I know window tinting was discussed in other Acurazine's forums, but not specifically in this forum. Did anybody here have their RLs tinted? If so, how much did you pay? I'm trying to get an idea of how much I have to spend to tint the RL, so that I'd know if any place is charging reasonable fee for this service. I am aware that the RL has to go (or so strongly recommended) with the more expensive ceramic films because of the navigation and antenna. Any input is appreciated!

 

I was charged $300 to tint all the side windows (light) and back window (medium) on my RL with 3M ScotchTint non-metallic, color-stable, window tinting. I tinted my Mazda3 a couple months back with a metallic brand and it cost me $200 at the same place.

I wasn't sure if I actually needed the non-metallic tint for the RL, but according to the installer/owner, who I trust, he said that if you have GPS/XM/Bluetooth, that he highly recommended non-metallic film. Now I did have two other cars with GPS (only) and the metallic film never interfered with the reception, but I figured that I would rather be safe, than sorry.

The installer/owner has been around for over 25 years and he does many of the local Lexus, Audi, BMW and Acura cars, so I feel safer going to him, than those places that have only been around for a couple of years. His work is excellent!

 

I had the dealership tint my windows. Dunno the price because I had them throw it into the deal.

 

did the tint guy have to put moleskin on your RL windows? i called several places for window tinting, this one place charges $330 for non-metal ceramic films on all windows, and he's done a lot of TLs and TSXs where he needs to put moleskin on them to prevent scratches. he's not sure whether RL needs moleskin, said he's gonna check when he does it, if needed he's gonna put moleskin at no extra charge (normally it's charged extra). tried to bargain and he said he'd do my sunroof at no cost. another place charges $180 - i asked about ceramic films, he only said he'll put non-metal films, didn't mention ceramic so maybe it isn't ceramic (this confuses me: is non-metal = ceramic?). both places have been in this business for over 15 yrs, all lifetime guarantees. big difference in price, i don't know which one to go with.....

 

I know I will need it to counter the sun in Houston. Yeah whats the difference between non metal and ceramic.

 

My installer didn't mention anything about moleskin, but I just went out to my car and rolled down my windows and there is a "felt" liner on both the inside and outside edge of the window "guide". Since I'm not sure what was there originally, can you tell me if yours is rubber or felt?

 

Per the manufacturer's website:

"Ceramic Smart Films are unlike any other film in the industry. They provide superior aesthetics, performance and protection through their patented German ceramic technology that is unique only to Huper Optik. Ceramic window films have reset the standards in the window film industry in heat control, visibility, and fade control".

So ceramic is non-metallic, but non-metallic does not equate to ceramic.

 

Just had my windows done with non-metallized ceramic films on all 4 and rear windows as well as the sunroof. Turns out that RL doesn't need the moleskin installed - that's what the guy told me as he checked before doing it. So to answer the question above, the "felt" liner that you see must be what's in there originally as mine is that way.

 

How dark did you go on the tint? Today I looked at 52 and 37 (52 being a lighter tint allowing 52% of the light through). I notice the windows have a little tint already so I'm wondering if the 37 would be too dark...

 

when I get my cars tinted, I normally get 35% the 4 windows, and 20% on the back windshield, because normally the most light comes in from the backwindshield of the front windshield. I would love to have 20% all around, but having tinted windows in michigan is illegal, and I haven't really had much problems wit the cops when I have 35% all around. I think 35% looks pretty classy, if you go too dark, I think it looks actually kinda ghetto! But this is just my opinion Good luck, def post pics after u get it tinted though!

 

I think my tint is 30%. Could be 25 or 35 but I do not know. All I know is it is nice and with the black interior the tint looks even darker than it is.

 

For that darkened effect, inside the car, I find that sunglasses work very well and they maybe removed during reduced visabilty. The UV rejection of the stock windows will allow for the interiors longevity to exceed the life of the car. If heat is your issue then don't buy a dark color for the extrerior or interior.
See how much money I have saved you guys!

 

Um yeah, I'll take tint on my windows thanks

 

I ended up going with the 35 (something called true gray) all around. The back window could be a little darker but I was afraid of ending up with the gangster look. It does make the car look more aggressive. How do you post pictures?

 

I think tinting the windows cheapens que look of the car, it interferes with visibility at night and it doesn't do much to reduce the heat inside the car - the factory tint is the most effective for that. On the other hand, if you like it - just do it! and never mind what others think.

 

There is my RL with its tint. It is a teense darker (well mroe reflective) in the pic compared to in person but not by a whole lot.

I like the look of it. The car looks tight with tint.

 

Has anyone encountered any scratching yet? Does the stock window "molding" seem to be safe with the tint? Any pics of Celestial/Lakeshore RLs with tint? Can anyone recommend a good tinting (and Stoneguard?) shop in the Chicago area? I haven't even made the purchase yet, but will in the next couple weeks!


Randy

 

no scratches here

 

I plan on having my Celestial/Ebony RL tinted next week. I'm debating on how dark to go... In my former car, a Brilliant Silver E420 with gray leather, I had:

20% rear window
20% rear doors
35% front doors

This worked nicely, but I grew tired of the front doors looking different than the rear doors (rears were noticably darker).

Since my RL has black leather, whatever tint I choose will *look* darker than it in my old car with light gray leather. So, I could go with 20% in the rear window and 35% on all four doors and it would still look good.

However, since the black interior will get hotter in the sun than the gray interior, I'm thinking I should get the darker (20%) tint all-around because it will reject more of the sun's heat. Additionally, it will help even more to cut-down on the glare on the navi screen. However, I don't want to look like a pimp or something, and I don't want to be pulled over more than usual (I have a medical note from my eye doctor so I won't get a ticket). However, 20% isn't *that* dark, like some folks who use "limo" (5%) tint, which I think is almost dangerous for night driving...

What have others done? Are you happy with the results? Would you do it differently if you did it again? More photos please!!!



Randy

 

I have a lakeshore/ebony RL and I went ~35% all around. The back window could be a little darker but I like the way the front/rear door windows look with 35.

 

Randy,

I think my RL tint is 25% or so. It looks good and does a good job with the sun. It may possibly be 20%...I really don't know. All I know is it is great with the sun