance between lighting,
privacy, and heat protection)?

I am considering leaving the rear window untinted, as my experience
driving other vehicles with tinted rear windows is the night
visibility is virtually non existant. I can always close the rear
curtains when parked. Thoughts?

My van is alpine white with a white top...

Chris

P.S. I am probably going with either Formula One or Llumar tint as per
John Rogers' post on the subject.

On 7/13/05, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:
> Chris,
>
> My son runs a tint shop and uses only the very best of films. Says it
> doesn't pay the customer or him to handle cheap film.  He  told me today
> that currently there are only two films he recommends  - Llumar
> metalized films (his low end film - but it's a high end film on the
> market) and Pinnacle CP film by Formula One -his high end film for his shop.
>
> Llumar metalized film has, as one would expect,  excellent  UV rejection
> which reduces the heat,  but has a bit of a shiny finish - not mirror
> finish, but shiny enough.
>
>  Pinnacle is a ceramic film and does it's work by UV absorption. It does
> not have the shine on the surface the same way the metalized films do.
>
> The metalized films have been around for quite a while and have been
> very good, displacing virtually all the older films for general use.
> They have the disadvantage of being incompatible with the new
> electronics finding their way into the newer automobiles, and in the
> retrofitted electronics going into older automobiles.  The metal in the
> films interferes with transmission and reception.
>
> Enter the CP (ceramic product) films.........!
>
> CP films (Pinnacle - a top brand) are the newest films available. They
> function by absorbing rather than reflecting UV. They do not interfere
> with the new electronics, and perform at a higher level in dealing with
> the heat issues. Though I have not found in the literature anything to
> support my view, I believe that the CP films offer some insulative
> effect in that ceramic transmits heat energy with less efficiency than
> metal. I suspect that one would be better off with a CP film vs a metal
> film  for that reason alone, much less the excellent UV absorption.
>
> The only drawback to the CP films is the price. They are typically
> slightly under 2-1/2 times as expensive as metal films.
>
> In any case, I would suggest that you get all windows except the
> windshield tinted. By law the windshield cannot be tinted, and passenger
> and driver window must meet a certain light transmission standard, and
> that varies state to state. But virtually every state has a transmission
> standard. In virtually all cases, the passenger and driver windows will
> be lighter in appearance than the other windows, as a result of the law.
> Usually you can go as dark as you wish on all windows except the
> passenger and driver window. The windshield must remain clear, excepting
> a sunshade strip that may be installed across the top of the windshield.
> That too varies state to state, in terms of  how much glass can be covered.
>
> Formula One films and Llumar films both carry national warranties and
> the companies are really good at making good on any film failures. Good
> tint shops will have in-house warranties as well that will take care of
> any labor charges that might accrue if they did the tint installation
> for you. Be sure to ask about that.
>
> I would suggest that you get that rear window tinted because it is a
> huge heat generator. I had all my windows done, including the rear hatch
> glass, and I've never had a lick of trouble with the defroster strips on
> the glass.
>
> I personally think it a mistake to use a really dark tint on the van
> windows as it interferes with clarity of vision. I'm interested in
> reducing heat and glare, but I still like sufficient light to see well
> through any glass while seated in the driver sat. This is especially
> true at night. But to each his own.
>
> There is one final trick that can be done that will help glare - both
> day and  night - IF you can get the tint shop to do it. Of course you
> are on your own on this one. The inside of the front windshield can be
> tinted with a near clear metal tint. It is so neutral as not to be
> "noticeably" dark, but it helps dramatically with glare. As I said,
> patently illegal, but boy what a difference.
>
> Anyway .....
>
>
> IMHO, a good tint job is worth it's weight.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
>
>
> Christopher Gronski wrote:
>
> >I am considering tinting my windows and I wanted people's opinion on two things:
> >
> >1) Type and brand of tint, what have you used that you like? I am
> >leaning towards the sort of mirrored look, but I'm still open to
> >suggestions.
> >
> >2) Which windows to tint? I am considering only tinting the side
> >windows (middle and rear) and leaving the cab area and the rear window
> >untinted. I'd like your opinon on this as well
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Chris
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>