So I swung by a local tint place with my new TL, and the guy tells me that it's going to be $269. Seems a little steep, but he told me that to tint it, they have to replace the rubber strip on the inside of all the doors because the stock ones don't have the "felt" and if they leave the rubber ones on, they will scratch the tint. Does this sound legit to you guys? Thanks for the help, in advance.

Scott

 

It's true the felt prevents scratching, but the rubber wiper located in the door panels does not have to be replaced. The felt, often referred to as moleskin has an adhesive backing and applied to the wiper. There are numerous threads about tint scratching and moleskin. Here are a few from the 3G Garage.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90330
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109439
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/black-fade-112578/
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/nokia-5100-6100-series-access-88957/

As far as cost goes, prices will vary geograpically and also consider the type and brand of tint being applied.

 

Well, I think the pricing would depend on the area you live in. I live in South Florida and I paid $208 (before tax) for my TL.

The Owner of the Tinting place even drives a TL and he recommended "Formula One" product (which I had used on my previous vehicle). I have never had any problems with it whatsoever, and it has a "lifetime warranty". If you have a dealer in your area who sells "Formula One", they will probably recommend the (AM 30) film.

Good Luck!

 

Who did you use in S. Florida for your tint?

 

I paid about that much just for tint and no felt in northern VA... I don't think you can find a place around here that will do a good job and use good film for less than 200.

 

Get your anti-scratch tint kit below.

 

in Anaheim in CA i got my 10% tint for 110. The quality is solid, and there is no scratching .. did not replace rubber.

 

Erigan,

It will scratch. You will see. TRUST ME.

 

Which series film is the AM in? I know F1 has Classic, Comfort, Premier, Ultimate, Pinnacle and UV Shield. I have F1 Pinnacle which is a ceramic film. The manufacturer of Formula One (CPFilms) also manufactures Llumar Automotive Film.

 

I have had my tint for around 2 months now, and there isn't a single scratch. I don't see how it's different than a 200$ tint. If it were to scratch, how would it happen?

 

There is really no reason to apply moleskin to prevent scratches. The scratches are caused by debris being trapped in/on the interior wipe strip, and when the window is moved up and down across it it may scratch your tint. All tint is not equal and some scratch easier than others. That being said, the solution to this problem is very simple and most of us on this website are anal enough about our vehicles to easily prevent it. All you need to do is keep the interior of your car and the windows clean. If you let sand or gritty debris accumulate on that wiping surface you will risk scratches, and they will occur if there is moleskin, felt, baby butt skin whatever you choose to apply to the strip. TRUST ME!

 

Yeah you might of paid $208 but there so many tint shops in Florida, that they have to be competitive. In 98 I bought by 98 VW Jetta VR6 from Lindel VW in Tampa Florida and they charge my $90. Up north in NY they were charging $150-$200.

Kevin