Some people report GPS signal issues when using metallic tint, just as an FYI. Another option is ceramic tint, which blocks heat similarly to metallic but does not interfere with RF signals.

 

I want to tint too, but my biggest concern is who does it. I want it done once and I want it done right.

How did you all find your tinting expert? Dealer installed? Recommendation? Pure luck? I think I'll ask my mechanic for a reference. He hasn't seen me for a while. My new Fit should explain things! LOL!

Dan

 

Here's Adele tinted with 35% in front and 20% on all the backs.
Llumar tint.




And one more in my sig...

 

My Honda dealer recommeded the tint place that I went to.

 

The internet is your friend for research about the films they use. I am very anal and do too much research. My findings were that any of the major manufactures make many different levels of tint, from the dyed crap that turns purple in a few years, to high end ceramic which will cost more then $500.00.

Other stuff I found,

-tint darkness has little to do with heat rejection

-If you get a "lifetime warranty"make sure it's nation wide and not by the installer

-Metallic film (I had a hybrid installed) does not seem to effect the radio, or my Garmin Gps in my Fit.

-computer cut does not seen to mean much, I watched the guy install the film on my car and he cut everything by hand and it is an amazing job. He's been doing it for 15 years.

-Ask to see some other jobs they have done, or check out some references, there seems to be a lot of tint guys around, and some don't last long. The guy who did mine said there was not much profit in tinting cars (especially Fits too many windows, and Vettes back window), he makes his real money doing houses and office buildings.

- And, and this is huge, it comes off, it's a pain to do but it does come off so you can fix a failed job.

To start you on your Tinting research check out these websites.

TintDude Forum -> Main
Window Film | Solar Gard | Performance Specifications

I hope this helps.

 

Thank you! Very helpful.

Dan

 

Btw- my sport fit claims to have tinted windows standard. They do look kinda tinted. Doesn't look like an actual tint job though. Looks more like just the glass is a wee bit darker. Is this something they have to remove before a fresh tint job?

 

Just got mine done 20% everywhere except the windshield. The laws in michigan are STUPID!

 

What exactly is the bubble matrix?
I did this unholy search in Google and didn't help, and neither will wikipedia.

Thoughts? This is most likely the only thing that's keeping me away form tinting my Fit.

 

The pattern of 'bubbles' of dark coating that surround the rearview mirror mount and edge the windshield. They are ever so slightly raised on the inner surface of the glass. A good tint application will go right over them.

 

Ah, excellent, thanks for the quick answer. I can finally sleep at night.

 

Yeah, thats what I was referring to. The weird thing is, I was considering asking them to cut around it anyway, to allow me to be able to stick my radar detector to the bubbles. So I may just have them do that.

The film itself is wonderful, and I am so glad I went with the 20%. The night visibility is actually quite a bit better than I expected, and the look is perfect. If you use wireless signals in your car frequently (GPS, mobile phones, radar detectors, *cough* others) than dyed is the way to go. Metallic will interfere with all those, and from what I know about RF signals, ceramic should to some small degree too. I'm sure it will fade, but it comes with a lifetime fade warranty. So in a few years I'll have it redone and get all new tint I guess thats when I'll get the dust out

 

I don't know about radar detectors, but I put the suction-cup based mount for my cell phone/GPS holder on over the tint on the driver side wedge window, and it works just fine.

 

I recently had 50% tint put on all my windows and a 6" strip of 20% on the windshield. Here are a couple of pictures. The tint looks surprisingly dark in the bright sun. I'm very pleased with the outcome ($175).

 

Llumar Tint. 5% rear 5, 50% front 4.

 

Looking great guys!

 

I'm looking to get my car tinted today.. I'm looking at maybe 35% or somehing lighter as I don't want it too dark.. If I get my car done today I'll def post pictures..

 

I got my car tinted today! 35% all around

 

deucan, what did you have done to the windshield? I'm interested in getting my black 09 tinted. I'm thinking 50 for windshield and small fronts. 35 for everything else.

 

My windshield was left alone.. IMO.. I think 35% is the perfect tint percent if you are not looking for anything too dark..