On my previous car, I had a professional shop tint my windows and it cost me $408.03. I have been told over and over again that I got ripped off and I now realize that, and it cost that much because they took off my factory tint and than put new on. So my question for all you car experts is it easier for me to just remove it myself and put wal-mart tint on? I have heard that is what the shops use. Or should I remove it myself and than have a shop install it for me even though it is more expensive. Basically I am asking what is the degree of difficulty of tinting your own windows, and what all will I need. Also, I have black interior since that makes it look darker.

Here is my car that I want tinted windows, what % would look best?


My old car with 28%

 

I really think you should go to a professional to do your tint.
In my opinion, on our colors NBP, the darker the better. Here's mine at 13% and my buddy's Audi with 22%.

 

Your TL already looks tinted with close to 30%. It does cost more to have them removed and new tint put on becasue of labor. Take the old ones off, and have a shop only put on new tint. Depending on the shop and tint, should cost no more than $250, or at least I wouldn't pay more than $250.

 

Got mine done for 300CND, with life time warranty.

 

What tint is on your car now and why are you getting it re-done?



NC limit is 35% passing inspection at 32%. If you're gonna go darker, make sure you've got somewhere to get it passed for annual inspection.

With the new system, you can't renew your registration until you get a safety and emission inspection "passed".


maybe you're not in NC, just a former Tar Heel.

 

I tint my 35% to keep it legal. I personally avoid having cops pulling me over for any reason. 20% is legal in my state but even at 25%, it gives a leo a reason to pull you over and check.

 

stick with the limit, fix it tickets are not fun! Tint should be around 200 dollars for a good job with quality tint, 400 range for amazing tint like huper optik! Tint shops that use the walmart kind aren't good, and as well probably don't warranty their work either. Stick with a reputable installer who does warranted work such as any authorized llumar tinter!

 

The darker the better in my view too with a black car. Are you going to do the strip on the windshield too?

 

Yeah I'd def. let a professional do your tint! Also, you did get ripped off but you have to be smart about it also....is there any local car forums that your a member on? Do you live in a big city? If so then you might be able to find someone on the forums that does window tint and can get you a good deal. I'm heavily into Mustangs/Lightnings so on my local mustang board I found out a guy that has a shop and does tint/detailing/etc and I got 15% SolarGard (spelling?) w/ lifetime warranty for $150 cash. If I were you I'd go with 15% or 13/12%. If you get a half ass tint on black it looks weird...plus it does it job at keeping the inside of the car cool during hot days and keeping people from looking in

 

I have friends who have tried to do it themselves with the walmart tint and it came out just so-so. There cars were no where near the head turner you have, so I would remove yourself to save a few bucks and shop around for a professional to install.

 

i have 5% all around and 35% on my front. i paid 150 for the car and another 50 bucks for the front

 

please don't get cheapo walmart "tint"

you have a nice car, show it some respect and shell out the money for a professional job. make sure they cover the 3rd brake light, and rear quarter panels. i have NBP as well, did 20% all around and it came out fantastic. $200 w/ lifetime warranty here in MD.

 

Correct me if I am wrong BUT factory tint is IN the glass and can't be removed .... Least it has been on every car I have owned.

Someone is B/S'ing you

 

Yea man have a pro do it. I paid $200 with a lifetime warranty for 35% on the doors and 20% on the back. In Mass the cops are quick to check and issue fix it tickets, especially the boston area. Just google search for shops then call and get quotes.

 

That's what I thought, but wasn't positive about other, older cars.

 

Yeep I have owned new cars bout every 2 years since 1972 and used prior to that ... Mostly GM ... and lately German and Japanese and not one had removable tint .. its right in the glass.

The manufacturers wouldn't use film tint... they would be dealing with owner warranty screwups for ever.

 

Depends. If the tint they installed was Huper Optik, no. If they did indeed have to remove the old tint, maybe. Time is money...

Who told you that? As far as I'm aware, there is no external "factory/OEM" tint. It's possible that external tint was installed as a dealer option...