Madico window tint?

[RF Overlord]

I've never really considered having the windows tinted in any of my cars...until now...but then again, I've never owned a black car before.

Seeing others cars at the Cleveland meet started me thinking (yes, you DO smell wood burning) so I popped into the local custom shop to scope it out. I've seen a lot of tinting that had cracks, bubbles, peeling, etc and I think it looks ghastly, so if I'm going to get it done, I want it right the first time. This shop has done a couple of my town's police cruisers and they came out VERY nice indeed...

They use only Madico tint...has anyone had any experience with this brand and can you offer any tips as to what to watch out for, window prep, dos and don'ts, etc...? Also, is $255 for all windows a fair price?

[SouLRioT]

I used Llumar and paid $85. Llumar has a lifetime warrenty that you can bring it in to any dealer to get fixed. Also $255 is really high, $125 is more like the normal price.

[Racerx88]

For the high quality tint, expect to pay at least $200. For the metalized tint, it could go up to $250. So $255 isn't too far out of line for high quality metalized film, if that's what they're using.

[MICA Racing]

I think if you stay with a major brand, the thing that matters most is the quality of the installation. If the guys that did the PI's did a good job, shop around and see what else is out there, then pick on quality, not just price. You sound like you would be as upset as I would be if I paid good money to get bad work. $225 is on the high end of 'acceptable', but if that's what it takes to get quality work, then it's well worth it.

[TAF]

I paid $325 for FormulaOne. www.formulaone.com (http://www.formulaone.com) which I was told by several sources to be the best on the market. Two things to consider RF are ...

1) the quality of the tint being used

and

2) the quality of workmanship...

For #2, ask to see other installs that have some "time" on them.

Hope this helps.

[RF Overlord]

ask to see other installs that have some "time" on them.

The PD's DARE-mobile, which many of the school kids seem to think is a Marauder (because of the Marauder-style tips and Flowmasters, heh-heh :coolman: ), has had this Madico tint on it for about 18 months and looks excellent...except for the 1/8" gap at the top of the movable windows, it looks just like factory...if my car comes out this nice, I'll be happy...

[CRUZTAKER]

I used Llumar and paid $85. Llumar has a lifetime warrenty that you can bring it in to any dealer to get fixed. Also $255 is really high, $125 is more like the normal price.Ummm....for 4 side windows and and 1 (2piece) rear with labor....no, $255 is NOT high. That's the average up north.

Perhaps in the heart of florida where compitition runs rampid....but not here. I've never heard of ANY company that does 4 hours worth of work for $85 plus materials...and if I had...I'd run. Fast.

I paid $275 Bob for what you saw. Make sure it's a reputable company and they are willing to replace panels with a bubble you find later. Most won't.

[Marauderjack]

Whatever you do....DON'T SKRIMP ON QUALITY!!!! :nono: Buy the best film with the best warranty!!

Removing the film is a nightmare and you can usually kiss your rear window goodbye since they will ruin the defrost strips when removing the film and adhesive!!! :fire:

Also, cheap films will turn purple in a short time. :eek:

Good Luck and let us know how you come out?? :up:

Marauderjack :)

[sailsmen]

I paid $200 by a well known installer. They do several cars a day.

They did my SHO and I had no problems owned it for 2.5 years. Only prob on the MM after 1.3 years is when they first put it on there was some xs weatherstrip black glue in the corner that caught the tint and tore the corner.

They retinted that window no charge. Check the corners for any xs w/s glue.

[MERCMAN]

Be aware that the auto-dimmer on the mirror will not function if you go too dark, of course if it tinted that dark, you don't need the auto dimmer :lol:

[MM03MOK]

so I popped into the local custom shop to scope it out. Who popped in?? :lol:

[RF Overlord]

Who popped in?? :lol:I and I, mon...

[unixadm]

I called Rocky Mountain Window Tint who partners with Forumla One. For all 7 windows, they quoted me $215. I want to do a very light tint on the front windows or go with a clear UV protectant film. I have seen other cars that were done there and they did a very nice job. Not bad for Sacramento prices.

[jgc61sr2002]

Bob - I had Llumar installed for $150.00. It is one of the best IMO.

[Tallboy]

here in florida, most shops use llumar, which is what i have. madico does not have a very good reputation down here. fades very quickly. any tint can peel- a sign of poor installation.

[the fat bastid]

not sure if you saw mine but it was lumar (maybe digitint) 15% all around
for $245. i had to sign a waver saying i wouldnt blame them when the cops says "do you know it illegal?" (for my front windows and covering the 3rd brake light)
it was http://www.samstinting.com/index.html and i looked high and low for a long time for a place i could trust. i got screwed by a car audio shop (they just bring in the pros anyways) then found a place that only does tinting.

dont settle for that 1/8th crap. if they computer cut it they can do 1/16th inch.
mine did.

also make sure it has a lifetime warranty

and if they have an 'inspection deal' where they charge less if you have to get it pulled off and on for inspection.

15% seems to be the harrasment cutoff. darker then that and you are asking for the cops to pull you over.

[JohnE]

I have used both Madico and 3M in the past. Both make excellent products. which last 5+ years.

Be sure to pick out the color which you like best. A black car should be easy to choose for. I usually get a progressive tint, lighter in the front windows (max legal) to dark in the rear. Make sure to keep the rear window light enough to see through for backing up at night.

[looking97233]

RF-

In Portland, Oregon I paid $230. for Llumar tint, 38% light transmission, 8% reflectivity. The film and the install are guaranteed forever. And a good installer will do the rear window in one piece, i.e. no seam. I watched and they laid the film on the outside of the window then used a heat gun to shrink and shape the film to fit the curve of the window. It took them almost three hours to do the whole car. IMHO good products and skilled people are worth paying for.