Tint Opinions

[MadOzodi]

Getting the Speed3 tinted this weekend. Since I want to stay legal, I have to do the front driver & passenger windows 35%. Heh, the guy said he'd even do my front windshield at 50%, but I declined. So, the options I have, using the Infinity OP series from Suntek, for the rear windows and hatch, are 20% and 10%. Or, I can just go 35% all the way around.

My gut tells me to go 35/20%...you all think it'd be too dark going 10% in back?

[mountjonas]

i like the uniform tint look, so i say 35% all the way. my last car was 35 and it was dark enough, but not too dark like 20%.

[tsunami]

yeah with 35% being the limit i would keep it uniform and do it all around.. 50% is whats legal here and its just not enough... i think 35% is an excellent way to go.

[MadOzodi]

Hmmm, looks are def. a major consideration. I can see how 35% all the way around for uniformity would look good. So that's 2 for 35/35%. One thing I have to consider also is the heat reduction. My car is outside a lot (I have a garage but can't use it atm) so I want the most heat/uv protection while still looking good.

Thx for the opinions! Prolly won't make a decision until I'm actually in the shop sat. morning, heheh.

[Ms3InMd]

You should do 20% all the way around it looks the best and it definately makes the car cooler.

[voiceKoil]

20% is kinda dark, I would never do 10%! I had 15% in the rear of my eclipse and I couldnt see anything behind me at night. I have 35% all around, I think its a perfect balance and you wont get hassled for it!

My cars 35% all around, my buddys is 100% no tint, compare for yourself!

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2497000-2497999/2497424_59_full.jpg

[voiceKoil]

I just realized you 2 are a CB MS3, heres another shot I had that gives you a better idea of the darkness during a sunny day!


Man I really miss my camera :(

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u246/voiceKoil731/DSC04263ertrt.jpg

[kokemon23]

I just realized you 2 are a CB MS3, heres another shot I had that gives you a better idea of the darkness during a sunny day!


Man I really miss my camera :(

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u246/voiceKoil731/DSC04263ertrt.jpg


Nice pic, nice clean ride man. (cool)

I agree with a lot of you here, 35% all around is the way to go. Not so dark that the 5-0 hassle you, dark enough to look good and be useful.

[sok07]

Pics from my H&R coilover post.....35% all around, Llumar ATP

http://www.sok07.trapzerohosting.net/Mazda3s_gallery/Apr07_2007_day/slides/P1050647sm.JPG (http://www.sok07.trapzerohosting.net/Mazda3s_gallery/Apr07_2007_day/s lides/P1050647.JPG) http://www.sok07.trapzerohosting.net/Mazda3s_gallery/Apr07_2007_day/slides/P1050635sm.JPG (http://www.sok07.trapzerohosting.net/Mazda3s_gallery/Apr07_2007_day/s lides/P1050635.JPG)
***click on images for larger view***

[SharkDiver]

You should do 20% all the way around it looks the best and it definately makes the car cooler.
I 2nd this...35% isnt dark enough and 15% is a little too dark.

[Kosh]

I just realized you 2 are a CB MS3, heres another shot I had that gives you a better idea of the darkness during a sunny day!


Man I really miss my camera :(

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u246/voiceKoil731/DSC04263ertrt.jpg

Dont know how much I like those dark wheels, would have to see it in person. I need to get off my ass and get my cosmic blue baby tinted :(

[major error]

Dont know how much I like those dark wheels, would have to see it in person. I need to get off my ass and get my cosmic blue baby tinted :(
If you think about it, there really isn't a heck of a lot on the car besides the paint color and black....a few chromed badges, the headlamps, turn indicators, and that's about it.

I think black rims make perfect sense, unless you plan on installing matching accents somewhere else ;)
http://motors.search.ebay.com/axela_W0QQfromZR8QQsamcmZ6000QQsaspiZ2

And to stay on-topic, I agree the same % tint all-around makes the most sense...

