AJI Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Looking to possibly get the side and rear glass tinted on the Supra, but want it to be fully legal and not silly dark. But dark enough to have a noticable difference on the amount of heat that gets put in to the car from the sun and also dark enough to partially mask out the contents of the interior of the car for security reasons. I've read the legal limit on the side windows is 70% light transparancy. And for the front it is 75%. The rear can be quite dark aparently (can't find a percentage anywhere apart from there seems to be no legal limit for the rear?). Anyways, as I don't know much about the process of how they tint glass, and reading on the packets of the stick-on tints from the likes of Halfords, is it something that can be done easily by oneself? The Halfords products seem to say as long as you use water on the glass as you place the sticking filter on, then it should be an easy process. Is this how the professionals do it? Best to stick on the inside or the outside of the glass? If I took it to a professional outfit can they normally do the tints without having to remove the glass? (you can probably tell how little I know about it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 All I know is that it's a really horrible job, and if you end up with any bubbles at all, it will look awful. You'd be much better going to a professional outfit IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
listy Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 The self tint stuff goes on the inside mate. I did it on my old gen7 celica on the rear side windows. I took the panels off inside, cut the film to roughly the right size (couple of inches bigger than needed) then stuck it as per instructions. Once it had dried, took a stanley to the edges to tidy it up, replaced the plastics, job done. The rear window however, is a bit different. You will struggle to find tinting film from a place like halfords that will cover the whole window in one piece. This obviously means there will need to be a join at some point, which if not married up well, will be really obvious, and look tits. (If you go for this, I advise putting the join vertically down the centre of the window, following the vertical heater element, to aid in hiding the join) If I am correct, I think professionals use either film, or I believe they may use a spray tint? Not 100% sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john88 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 When I had my windows done on the mini a few years ago (after the new laws came in) I was told by the bloke doing it that there was no legal limit for the rear screen or rear side windows. The legal limit on the front side windows was a 30% tint (or 70% transparency) and the front screen was approximately 5-10%... Which is usually already done at the factory. I did look into doing it myself at the time and it is basically the same as doing vinyl sign writing or stickers, use soapy water lay the film over that and then squeeze it all out, this is so you don't trap air bubbles between the glass and film. I personally wouldn't use the stuff from halfords as its usually cheap, Most professionals would sell you some but it'll cost you a lot more! The film is stuck to the inside of the glass (if its on the outside it will get damaged from dirt / washing / stones ect.) and a little tip is when you have put it on the glass and your happy with it use a small file around the edges to make it as smooth as possible so you have less chance of it getting caught and tearing. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 My Dad sells window tints and other safety films for glass. I've helped him tint a few cars (including my Clio which are apparently one of the hardest to do, due to the curve in the rear glass). With a roll of film, you cut off a section large enough, then put it on the outside of the glass and cut it to shape. You then wet the inside of the glass, remove the backing and apply the film. It takes a while and you have to be very careful, as if you manage to crease the film, it's knackered and you have to start again. You're right as well, there is no limit on the rear windows, only the sides (and front, but who tints a windscreen ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 You can tint the rear sides as much as you want. I have limo black on all rear windows. The legal limit is 15% on the front (i think). Glass has a natural tint anyway, with some manufactures pushing the limit on this tint. I had my windows done professionally. I clearly remember he stated, that a clear film on the front windows would push them to their limit. And he would not put any tint on them, as even the lowest grade of tint would make them illegal. Any tint on your front windows will probably make it illegal, it's your own choice what you put on your car. But if you do the fronts, check with the company that is doing it, as some may not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJI Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 No, I've got no intention of putting any tint on the front glass. My main aim is to reduce the amount of heat that comes in from the sun and also to add a bit more security to the contents of the inside of my car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I couldn't have them all different tints IMO. All the same, or none at all. Having the front screen as is, then whatever the max is on the front sides, then the same throughout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraP-Z Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I got mine tinted recently, all the windows had a clear film on them for some reason :S There is no limit for the rear quarter and rear windows, the front is 30% (allows 70% light trhough), and i think doing the front windscreen is illegal. I had all of mine done in 35% as i still want to be able to see out the back! You could give it a go yourself, its not as hard as most people make it out to be...just a bit fiddly and you have to be careful with bubbles. Just get the right tools for the job and you'll be fine mate, theres a couple of tinting videos on the yewtube as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I got mine tinted recently, all the windows had a clear film on them for some reason That's an anti-shatter film. My car has it too. Supposedly, if someone or something breaks the glass, it stops the glass from collapsing and making a mess. IIRC anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy James Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 You'll probably need a 60" roll of film for the back window, and put talc powder on the outside and shrink it to fit with a heat gun before trimming to fit. Then thoroughly clean the inside with soapy water and a scour pad to remove any old adhesive. It's a pain in the ass to do really... I'd suggest paying the £100 and getting it proffesionally done. I've helped my mate tint two supras so far and it takes about 2 hours and isn't for the inexperienced. And you can do the back windows as dark as you want, mine are 5%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottC Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I