Window Tinting

[gonzo50]

Has all Marauder owners been tinting there glass in the same manner, all glass in the same shade or just the rear glass darker than the two front doors. I live in Georgia and the law requires that I have 35% tint at the front doors, I could do 35% all around or 35% front, and 25%(Limo) tint at the rear. I like a clean balanced look, the sinister look of the Marauder wants me to go with 25%(Limo) tint at the rear but I like the clean look of consistency. Any comparisons would be greatly appreciated. Also was the Rear Window Defroster difficult to negotiate with the tint. Thank's again. :cool:

[03 Merc]

Gonzo,

I did Formula One ( http://www.formulaone.com ) 32% tint all around. F1 is a metallic film that has UV rejection of 99.99 and really helps keep the car cooler...plus you get a lifetime warranty.

BTW you might want to double check the statute before you go more than 35% as it is different for cars. You can go darker on trucks and SUV's back doors and rear windows in some counties here in Georgia...but not a car...

[Fourth Horseman]

Utah law states that you can not have the front windows darker than 50%, but the rears can go as dark as you like. Personally, I do not care for the unbalanced look, so I went 50% all the way around.

It's not that dark, but it does give the car a nice look, I think. Like 03 Merc I went with the metalic kind that blocks UV and has a lifetime warranty.

PS. The pics of my car (below) are before I got the windows tinted. :)

[Smokie]

In Fl. limo tint is not legal on a car even at the rear, I did darkest legal in rear and front, two different levels. I used a 3m product with lifetime warranty; from the outside of the car there is barely a noticeable difference between front and rear windows, I used black tint not metallic and it totally looks like it belongs and matches black paint. I am satisfied with the looks and feel that limo tint in rear window may present a problem with visibility. :cool:

[gonzo50]

All the information on the replies to this Thread was very helpful and definitely useful. I was on the assumption that I could use 25% tint on the rear because of the trucks and SUV's in this area, but I'm going to take 03 Merc's(Wayne)advice and stick with 35% all the way around, the Formula One Film info. and Web site is what I was looking for, the nearest dealer for me is in Augusta, GA. I'll be calling them to schedule an appointment soon. THANK'S GUYS!!!

[Cooper]

Just FYI... Ford and Lincoln/Mercury use tinted windows on Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, and MMs. You have to factor that in when you have tint ADDED to your windows. Massachusetts allows 35% VLT on sides and rear windows. I've had my two Crown Vics tinted by two different guys and they both told me the same thing... if they add 35% tint to what is built into the windows already, the VLT would drop below the legal limit in our state. I reluctantly went with the 50% tint, but at least I know if I do get stopped I won't get a ticket for illegal tint. I understand that it's a real PITA trying to remove professionally installed tinting from your windows!

[jessejames]

Masssachusetts has a tint law which states that the minimum 'pass through' on the front doors is 35%...all bets are off for the the rear and back light...paint 'em black if you like.
My tint meter (accurate to + or - 2 %) says the factory tint is 25% so you can add 40% tint to those windows and be legal here. I did and went 20% pass through on the others. The fronts aren't dark enough, IMO so they are being redone. BTW I'm exempt from the the "law" in my P71 'crooza'. ;)

[CV02Sport]

Just so youu guys know, the tint is "NOT" that hard to remove. Just get your girl friends or wives hair dryer, a razor blade and have a ball. I had to remove tint that had been on my windows for 4 years and it was a snap after I played around a bit, "with the tint guys! " Anyway, run the blade through the tint to make for smaller working strips. Heat the tint, lift and edge, and then gently pull the tint loose as you keep it warm. Just like playing around with your female friend, you keep her hot, she does wonderful things......:)

[Logan]

I limo tinted my rear windows and did 35% up front. it's so dark that it "looks" even...

The only thing that sucks is seeing out the rear windows at night, but the look of the car is killer.

[mungce]

I used the same as Logan. I havn't found it to be an unbalenced look, it meets Texas laws and helps greatly with the heat.
Jim Williams
Ft.Worth, Tx

[nomad]

I too, tinted mine the same as Logan, 35% front, limo tint on rears. just a guess, but I'd probably go with all 35% next time [too dark at night]. what seems to help is shutting off the auto-dim on the mirror. still looks really mean all black, though!!

[chapel1]

Doe's anyone know the legal tint for Illinois?I've had all my windows tinted with the lightest tint by a auto windshield shop.It looks very nice, he told me and a Ill.State Trooper[friend] told me "as long as they can see in they won't bother you'?But tonight a friend's wife called saying two of har son's friends were pulled over in Orland Park and given warning tickets?Don't know thier tint level or if they were attracting attention to themselves somehow?

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

Chapel, anything other than what comes from the factory is illegal in Illinois. Because you got the lightest tint possible, you probably won't get into any trouble unless you start drawing attention to yourself.

Tim

[JamesHecker]

I got the darkest tint I could get all the way around. 5%. Looks incredible. Keeping my fingers crossed as to not getting ticketed.

[chapel1]

Tim,thank you,even though I don't think I'm going to be in any trouble I don't want to be quoting what I think the law should be?Just hope the officer is a car guy?