[Kosh]

Cosmic Blue is such a unique color that any time something changes on the outside it really looks like a different car. I think chrome goes well with it, wouldn't get chrome wheels though, too bling. Looks good with the chrome strip around the black on VoiceKoil's car. Could get door handles, keep the badges shiny and get chrome signal light trim.

I am in photoshop right now trying to eyedrop the color of our car to see if I could get a good color scheme going... Looks somewhere between #a3b8bb and #8e9295.

I really like black and chrome on cosmic blue :)

[MadOzodi]

20% all the way around would be nice, and I'm sure the shop I'm going to would do it (hell, he flat out said, "It's illegal, but I can do the windshield @ 50%), but I don't want to give any cops a reason to pull me over.

voiceKoil's first pic with the GTI in it too, the 35% all the way around looks TOIGHT! But then the subsequent pics for his and sok07 it doesn't look dark enough. I think I have 20% on my Mustang and I've had no problems with that. Of course, the amount of window sq. footage is a lot more on the MS3 than the 00 Stang.

Thanks for posting pics too BTW!!!

In my never ending search for the perfect aftermarket wheel, I came across a Rota wheel in a dark bronze that looked damn good. What do you guys think about bronze to go with the Cosmic Blue?

[Talbot]

I would get 20% all around, even if they did pull you over it would only be a warning, its not like its a moving violation. And Im sure to the naked eye most people can't even tell the difference between 35% and 20%.

[LUECACK]

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1004364_hapcn/tint%20002%20int.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1004364_hapcn)

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1004367_r2chi/tint%20003%20int.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1004367_r2chi)

20% rear 30% front, kinda wished i wouldnt have let him talk me into the 30% up front but at least it decreases my chances of getting pulled over...

[voiceKoil]

I would get 20% all around, even if they did pull you over it would only be a warning, its not like its a moving violation. And Im sure to the naked eye most people can't even tell the difference between 35% and 20%.


It is a very noticable difference, and around here if you get a warning then there going to rape you for $300 if they catch you again. I remember one time I got pulled over in my eclipse in a total down pour of rain and I kept both front windows down the whole time in fear of that, Im done with those days.



I wanted to post both pics because it gives you an idea of how it will look in different lights. If its really bright out then it dosent look super dark, if its cloudy or under a bridge like me and my buddies veedub pic then its darker, and at night then its pretty dark, honestly for night driving I wouldnt want it any darker than what it is, but its all in personal taste. I put the pics on for something more to go by... I like the H&R pics, looks good lowered!

[voiceKoil]

Dont know how much I like those dark wheels, would have to see it in person. I need to get off my ass and get my cosmic blue baby tinted :(


Those particular wheels make my car look somewhat cheap, they were on for the winter, they were cheaper 18s off my eclipse, Ive got the stockers back on for now. I honestly really like how the black wheels look with the polished lip on my car, I got quite a few compliments!

[Gipper76]

Go 20% all around. I did it on my protege. looks great

[MadOzodi]

I wonder if the TYPE of tint is also a factor. The Infinity OP series I'm going with is metallized. Is yours metallized or dyed voiceKoil? How 'bout your Luecack?

[AODfan]

I know this is probably not what you are asking, but though I would share, here I believe the legal limit is 20%, but I have 15% all the way around. Here are some pics that I could find:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2081000-2081999/2081773_11_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2081000-2081999/2081773_74_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2081000-2081999/2081773_79_full.jpg

[NCZ13]

i got 20 all around

in cali its illegal to have the fronts touched, ill put up with it. not tinting the front would pretty much defeat the purpose of tinting the car.

its so much cooler in temp when you get in ur car. it makes a difference

[MadOzodi]

Wow, 15% is WAY dark. I'm kinda leaning towards the 35% all the way around. If I were younger, I'd probably go the 20% all the way around.

[Kosh]

Those particular wheels make my car look somewhat cheap, they were on for the winter, they were cheaper 18s off my eclipse, Ive got the stockers back on for now. I honestly really like how the black wheels look with the polished lip on my car, I got quite a few compliments!

