Ceramic or Metallic Tint? 20% or 25%

[SRTHILL]

I have been tossing this around and cant decide. I dont much care about losing AM radio, but would be upset if FM, SAT or NAV was affected. I have read all the posts regarding tint that I could find and am looking for some advice from both the ceramic and the metallic camp. Anyone have bad experiences with the metal film? As far as the ceramic goes, what are you giving up by going this way? Quality and a higher cost? My tint guy is going to do it for $240 all 5 windows, with a lifetime guarantee. In fact, if i get the fix it ticket he will remove and replace for free.

Now, I dont know on the tint %. I dont want to be unsafe while driving at night by having zero visibility. And on the other hand I want it dark because it gets over 100 degrees where I live frequently.

Thoughts and advice welcomed.

Regards,
SRTHILL

[SRTHILL]

Originally Posted by SRTHILL

I have been tossing this around and cant decide. I dont much care about losing AM radio, but would be upset if FM, SAT or NAV was affected. I have read all the posts regarding tint that I could find and am looking for some advice from both the ceramic and the metallic camp. Anyone have bad experiences with the metal film? As far as the ceramic goes, what are you giving up by going this way? Quality and a higher cost? My tint guy is going to do it for $240 all 5 windows, with a lifetime guarantee. In fact, if i get the fix it ticket he will remove and replace for free.

Now, I dont know on the tint %. I dont want to be unsafe while driving at night by having zero visibility. And on the other hand I want it dark because it gets over 100 degrees where I live frequently.

Thoughts and advice welcomed.

Regards,
SRTHILL

Forgot to add, and am not sure it makes a difference, but I am ordering a Valentine 1 radar detector, and am curious if ceramic/metallic makes a difference for that as well....

[SRTHILL]

Bump...i know i am being impatient, but I am leaving for the Tint in a few minutes and was curious if there was any sage wisdom.

[JWunderli]

Originally Posted by SRTHILL

I have been tossing this around and cant decide. I dont much care about losing AM radio, but would be upset if FM, SAT or NAV was affected. I have read all the posts regarding tint that I could find and am looking for some advice from both the ceramic and the metallic camp. Anyone have bad experiences with the metal film? As far as the ceramic goes, what are you giving up by going this way? Quality and a higher cost? My tint guy is going to do it for $240 all 5 windows, with a lifetime guarantee. In fact, if i get the fix it ticket he will remove and replace for free.

Now, I dont know on the tint %. I dont want to be unsafe while driving at night by having zero visibility. And on the other hand I want it dark because it gets over 100 degrees where I live frequently.

Thoughts and advice welcomed.

Regards,
SRTHILL

I just got my windows tinted by a shop that specializes in detailing and tinting high-end cars in the Vegas area. His services are not cheap but he did say that he didn't think the ceramic tint was worth the extra money. I ended up getting 20% on my front two windows and 13% on the three rear windows. The film he used provides good visibility even at night but also makes it look fairly dark from the outside. I am very happy with my choice because I didn't want it so dark that it was hard to see at night. The car is noticeably cooler during the day as well. Just my .02.

Jed

[SRTHILL]

Thanks for the .02 Jed. I went with the non-metallic 3M. I was not so much concerned with the AM radio reception as I was with the Valentine 1 radar detector I will be purchasing. I want to make sure there is no interference for that baby.

BTW, I went 20% all around. It looks awesome and I could immediately feel the temp difference in the cabin. I stopped by In/Out Burger and you should have seen the looks she was getting. Cost me $270 out the door. I am very happy with the results. The tint guy told me to open the sunroof when law enforcement is around, that way it looks like more light is penetrating the front of the cabin and they will be less likely to pull you over. But, if they do give me a fixit ticket, he will remove and replace free of charge. That is what I consider excellent customer service.

Regards,
SRTHILL

[JWunderli]

Originally Posted by SRTHILL

Thanks for the .02 Jed. I went with the non-metallic 3M. I was not so much concerned with the AM radio reception as I was with the Valentine 1 radar detector I will be purchasing. I want to make sure there is no interference for that baby.

BTW, I went 20% all around. It looks awesome and I could immediately feel the temp difference in the cabin. I stopped by In/Out Burger and you should have seen the looks she was getting. Cost me $270 out the door. I am very happy with the results. The tint guy told me to open the sunroof when law enforcement is around, that way it looks like more light is penetrating the front of the cabin and they will be less likely to pull you over. But, if they do give me a fixit ticket, he will remove and replace free of charge. That is what I consider excellent customer service.

Regards,
SRTHILL

Awesome. I have also noticed a nice benefit with regard to cooler temperatures even after it has been sitting in the hot sun for hours. It cools down much faster as well.

The cars look great stock but once you tint them, they really look awesome. People will definitely be checking our cars out even more with the window tint. Have fun.

[DennisG]

The 3M what type is it? I went to get an estimate the other day from a local shop and they quoted me $300 for all windows with 3M tint. He said it was non-metallic and it was color injected. I asked him if it was dyed? And he said color injected again like he was avoiding the question. He did say there was a warranty on it turning purple...does 3M even make dyed tint?? I want to avoid the dyed tint at all costs because that purple bubbled look is out. Appreciate any info on the 3M tint you just had installed.

[SRTHILL]

Originally Posted by DennisG

The 3M what type is it? I went to get an estimate the other day from a local shop and they quoted me $300 for all windows with 3M tint. He said it was non-metallic and it was color injected. I asked him if it was dyed? And he said color injected again like he was avoiding the question. He did say there was a warranty on it turning purple...does 3M even make dyed tint?? I want to avoid the dyed tint at all costs because that purple bubbled look is out. Appreciate any info on the 3M tint you just had installed.

I dont know the specifics as far as dyed or injected. But, it is a bit more expensive for the Tint I went with...a quick search of 3M and I think this is the stuff:

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs66653YCOrrrr Q-

The FX tint is a bit less...It has a great dar color, I dont like the shiny metallic films, but prefer more of a flat black. As long as your installer offers a lifetime warranty (which if they are any good they do) you shouldnt worry too much about it. He told me it should hold up for 7-10 yrs no problem. I dont think it will turn purple, cause that is part of their marketing strategy. They specifically state that it wont...

BTW, i just went out for a bite to eat with the family and the car was baking in the sun about 95 degrees. I noticed immediately that the car was a lot cooler upon entry and certainly cooled down faster. I know some of us have made some comments on the performance of the AC in our 300's, well with this tint I easily feel a 20-25% gain. In fact we had to turn it down the AC down to a notch above low, cause we were getting chilled.

Still plan on taking some pics...will try to load them up soon.

[srt8danno]

So where are the pictures of this beauty freshly tinted? You know the rules….you tint or mod…..you post pictures or you’re subject to abuse.

[SRTHILL]

Originally Posted by srt8danno

So where are the pictures of this beauty freshly tinted? You know the rules….you tint or mod…..you post pictures or you’re subject to abuse.

Well... i got yakking on the phone, the sun went down and the pictures did not turn out so well. With all the good pics on the forum, the bar is set high. You guys expect the best! I will try not to disappoint.

Now to search and find out just how one goes about uploading the pics. I am sure there is a right and a wrong way.