couldn't have them all different tints IMO. All the same, or none at all. Having the front screen as is, then whatever the max is on the front sides, then the same throughout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJI Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 Just got some samples from the guy who's going to be doing the tints. Trying to decide between a 22% or a 32% light transparancy film for the rear glass and quarter windows. Driver and passenger windows to get a minimum tint placed on them but kept to the overall 70% light transparency to be legal. The guy doing the tints has a light meter to make sure and uses a film that can cut down on heat but also keep the fronts legal. But the question for now is the rear glass and quarter windows, 22% or 32%? Do any of you guys have a 32% film and find too much light coming in? Any of you have a 22% film and find it too dark? Do you have any picutures of 32% or 22% film on a Supra? cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BazzaAlpine Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Here is a tip I got given when I tinted one of my old cars. Clear nail varnish along the edge of the tint / glass so when you wind it up it doesn't catch on anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supraGZaerotop Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 heres mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin-mkiv Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 heres mine http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l462/supraGZaerotop/new%20supra%202011%20photos%20etc/IMG_0503.jpg http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l462/supraGZaerotop/new%20supra%202011%20photos%20etc/DSCF2041.jpg Theres something sheepish about this pic..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty71 Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Notts_TT ie StickR (trader here) does pre cut tints for the Supra #justsaying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin-mkiv Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I've seen my mate doing window tints, he did my Audi and used half as much film again to what he needed...one window picked up contamination (dust attracted by static when you peel the backing off) one window had been cut off the roll the wrong way and wouldnt stretch in the right direction (Window tint has a 'grain' and if you dont know how it has come off the roll, you dont know whether it's going to stretch correctly for the window its cut for) and the last window he did, there was a nick in the film and when he ran his card over it to get the water out the nick caught and it tore a huge hole in the tint. So, I wouldnt entertain it as a pre cut set as you will ALWAYS need at least one more piece on Every job you do. Its very time consuming and if you are in the least bit impatient you WILL mess it up. I have been quoted £120 to do all 5 windows on my Supra by 2 professional tinters, for the money.....it's a bargain!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJI Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 supraGZaerotop - do you know what percentage of light transparency you have on your car? Colin, yeah I thought about it for a while whether to attempt it myself. I watched a few youtube vids which made it look fairly easy. But then the reality is that if its not done right, like you say, small contaminents, scratches, stretches etc. things can go wrong easily. I have a quote of £250 for my Supra. But this is using some new high quality film that has metal particles in it to realy stop heat transmission from the sun. Well actually its to simply reflect the sun's light back off the glass. It should also give a slightly gold coloured tint colour, which would work well on my car. I will post up some pics when done. But first still trying to decide on the 32% or 22% light transparency film for the rear glass and quarter windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony tt Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I was told from a Traffic cop that anything more than stock on the side windows is ilegal in my opinion its not worth getting stopped and fined for it. I had tints on my old supra got pulled for it when i had my subaru i got pulled for it and when i bought the supra i have now it had side tints and i got them removed. Maybe it's just the cops round my area and in Ipswich when i lived there but i think they just attract unwanted attention. imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
listy Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Id go for the 22% transparency. I have limo black on the back of mine and the quarters, but you can still just see through it if you get up close. TBH I think most go for darker than dark tints at the back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJI Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 I know what you're saying Tony, this is why I'm making sure that the side window tints will be a minimum of 70% light transparency. The guy doing it says the factory glass may well be in the 80-85% light transparency already. He's going to be bringing his light meter and if its any lower than 80% already then no extra side window film will be added. I don't want any attention from the revenue generators in uniform either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony tt Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I know what you're saying Tony, this is why I'm making sure that the side window tints will be a minimum of 70% light transparency. The guy doing it says the factory glass may well be in the 80-85% light transparency already. He's going to be bringing his light meter and if its any lower than 80% already then no extra side window film will be added. I don't want any attention from the revenue generators in uniform either Good plan mate. I think it could be that i look like i stole my supra when i drive it so possibly the reason i get stopped! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJI Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 Id go for the 22% transparency. I have limo black on the back of mine and the quarters, but you can still just see through it if you get up close. TBH I think most go for darker than dark tints at the back I'm trying for a different look with mine. I'm not wanting a 'black' look with the glass, I'm after a 'smokey' appearance with a hint of gold colour. Just out of curiosity, can you see much through your rear view mirror with the Limo black on yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p3te Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 i just got mine tinted the other week, was told from the b pillar back you can go as dark as you like but its illegal to get the windscreen done as well as the door glass as the factory tint is pretty much at the limit of legal and any tint would make it illegal here’s some pics of mine on this thread (wingless ridox supra)http://mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?267608-NE-Supra-Meet-14th-April-2012-%28Pictures%29-Great-turn-out&highlight=revolution i got a 20% mid tint on the back and rear quarters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.