Black wheels are starting to grow on me :) I don't mind the stock wheels but they could definitely be better.

This chick at my work has 10% all the way around on her amg. She got pulled over for it and she played the "it was like this when I got it, i'm just a girl but my husband has a 600hp 300zx" card. If I was a woman I would get 10% but since I am not I'll go 35% (doh)

[LUECACK]

I wonder if the TYPE of tint is also a factor. The Infinity OP series I'm going with is metallized. Is yours metallized or dyed voiceKoil? How 'bout your Luecack?

no clue, all i know is its guaranteed not to fade to purple or green

[voiceKoil]

no clue, all i know is its guaranteed not to fade to purple or green

LoL yeh Im not sure either but I too have a lifetime (shop) warranty, They dont look metallic at all though, just dark color, if that sayes anything!



I was thinking of a good way to put it.... If you want them to look dark then I would go 20%, if you want them to look tinted but not black, then go 35%

[steven4264]

I have 20% all around and its perfect not too light but not too dark that the cops notice too much

[MadOzodi]

Hehe, appointment is coming up and I still haven't made a decision yet. If there's a metallic "sheen" to the tint that makes all grades blend well, then I'll go 35%/20%. But if not, then 35% all the way around for uniformity. Maybe I should just stick to that and be done with it, lol.

[Talbot]

Personally I hate the Metallic tint unless its on a silver car, and even then you have to bribe me to get it for that color.

[J.J.]

Personally I hate the Metallic tint unless its on a silver car, and even then you have to bribe me to get it for that color.

+1. Metallic (pow) !

Get 20% all the way round'. If you are in a stickler state, get 35%.

[voiceKoil]

Personally I hate the Metallic tint unless its on a silver car, and even then you have to bribe me to get it for that color.

(mswerd) I really dont like the metal look either, it just dosent go with anything

[MadOzodi]

I think I need to elaborate. Metallized film isn't metallic in that it reflects like a mirror. Hmmmm, follow this link (http://www.tintcenter.com/articles/bt_types.html) and scroll down to Sputtered Film.

I don't want mirrored tint either!!!

[BlackJack]

Personally, I am thinking of doing 15% all around. It's a perfect match with the Black Mica IMO.

[Mike V]

I have 35 front and 20 rear but unfortunately the computer that has the pics is 540 miles away. I'll post a pic Sunday night.

[MadOzodi]

I went with 35% all the way around. This is the first time I've ever had my front driver & passenger windows tinted, very cool. Ok, so at certain angles, you can definitely see some kind of metallic mirror type reflection. But I think it looks really good! I'll post pics once it stops rainin.

[SharkDiver]

I got 28% on fronts and hatch and 15% on all the rest,Also a 10" sunscreen.I wish I would of went with 15% all around because 28% isnt dark enough.My shop here didnt have any shades in between 28 and 15% because I would of went with 20% all around.

[Ms3Xeoc]

In Mississippi, we have to get "inspection stickers" because of all the junk hillbilly beaters with no tail lights or blinkers. If you get pulled over without one it's a automatic ticket with a large fine attached.

I was unable to get an inspection sticker on my old 240, because whomever had it before put some 35% mirror tint on it. I ended up getting a ticket for it, and had to take the tint off to get my stupid sticker so I didnt have to pay the fine.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s45/ms3xeoc/KonigShare.jpg

Oh god, I'm getting nostalgic... :'(


Anyway, keep it LEGAL whatever the laws are regarding tint. Not like the POPO's will be watching you anyway. It will save you alot of hassle I'll be getting some 35% on my Speed3 ASAP! BTW, the Cavalier in the back ground used to be mine as well, I put 20% on it and LOVED it. It's way illegal now. So If you can legally get 20% go for it.

