Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 02:25:20 GMT From: opusecnopsamct.ca (ERIC HO) Subject: Re: Looking to have my windows tinted
There is an article on the effects of various tint films on a radar detector's sensitivity in this month's Car & Driver. In article <35d1b125.0nopsam1.ibm.net>, anonnopsam.com says... > > >Michelle Hampton wrote in message ><12173-35CE3F15-67nopsamd-113.bryant.webtv.net>... >Can anyone help me on what I should look for in having my windows tinted >on my Saab? For example, what I should ask the window tinter? >Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am new to this so please >explain in detail. > > >Michelle, > >Tinting is done through the application of a film to the inside of your >windows: I'd recommend that you go to the installer and ask if you can watch >an installation in progress and see the finished product. Check the >following: > >Find out what the legal limit for tinting is in your area. You don't want to >spend $100 on a tint just to have some cop order you to remove it. Also cops >are wary about approaching tinted cars because of difficulty seeing inside >at night. If you get stopped, turn on your dome lights, they appreciate it. > >Make sure that the installation is seamless. To do this, installers use a >single piece of tinting film on the side windows and several strips across >the rear. Because the back window is so large, installers cannot use a >single sheet to cover the entire window. The joining points between the >strips are hidden by the defroster lines. Better installers use wider >strips. Make sure you cannot see light between the defroster lines. A buddy >of mine had a poor job done that did not take into account temperature >expansion/contraction. This resulted in cracks letting light through the >rear window - driving everyone nuts. > >Watch out for bubbles! To ensure a clean fit, installers float the film on a >layer of liquid and as the liquid dries, the film sticks to the window >without bubbles. Make sure this liquid is not just water or else your >installation might peel. You can see there are painted lines around the >inside of your rear window on the edge. If you run a finger on the paint is >slightly raised from the window. A good installer will make sure that no >bubbles (silvering) forms here by increasing the adhesive content in the >installation liquid. Check an installed car for this. > >Look closely through an installed window. Make sure that the film does not >distort the image seen through it. > >By all means use the scratch resistant upgrade. All installers use a plastic >film. If some dirt is on the inside of your window, it can cause scratches >when you open it. Even if you don't open your windows (?!) this is a good >idea if you're a klutz like me. > >Check the metallic content of the film. Some films contain metallic >particles to maximize visibility from inside and opaqueness from outside >(like a 1-way mirror) but If you use a radar/laser detector to properly >enjoy your Saab, the metallic tint can interfere with operation. There is an >easy way to make sure that this doesn't happen. Get a sample of the film >from your installer - you only need about 4"x6". Drive around until a signal >triggers your radar/laser, note the signal strength. Then drive by again >with the film wrapped around the front of the detector, and check the meter >again. I can hear you say, 'the windshield isn't tinted.' That only affects >stationary traps, but moving patrols always get you from the rear where you >can't see them as easily (in my area they have started using rusted out >Buicks). > >Enjoy your tint job! > >Alex C. > >
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