Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:28:34 -0700
Reply-To: "John Connolly, Aircooled.Net" <john@AIRCOOLED.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "John Connolly, Aircooled.Net" <john@AIRCOOLED.NET>
Subject: Re: Window Tint Asthetics
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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!
>
>
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