I have rear tint, covered with snap on curtains, and there is a mid curtain behind the drivers seats... so I've gotten use to not using the rear window... but I do with I had a back up beep... at least when I switch to Terry K's brighter bulbs, it'll help to warn people... 

To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Window Tint Asthetics

> here's my input. Do NOT go real dark on the rear window, it makes backing up
> at night dangerous (BTDT). The side windows are not a problem.
> 
> John
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dr.Chris" <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 9:18 AM
> Subject: Window Tint Asthetics
> 
> 
> > 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
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > !DSPAM:4558ab5278421920417567!
> >
> >
> 

----- End Original Message -----