Self-tinting - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

ryanfx · 05-15-2009, 11:00 AM

Well... it's that time again for inspection and I had to rip off my side window tint. I was wondering how many of you have tinted your side windows on your own. In addition... would you recommend it? I'm handy... but I've never attempted tint before and I feel like I will just get bubbles, dirt, get pissed off, and rip it off.

The rear window aside, how easy were the two sides? Or should I just pay someone again to have them put back on?

sweetbmxrider · 05-15-2009, 11:07 AM

eh its doable but i would personally pay instead of dealing with it. the glass curves inward so it makes it that much harder to lay flat. try a ttop to get the feel of it, if you like it/have the nac for it, give it a try. get 3m tint too, best stuff.

Whiplash Performance · 05-15-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanfx

Well... it's that time again for inspection and I had to rip off my side window tint. I was wondering how many of you have tinted your side windows on your own. In addition... would you recommend it? I'm handy... but I've never attempted tint before and I feel like I will just get bubbles, dirt, get pissed off, and rip it off.

The rear window aside, how easy were the two sides? Or should I just pay someone again to have them put back on?

Why don't you bring your car to a private inspection station? A lot of them won't give you an issue with tint. The place I go to charges $57.00 which is cheaper then getting tint redone.

Saitin · 05-15-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiplash Performance

Why don't you bring your car to a private inspection station? A lot of them won't give you an issue with tint. The place I go to charges $57.00 which is cheaper then getting tint redone.

what he said I do mine at a private garage that is run by an indian family they just plug the computer in and check emissions then toss a sticker on cost me 50.00 plus tax.

bobb1589 · 05-15-2009, 07:37 PM

well it sounds like he already ripped his off....

ryanfx · 05-16-2009, 12:17 AM

none of those "special stations" around here, every place I took it too and "asked" about that borderline screamed at me to leave

String · 05-16-2009, 01:26 AM

Never did tint before but can you do the old 'spray window with windex and squegee it on' trick or does tint have to go on dry.

Teds89IROC · 05-16-2009, 11:52 AM

Alex and I did his a few weeks ago, wasn't too bad. You HAVE to use a light solution of dish detergent and water with a squeegee, it won't work well if you put it on dry. Best thing to do is drench the window and film that way you can slide it around on the glass for a perfect fit, then trim. $10 too for two rolls at pep boys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar0ck

BTW thats the 5% all around. I'm a friendly drug dealer.

sweetbmxrider · 05-16-2009, 12:13 PM

ya that is the only way to do it like ted said.

ryanfx · 05-16-2009, 04:24 PM

for 10 bucks I'll give it a shot then! I just got my fancy shmancy new inspection sticker as well, 2 more years!

foff667 · 05-16-2009, 04:43 PM

Also don't do it on a scorcher day or at least do it at sun down so that the water/detergent mix doesn't dissipate so quick. There are also companies out there that make to fit tint so no cutting is involved which was my biggest downfall. If you plan to cut it yourself just make sure you have a very sharp cutting tool and don't use old blades.

Teds89IROC · 05-16-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foff667

Also don't do it on a scorcher day or at least do it at sun down so that the water/detergent mix doesn't dissipate so quick. There are also companies out there that make to fit tint so no cutting is involved which was my biggest downfall. If you plan to cut it yourself just make sure you have a very sharp cutting tool and don't use old blades.

Good points, the cutting was definitely the hardest.

ar0ck · 05-16-2009, 05:35 PM

Also don't roll down your windows for up to two-three days. let the glue cure, then you can go back and make any trimming adjustments.

foff667 · 05-16-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar0ck

Also don't roll down your windows for up to two-three days. let the glue cure, then you can go back and make any trimming adjustments.

if done correctly I've never seen an issue with this.

sweetbmxrider · 05-16-2009, 06:12 PM

i wait a week usually. colder weather lets it set faster. if the edge isn't set, the weather stripping or window guides could easily pull the tint.

foff667 · 05-16-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider

i wait a week usually. colder weather lets it set faster. if the edge isn't set, the weather stripping or window guides could easily pull the tint.

Every place I've gone sets the edge beneath the weatherstripping so it can't get hung up so thats the way I've done mine when I have done so. You guys have a point though if you do it above the weatherstripping I suppose.

Teds89IROC · 05-16-2009, 11:56 PM

Even when you tuck it under the weatherstripping, which Alex and I did, you still shouldn't roll down your windows for a couple of days. The box says that and so do the professional tinting places.

sweetbmxrider · 05-17-2009, 10:28 AM

yeah way down there are the window guides too. they have like a piece of felt or something and put pressure outwards on the window. they could definitely ruin the tint.