OP - Machine cut or manual?

 

damn, to be honest i was afraid of opening this thread. i need to get it done too and the windshield strip as well. so basically its $250-$300 depending on quality you want to get. tinting windows definitely falls in the "get what you paid for" category.

 

My dealer said they only use a metallic tinting. Supposedly, the heat in Ariz will cause non-metallic to discolor. Might want to check that. Probabbly not needed in Oregon.

 

What's a windshield strip? Is this where there's a dark section running across the top of the windshield?

 

as for tints... do it once and do it right. there are places that has lifetime warranties and has computerized film cutting for specific cars... go with them. and yes, it will be in the $200+

 

I paid $250 for 9 windows and a windshield strip. I was hoping to get it a little cheaper but they did a damn good job, totally worth it! Got a lifetime warranty with it too. I'm surprised they don't come with tint on at least the back 5.

 

I had to go back to the tint shop so they could fix the two front little side windows and now that that's done it looks sharp, is MUCH nicer to drive in the sun and definitely feels cooler inside after it's been parked in the sun for a while.

In addition to the manufacturer's lifetime warranty, this shop also provides a single-use no-fault warranty on any 1 window. So if in a couple years I scrape a big gouge in tinting of one of the windows they'll replace it free.

They also took some liberty in doing the windshield strip. I had originally asked to have a strip that went down to the bottom of the dot matrix, but they said they looked at that and it was going to be such a small strip on such a huge windshield that they used a larger piece of film to extend coverage down to the bottom edge of where the rearview mirror mounts to the windshield and then curved it slightly downward towards each side edge of the windshield. They said if I don't like it they'll change it out for free. It's a LOT of tint up there and I'm still adjusting to it, but I think I'll keep it. It's really pleasant to drive around in and feel like you're in a cool dark place

Here's some quick phone pics to show what I'm talking about with 30% tint all around. Also worth noting, but not pictured here (sorry), is that the windshield strip isn't nearly as noticeable from outside the car as it seems from inside the car.

Full car side view:


View of the windshield strip from the backseat:



Close-up view of where the strip comes down to:

 

I wouldn't mess with that windshield strip at all. Proportionately, it's about right considering the overall size of the windshield.

Anyway, when I got mine done in 2009, I paid $400 for Formula 1 Pinnacle all around, including the windshield strip. The product is top of the line ceramic, but the dealer sucked ass. At that time, Honda was stating that metallic tint could interfere with the factory nav, but that was total BS as many people have gone metallic with no issues. So, maybe going ceramic was overkill, but the stuff had great heat reflection properties.

Lessons learned: (1) You get what you pay for in terms of pruduct, and (2) make sure the dealer is competent.

 

The tint has started to really set thanks to the heat here and the haze is mostly gone from the moisture under the tint. It's looking very good! I'm happy with my decision

Currently on a break from installing my new Clazzio seat covers - they are awesome with only the front seats done so far.

 

Any suggestions for a high-quality shop for tinting in Philly?

Thanks

Dan

 

Paid $160 (cash discount) for all 9 windows on mine. Reputable shop here in So Cal that used Llumar non-ceramic tint. Lifetime warranty, yada yada yada...

 

Same but for $184 here in Vegas.

 

~$240 is fair...I paid $500 OTD for all 9 windows and Clear bra the whole front end and rear tailgate bumper area