G37 Tint Job
09-17-2008, 01:28 PM
#1
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G37 Tint Job
First time poster here.
So I recently got my windows tinted from a shop the dealer recommended. Cost around $270 USD. 35 front/20 rear windows and back.
I have a concern though. When I got the car from the dealer I noticed that there was vinal tape(?) on the exterior part of the window of the car around the dot matrix areas for the two small rear windows and the back window. I asked what that was and the dealer stated that the tape was there to cover the area where the dot matrix tint from the factory. (Dot matrix being the black little dots that transition between the black area and the actual glass area) I told him that I really was not confortable with this and he in return stated that every g37 they tint looks like this.
I'm calling this a bad job & cover up, what do you guys think?
(Pictures to come later today)
So I recently got my windows tinted from a shop the dealer recommended. Cost around $270 USD. 35 front/20 rear windows and back.
I have a concern though. When I got the car from the dealer I noticed that there was vinal tape(?) on the exterior part of the window of the car around the dot matrix areas for the two small rear windows and the back window. I asked what that was and the dealer stated that the tape was there to cover the area where the dot matrix tint from the factory. (Dot matrix being the black little dots that transition between the black area and the actual glass area) I told him that I really was not confortable with this and he in return stated that every g37 they tint looks like this.
I'm calling this a bad job & cover up, what do you guys think?
(Pictures to come later today)
09-17-2008, 07:28 PM
#7
Registered User
Tinting the Dot Matrix
Most cars have a black ceramic 'frit' edge on the rear window. Sometimes this ceramic edge is straight and flat, sometimes it will have a dotted matrix edge. These black ceramic dots are quite thick on most cars and prevent the film from sticking to the area between the dots. This results in a whitish looking strip trimming the glass.
Typically this isn't very noticeable, however some cars have a wide band of dots trimming the top of the rear window. This area is so wide that the whitish looking area created is more pronounced.
Not much can be done about the narrow strip of dots going around the edges, other than letting the film dry for a few days and then pressing the film down onto the dots with your finger or a hard card wrapped in a paper towel. usually this will greatly reduce the whitish appearance. This usually doesn't work well for the wide band of dots.
There are a few options for dealing with the very wide dot matrix area.
Paint Them
The dots can be left untinted, the film allowed to dry for a couple of days, then painted. The best way to paint the dots is to use a flat black enamel spray paint. Mask off the tinted area and upholstery trim with plenty of plastic and masking tape. Make sure to get a good straight edge where the paint will meet the tint.
Glue Them ***my favorite way***
Another way is to use a clear stationery glue such as "O' Glue" available at Kinko's or Thrifty's or RightAid or any stationery store or Elmer's blue gel (dries clear and stays pliable) . It is a little tricky and can be messy. It gets a little easier with practice. First tint the window as normal, covering the dots with tint. squeegee as much water as possible from under the dotted area. Carefully peel the film down from the dots and squeeze a bead of O' glue onto the exposed film where it meets the bottom edge of the dot area, lay the film back into position, and carefully, slowly squeegee the glue upwards with a bondo card wrapped in a paper towel, stopping short of the top to keep the glue from glopping out. When all of the glue has been moved to nearly the top, squeegee the rest out with a horizontal pass of the bondo card, holding a paper towel under the squeegee card as you go to catch the excess glue. If you spill the glue on the upholstery, just wipe the excess up, and blot with a wet paper towel. If you smear some onto the surface of the tint, just wipe it away with a paper towel.
As the glue dries, it will look lumpy for awhile , if the lumps are huge squeegee a little more out. Most of the area will appear a bit lumpy even after its dry, but it looks MUCH better than having that whitened look from the outside.
More on gluing (pics included) HERE
Honestly I'd just deal with it..run your fingers along the edges after a few days, it's not that noticable on the G.
Most cars have a black ceramic 'frit' edge on the rear window. Sometimes this ceramic edge is straight and flat, sometimes it will have a dotted matrix edge. These black ceramic dots are quite thick on most cars and prevent the film from sticking to the area between the dots. This results in a whitish looking strip trimming the glass.
Typically this isn't very noticeable, however some cars have a wide band of dots trimming the top of the rear window. This area is so wide that the whitish looking area created is more pronounced.
Not much can be done about the narrow strip of dots going around the edges, other than letting the film dry for a few days and then pressing the film down onto the dots with your finger or a hard card wrapped in a paper towel. usually this will greatly reduce the whitish appearance. This usually doesn't work well for the wide band of dots.
There are a few options for dealing with the very wide dot matrix area.
Paint Them
The dots can be left untinted, the film allowed to dry for a couple of days, then painted. The best way to paint the dots is to use a flat black enamel spray paint. Mask off the tinted area and upholstery trim with plenty of plastic and masking tape. Make sure to get a good straight edge where the paint will meet the tint.
Glue Them ***my favorite way***
Another way is to use a clear stationery glue such as "O' Glue" available at Kinko's or Thrifty's or RightAid or any stationery store or Elmer's blue gel (dries clear and stays pliable) . It is a little tricky and can be messy. It gets a little easier with practice. First tint the window as normal, covering the dots with tint. squeegee as much water as possible from under the dotted area. Carefully peel the film down from the dots and squeeze a bead of O' glue onto the exposed film where it meets the bottom edge of the dot area, lay the film back into position, and carefully, slowly squeegee the glue upwards with a bondo card wrapped in a paper towel, stopping short of the top to keep the glue from glopping out. When all of the glue has been moved to nearly the top, squeegee the rest out with a horizontal pass of the bondo card, holding a paper towel under the squeegee card as you go to catch the excess glue. If you spill the glue on the upholstery, just wipe the excess up, and blot with a wet paper towel. If you smear some onto the surface of the tint, just wipe it away with a paper towel.
As the glue dries, it will look lumpy for awhile , if the lumps are huge squeegee a little more out. Most of the area will appear a bit lumpy even after its dry, but it looks MUCH better than having that whitened look from the outside.
More on gluing (pics included) HERE
Honestly I'd just deal with it..run your fingers along the edges after a few days, it's not that noticable on the G.
Last edited by RedG37SNC; 09-17-2008 at 07:33 PM.
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11-17-2008, 03:35 PM
#15
I think it is like 35% in Florida on the front. Though I have 15% on all my windows and I never got pulled over while I lived in Florida.
Good hint would be when you see a cop, roll down the opposite window, or roll them both down at least half way. This allows light to pass through and they will appear lighter then they are.
$270 is really high for a normal tint job, especially since you didnt have any tint to be removed. Mine was $130 for Llumar 15%.
Good hint would be when you see a cop, roll down the opposite window, or roll them both down at least half way. This allows light to pass through and they will appear lighter then they are.
$270 is really high for a normal tint job, especially since you didnt have any tint to be removed. Mine was $130 for Llumar 15%.
Last edited by Heat; 11-17-2008 at 03:37 PM.