Need Window Tinting Advice

[BroncMe]

4D Basequatch arriving soon. Need window tinting advice (other trims have tinting). Never done it before. I'm in PA where there is a 70% visible light minimum on windshield and 30% elsewhere. The 3M Crystalline series has the following table

So it looks like C90 on the front and C40 on the sides if I wanted to go max tint. Even the C90 cools things down considerably, I understand

Question is, what do you do with the first row, was assuming C90 (lighter) there too. C40 or C50 for the second row and the back.

BUT then you have a different look between the first row and second (like most minivans) and I'm not sure if I just want to go with a clean first, second, and rear by using the darker C40 for everything except the windshield.

Any thoughts welcomed!!!

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[skiborsy]

4D Basequatch arriving soon. Need window tinting advice (other trims have tinting). Never done it before. I'm in PA where there is a 70% visible light minimum on windshield and 30% elsewhere. The 3M Crystalline series has the following table

So it looks like C90 on the front and C40 on the sides if I wanted to go max tint. Even the C90 cools things down considerably, I understand

Question is, what do you do with the first row, was assuming C90 (lighter) there too. C40 or C50 for the second row and the back.

BUT then you have a different look between the first row and second (like most minivans) and I'm not sure if I just want to go with a clean first, second, and rear by using the darker C40 for everything except the windshield.

Any thoughts welcomed!!!

Rears are in the 20% range so if you're sticking to legal tint in the front row, you'll never get a match. Stock rear tint is in the glass so blocks light, but not heat, so still worth doing the film. I'd probably do 20% on the rear five windows and whatever you like the look of on the front row.

 

[Dmorty217]

Definitely get ceramic tint to help with the heat, otherwise it’s just a look and not function thing. I wouldn’t have the front be different from the back but that’s just me. I use to live in Ohio where they also had dumb laws about window tint but I took my chances because I wanted darker than the legal limit. Unless you live in a town with cops that have nothing to do I think you will be fine, it’s typically the state boys that get people for tint or no front license plate type stuff.

 

[BroncMe]

Rears are in the 20% range so if you're sticking to legal tint in the front row, you'll never get a match. Stock rear tint is in the glass so blocks light, but not heat, so still worth doing the film. I'd probably do 20% on the rear five windows and whatever you like the look of on the front row.

I think I'm with you on this. Visually as a driver, it kind of makes sense not to go too drastic on the front row

 

[BroncMe]

Definitely get ceramic tint to help with the heat, otherwise it’s just a look and not function thing. I wouldn’t have the front be different from the back but that’s just me. I use to live in Ohio where they also had dumb laws about window tint but I took my chances because I wanted darker than the legal limit. Unless you live in a town with cops that have nothing to do I think you will be fine, it’s typically the state boys that get people for tint or no front license plate type stuff.

Yes agree. The infrared heat block is apparently super effective, and if I read the table right, there's only 5% difference on that metric across the range from dark to light. Your comment on the overall look is appreciated

 

[PghBronco]

4D Basequatch arriving soon. Need window tinting advice (other trims have tinting). Never done it before. I'm in PA where there is a 70% visible light minimum on windshield and 30% elsewhere. The 3M Crystalline series has the following table

So it looks like C90 on the front and C40 on the sides if I wanted to go max tint. Even the C90 cools things down considerably, I understand

Question is, what do you do with the first row, was assuming C90 (lighter) there too. C40 or C50 for the second row and the back.

BUT then you have a different look between the first row and second (like most minivans) and I'm not sure if I just want to go with a clean first, second, and rear by using the darker C40 for everything except the windshield.

Any thoughts welcomed!!!

I got mine tinted here in Pittsburgh Tri-State elite window tint. I told him I wanted the front to match the rear. I think its 25% couldn't be happier. No issues at all.

 

[skiborsy]

Definitely get ceramic tint to help with the heat, otherwise it’s just a look and not function thing. I wouldn’t have the front be different from the back but that’s just me. I use to live in Ohio where they also had dumb laws about window tint but I took my chances because I wanted darker than the legal limit. Unless you live in a town with cops that have nothing to do I think you will be fine, it’s typically the state boys that get people for tint or no front license plate type stuff.

And with limited AC venting in the rear, heat rejection becomes even more important.

 

[drew707]

I tend to keep my front side windows within a perceptive shade darker than the actual windshield. This helps me out significantly more at night versus when there’s a very sharp contrast between the windshield and the side windows. Your night vision only has to adjust slightly if they’re closer in percentage. Generally I like 50% windshield and 30/35% sides. But that’s me so I can’t speak for everyone’s experience.

 

[Dmorty217]

And with limited AC venting in the rear, heat rejection becomes even more important.

I agree especially for my children

 

[MrGreen55]

Has anyone tired the new KAVACA window tint? Looks like the best for keep heat out.

 

[F OR D]

pa here, did 20, almost a perfect match for the factory. i'm not a huge tint guy but i will say it is fn dark at night. looks good though.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

FYI the factory "clear" windows will meter in the mid 70% range. I deal with the same ridiculously strict 70% legal limit here in AK. Any tint will make the front windows "illegal" but the chances of being stopped get significantly lower the lighter you go.

I just do 20% and pay the inevitable tickets.

 

[BroncMe]

I got mine tinted here in Pittsburgh Tri-State elite window tint. I told him I wanted the front to match the rear. I think its 25% couldn't be happier. No issues at all.

one more vote for a clean look

 

[BroncMe]

And with limited AC venting in the rear, heat rejection becomes even more important.

totally agree. that is the point I think

 

[22OBX]

Has anyone tired the new KAVACA window tint? Looks like the best for keep heat out.

Yes. I have the Kavaca IR Ceramic. It’s great and highly recommend.

IR 70 on windshield, 25 on side windows I believe. Also have darker strip.

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