Window Tint and other stuff

[samdajellybeenie14]

Hey guys,
I am thinking about getting my front windows tinted over the factory 50% because it's too light, and it gets really hot in the summer here in New Orleans and I like the look of the dark tint on the Thundercloud, it looks nice. Anyone have any recommendations as far as percentage goes? I checked my local laws and the law in Louisiana is no darker than 40% on the front (backs can be as dark as you want...). But, 40% looks the same as 50%. I'm thinking maybe match it to the rear at 20%. Also, I could try and get one of those window tint exemptions from the state that allow really, really dark tint for security or medical reasons and just tint it all the way around. The only problem with that is that I'm not sure my reason for applying for the exemption would be legit: I think I qualify for the 'legitimate security' reason (I play the upright bass and it is valued at more than my truck is worth so I don't want it getting stolen...) but i don't want to get :whipping2 by the police! What do you guys think about all this? Does anyone have pics of Thundercloud runners with the fronts and backs matched? With a really dark tint like 5 or 10%? Should I even tint it?! :ybrick: eace:

 

[dd210]

don't know if this helps but I think this is 5% front and back only thing that sucks is driving at night

 

[samdajellybeenie14]

That looks good, I like that. I just don't want to get pulled over all the time... Oh well I'll apply for the exemption, see if I get anywhere.

 

[Hepar]

Mine is at 20%. I think it matches perfectly and I've never had an issue with it.

 

[samdajellybeenie14]

did you re-tint backs or just tint the fronts only? is your windshield also tinted?

 

[Hepar]

Only my front windows are tinted. No windshield tint. I've thought about it, but it would only really come in handy like two months out of the year.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Be careful with that picture. It is misleading.

When you get down to the bright sunshine of Louisiana it's going to look completely different. If you only put 20% on your fronts they will look lighter because of all of the light coming in the windshield.

I would first ask around or look around your area and see if others have dark tint.

 

[Brentif]

I am a little confused about your first statement there you said on top of the factory 50%, do you have existing tint on your front windows already? To best match your rear windows I would suggest a 20-25% tint. At work we typically match the backs with 3M FX Premium 25 or 3M Color Stable 20. If I remember correctly my back windows metered at 22% before we applied the tint. If you are concerned with heat without going to dark I would reccomend a spectrally selective window film. These are built to block out UV and IR rays, by doing this the tint can block out more heat without being really dark. I applied a 30% all the way around, and an 70% on my windhield. We carry two brands here at work, and for our 4Runners they would run $449 (windshield excluded) for SPF Films or $749 (windshield excluded) for 3M Crystalline.

I know these are pricey films but once you get in one on a hot day you will know where the extra money went. For a test last summer we had two identical FJ's outside, both white, one with 3M Crystalline all the way around (40% on everything except the windshield which was done with 70%) It was 95 degrees outside, both vehichles sat in the sun for about an hour. The untinted FJ was 120 inside, while the fj with Crystalinne was 103. Not too shabby if ask me.

 

[absalom]

I got my entire truck done in 25% Solargard. Then I got the entire windshield done in 35%. It's a tremendous difference in heat in the cab, and I need every bit of help in this ridiculous Arizona heat. All for $185.

 

[samdajellybeenie14]

Does anyone know/have pics of what 20/25% looks like from the inside? Is it hard to see at night?

 

[squeak12]

20% isn't bad at all. IMO, anything lighter than 20% is almost a waste of money unless it is on the windshield. If I remember tomorrow, I will try to get a shot of mine. 40% on the windshield and 20% on everything including over the factory tint on the back. Essentially it is 4% on the backs. Sometimes I wish I did 5% on the fronts, but 20% makes it look legal...ish.

 

[Hepar]

Does anyone know/have pics of what 20/25% looks like from the inside? Is it hard to see at night?

I'll try to snap a pic today from the inside. It's not bad at all.

 

[Hepar]

Here's a shot from the inside. Overcast day.

 

[squeak12]

20% isn't bad at all. IMO, anything lighter than 20% is almost a waste of money unless it is on the windshield. If I remember tomorrow, I will try to get a shot of mine. 40% on the windshield and 20% on everything including over the factory tint on the back. Essentially it is 4% on the backs. Sometimes I wish I did 5% on the fronts, but 20% makes it look legal...ish.

Outside Day pictures and Inside Night pictures.

 

[Zachpins34]

I have 35% on my front windows. It isnt matching exactly, the front is a little lighter. But it looks great and Id rather have the front a little lighter than the rest, then the other way around. Plus around where I live, cops love giving fix it tickets. 20% is more of a risk of getting pulled over. Ive been pulled over for other reasons multiple times and cops say nothing about my 35% tint.

From the pics above though the 20% still looks awesome.