[MadOzodi]

Went outside and snapped some pics. You'll notice they are REALLY reflective. I know a bunch of people hate the metallic, but I think it looks damn good on a Cosmic Blue. 35% Suntek Infinity OP all the way around.

http://webpages.charter.net/thezod/35%25%20tint%201.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/thezod/35%25%20tint%202.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/thezod/35%25%20tint%203.JPG

I LOVE how the Cosmic Blue doesn't show how dirty the car is.

[Ms3Xeoc]

Wow i like that!

[MadOzodi]

Thanks! I honestly think the metallic only work on a Cosmic Blue. Definitely NOT Black Mica or Sunlight Silver & possibly on a True Red.

I just gotta remember not to roll down my windows till Sat.

(breakn)

[Talbot]

That actually does look pretty good on that color. So I can make an exception for that color.

And not rolling down my windows was hard for me not to do after I got my windows tinted. It sucked.

[SwampAss]

Even if you did 20% in the back and 35% in the front, you'd probably not notice the difference in tint percentages from the outside. Just the inside. I have 50% front and 35% rear and honestly, you can't really see that much of a difference.

[SwampAss]

BTW, the tint looks good. I have metallic tint too but it's low reflection. It does an awesome job of heat rejection.

[knowledge007]

I agree with 20% all the way as I have done already. But then again, I live in the sunny city of Miami, Fl.

[Ms3Xeoc]

I agree with 20% all the way as I have done already. But then again, I live in the sunny city of Miami, Fl.

Wish I could get 20% >< 35% will have to do.

[NCZ13]

before
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/ncz13/DSCI0434.jpg

after

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/ncz13/rightside.jpg
and
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/ncz13/rightside2.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/ncz13/reartint.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/ncz13/leftside.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/ncz13/taillight.jpg

[utopia]

i have 15% on mine and i'm dropping my back down to 5% and THINKING about getthiny my front windshield 60% or something - just enough to keep it cool in summer time not obstruck my view or anything!

[Japaneezy]

black car, gotta have smoke tint? or can you get away with mirror? thats my question...

[Talbot]

You can have whatever you want. Whatever appeals to your tastes, get it.

[voiceKoil]

Thanks! I honestly think the metallic only work on a Cosmic Blue. Definitely NOT Black Mica or Sunlight Silver & possibly on a True Red.

I just gotta remember not to roll down my windows till Sat.

(breakn)

lol Yeh thats a hard one to remember, Like I said before Im not a big fan of the metallic look, but it does look nice on the CB color. Pretty happy with it?

[MadOzodi]

I'm very happy with it. At times it's mirrory, but most of the time it's not. Plus, it's different from everyone elses tint I see around here.

[Vixen]

I'm very happy with it. At times it's mirrory, but most of the time it's not. Plus, it's different from everyone elses tint I see around here.

I really like it.

[MadOzodi]

Thanks Vix!

[maczter]

I went with Carbon 35 on the fronts and Carbon 20 on the rest of the side windows and the rear...the legal limits in Texas, according to the tint shop. Can't touch the front window here and I don't know that I'd want to anyhow.

There is a slightly noticeable difference between the 20 and 35 from the outside, but from the inside it seems about the same to me, except at night, when I can see slightly better through the side windows than the rears.

No pics yet and have a wedding to go to on Saturday, but I'll try and take some if anyone's interested.

BTW, in looking for the brand of tint I got, I ran across this handy chart showing what is legal in each state...

http://www.iwfa.com/iwfa/Consumer_Info/auto_statelaws.html

[maczter]

Here are some quick and dirty pics of my black mica MS3 with 35% Suntek Carbon on the fronts and 20% SunTek Carbon on the remainder of the side windows and the rear window if anyone is interested. I got a couple of PM's asking if the difference between the 35% and 20% was noticeable, so I took several angles looking through different directions since the difference is only noticeable from certain angles.

http://www.flickr.com/gp/66215925@N00/5jzibd

Sorry for the dirty car. My office parking lot is next to an area under heavy development and lots of dirt pushing, so it's next to impossible to keep clean during the week.