To tint or not to tint and how dark that is the question

[macdarren]

So I have a Race Red Fiesta on order that should be arriving soon....

I stopped by the tint shop today to get some estimates and see what was new in the world of window tinting especially since CA has slightly relaxed the law on window tinting since I last had it done.

I really like the full blacked look from the outside, but I prefer it to not be too dark inside. 3M has a new film (that is kinda pricey) but blocks much of the IR and UV even in the lighter shades. The lightest shade should even be legal on the front windows. I typically have run dark tints all the way around, I don't care for the two tint levels where the fronts are lighter and in the past that was just as illegal as making them dark.

Now however I could do this very light 90% tint all the way around and I doubt anyone would give me grief and technically it should be legal. However I am not sure how it will look, I kinda doubt it will give the blacked out look I like. But with it all done and a dark interior maybe it would work. Alternately I could go with a medium 70% that would clearly be illegal but might look better. Or I could just do the back (hatch) in a darker shade and keep the sides light.

While I am not a stickler for the rules and I have had to peel off tint a couple of times over the years (even when clearly too dark I only have had a problem when stopped for something else), and I'd prefer to be legal about it but I'd also prefer to have the look I like. Not sure if the Race Red Fiesta will get me stopped more than my more 'grown-up' cars in more subdued colors, but it would be a shame if I have to keep peeling off expensive films.

Any thoughts? Anyone do a car in one of these really light tints and have photos so I can see how it compares to dark tints?

[aspitaletto]

35% is the darkest you can go and still look "classy"

[Audrey]

Maybe these will help:

• http://fiestafaction.com/forums/fies...ners-club.html
• Faction Fotos - Fiesta Faction

You can search the forum specifically for the word "tint" with the quick "Search This Forum" link; it's in the black bar at the top of the forum's posts listing, below the banner links to sponsors.

[Nickgt40]

I look at it this way. As long as a cop can see you in your car at night without a dome light on you are probably OK in the front. I don't really mind having the tint darker in back and lighter up front as that's what I have on my focus.

I think it comes down to what you want to deal with. Either it will be dark all around and you'll have a chance of having to peel it off or you go light all around and you may want to re-do them anyways.

I like the idea of the UV blocking so that would be a great way to go up front and if you can stand it go only 1-2 shades darker in the back so the contrast isn't as noticeable. While it may not be ideal, it's probably your best compromise.

[Slazenger14]

I have 5% tint all around my Fiesta (except windshield of course) and I think it looks great. It keeps my car cooler and I feel safer with it. I can post pics if needed. I haven't been pulled over or bothered by police...yet!

[GapBoyPCS]

Most reputable shops know the rules and law, so they can add in their thoughts as to how dark you can go without being a magnet.

Are you looking at a ceramic-based tint or metal?

[macdarren]

The Film I am considering is 3M Crystaline. I really don't know if it is ceramic. Definitely not metallic.

[appleinfl]

Originally Posted by aspitaletto

35% is the darkest you can go and still look "classy"

Suuuure. My 30% & 20% is soooo void of "class".

I got 3M Crystaline film on mine. It's got 30% on the front and 20% on the rear. I LOVE the reflective look and it does an amazing job of keeping the heat out. According to google you can get 70% on the front and anything on the rear. I'd personally go to beyond that and take the risk, 70% is nothing. I'd also recommend getting a sunshade if it's parked outside a lot.

[chowie29]

I got 20% in the front and 5% in the back.




Being in Las Vegas the sun is so intense 35% looks like nothing down here. Moving to vegas from Wi my old car had 35%.

The light tints are very good at keeping heat out, I had my old retinted and got its front window done and you could not tell it was done at all

[macdarren]

appleinfl,

Your car does look awesome. However I want to ask if you are sure of the numbers? From my research and what the shop tells me crystalline only comes in 40,50,60,70,90....I could not find the 20 or 30 you mentioned.....

I am not sure for me the reflective look will work I kinda like the deep black like chowie shows.

Thanks