Let's recap a couple of on-going and old threads on window tinting for important cautions.

1) the TL had a hard rubber wiper on the inside of the window that scratches the tint unless "mole skin" is added to the wiper strip. Extra $$$

2) metallic tints can interfer with the cell phone and with the Navi by partially blocking signals. The antenna for the Navi/GPS is in the rear package shelf.

The fixes:

1) have the mole skin installed or have the installer guarantee no scratches will occur.

2) Get non-metallic tint

Has anyone got any further suggestions or do you have experience with these issues?

 

I have experience with #2. I do not have Navi, however, the radio antenna is in my rear window, and I do not have any interference whatsoever from my tint. My cell phone also does not have any problems and I've had the tint since August of 2001. #1 wasn't a problem on my year TL, so I can't help you there.

 

I have metallic tinit and it shoudl also be noted that it does interfere a bit with regular radio reception, AM more than FM since the antenna is in the rear window. As for the scratching, how quickly does that show up, I had my windows tinted 2 weeks ago and have not used windows much, but don't see any evidence of scratching yet.

 

I heard LLumar tint is touted as scratch-proof. Any truth?

 

Frankly, I don't think any tint can really be "scratch-proof" -- probably a better term is scratch resistant. Until there is a definitive answer as to what works I am really hesitant about getting my windows tinted, even though summer's fast approaching!

 

Would anyone recommend self installation? If so, is it difficult?

 

nope not hard at all
will just look like crap with tons of bubbles

 

I had the LLumar tint, it scratched without the moleskin within 3 weeks of limited use.

I would listen to the metalic tint warning for the GPS antenna on the rear deck

 

does anyone rem on where to purchase the mole skin or are these tinting places responsible for it

 

This is where you can buy moleskin;

CR Laurence catalog Part #C5901 1" x 90' moleskin channel liner with adhesive. About $17 per roll (800)-421-6144.

However, your tinter will have it or will buy it.

 

I have metallic tint on the back window, and so far, I have had very little problem with GPS. Occasionally when it starts it may not be at the right location, but driving around a little, it snaps to the correct location. Again, this happens very rarely, and I wonder if that's caused by the metal tint or the inherent inaccuracy of GPS from time to time.

 

I have a fix for your to keep your tint from scratching.

I use a clean cotton rag, rap it around my finger and clean the rubber window lips. You will see tons of dirt come off, in fact I repeat this step about 4 -5 times per wash.

The mole skin will work too, but in a year or two, when the mole skin can't hold any more dirt, you'll need to clean it also. I'm not saying this is the magic-cure-all. It's what I do, and it works for me.

Mike Smeezy,

 

Oh My GOD! I just noticed the Green Dot in the left-had conner!! Am I being followed by Alliens? OMG Help me please! The sky is falling!!! (j/k)

Mike Smeezy,

 

Hahahaha.. a combination of funny comments from different threads. Classic. =) Hey, who elected you President?!#!% I haven't even seen a picture of your car yet. Who knows if you really even own an Anthracite.

 

(glad at least one person got that Ha Ha!)

Anway, I admit it was self-appointed, but since I started the whole "Team Anthracite" thing, I figured, what the heck!

The only problem is my car is pretty much stock and I think the President should at least have nice rims.... Lore for President??

Mike Smeezy,

 

SERIOUSLY. And I just got the nice rims too, so I think I'm up for the running. The total post count has got to count for something, too.