[Murader03]

Won't the Formula One tint, since it is metallic, decrease the effectiveness of the Valentine 1? It seems to me, that with this tint on all windows, the usefulness of the Val's ability to pickup radar from behind and from the side would be all but eliminated. Any thoughts?

[cyclone03]

I went 35% on all windows.On a previous car I had done legal (35%) on the sides and limo on the back,but like Logan knows it's a pain to see out the back when backing up at night.

[03 Merc]

Murader03,

Yes, the Formula 1 tint probably did decrease the range of my V1.... I can also tell you I drop more calls on my cellphone (Cheap Nokia) as well after tinting. You are effectively creating a can with only one clear opening...

Now that being said I have been running with Formula 1 on all my family cars for about 7 or 8 years and still haven't had my V1 fail me.... Going to Florida on I-75S I had one of those "Your Speed is XX" radar units causing my V-1 to continue to alarm for a mile after I passed it...and then I crested a hill to finally lose the signal..

And if the cellphones dropped calls were a big issue I could do a external antenna ... personally I think they should ban the damn things!:rolleyes: But thats a different rant! :D

For the UV blocking (99.9%) and lifetime warranty I am willing to risk the "possible" RF losses... With a black car in Georgia I need all the help I can get on keeping it cooler...

[engine23ccvfd]

I am gonna go with 50% tint I am not worried about tint most cops dont give a crap...however in Texas at vehicle inspection they check with a light meter...no pass no sticker!

[MERCMAN]

I have 35 front, 25 back,, looks good,, no problem with auto dimmer,, does not look unbalanced. Of course I can't say the same for the owner:)

[mdmarauder]

I recently took the 35% of my MM. MD Legal Limit is 35% but as others have said when you factor in the factory tint it fails a lightmeter test. Spent two messy hours taking the tint off then had to take time off of work to go to an inspection that was 1 1/2 hours away. If I ever tint again it'll be 50%.

[Doorknob]

duh, me feel dum now, what's darker 35 or 50%

[Dr Caleb]

I have Limo Black (5%) on the rear only. Local laws prevent any tinting of the front windows beyond factory. The windows and the car are basically the same colour.

It looks cool. Unless the sun is in front of me, you can't see in the drivers side window. I have no problems seeing out the back at night, but I'm a night person anyhow. Kinda defeats the purpose of an auto-dim rear view mirror, but, what the heck!

[gonzo50]

Originally posted by Doorknob
duh, me feel dum now, what's darker 35 or 50%
The higher the number, the lighter the tint, ie: real dark limo tint is about 5% and the average tint is from 32-35%, 50% tint is barely noticeable but it doe's shade alittle. Hope that helps.

[Doorknob]

Thanks

[jgc61sr2002]

Most of us have the 35% tint. Anything darker makes it hard to see at night. IMHO.

[Jay Stark]

I went with the 35% all the way around. Illinois has strict laws regarding tinted glass. I pondered your thoughts also and went with the clean consistant look. Good luck.

[LincMercLover]

I've got 15% all the way around and it's not really bad at all seeing at night. Guess for the older folk... :D

[jgc61sr2002]

LML - Easy on the old folks. Some of the younger members also complained that the 15 % was too dark. You need:help: :D

[uwsacf]

Is this too dark?????

http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/210000-210999/210465_145.jpg

Since a lot of the leo's cars are darker than this - I think we'll be fine.......

If not, I think the fine is $9

[chapel1]

I have 35% all around and have had it for a year!It looks so natural against the Marauder and you see so few Marauders who would know it's not factory?:coolman:

[Aeroman]

Just had mine done with SunGard 32% HP Charcoal on front windows and 22% HP Charcoal on rear windows. Looks great, guaranteed not to bubble, change color and also eliminates UV waves. It does look sweet. I had the detail shop attached to the dealership where I bought the car, put the tint on. Very happy with it.

[LincMercLover]

Guaranteed not to bubble or change color? Hehe... go Windex it and see what happens... :D

[robotek911]

I did 15% all the way around and love it. I have been pulled over twice (cops wanted to look at the car) and all I did is roll the driver and passenger windows down when they approached the car. Nothing was said. Missouri has a limit of 35% on driver and passenger windows and I have heard that in some cases they will make you remove it if it is darker than that. Another friend got a form from the DMV and took it to the doctor which states that his eyes are sensitive to bright sunlight. Then they give you a sticker and you can make them as dark as you like legally. Think I will go that route......

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by uwsacf
Is this too dark?????

http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/210000-210999/210465_145.jpg

Since a lot of the leo's cars are darker than this - I think we'll be fine.......

If not, I think the fine is $9

Well don't be driving that CV anywhere around here, uwsacf, or, you'll get a whole bunch of dedicated public service, starting with...

A citation, with a mandatory court date, and possible 1K fine.
A tow, @ 105 bucks for the hook, and 25 bucks a day storage until you post a 500 bail bond.
Seizure/Impoundment, your tint will belong to the City unless you attend a seizure hearing with proof of correction, and make your case. Miss a date, you forfieture.

Not your nine buck fine, eh?


Ummm...Now that I think about it, care to stop by for a beer?

[Constable]

Holy Moses!! I thought we were bustin' chops here in Jersey... you guys really hammer those people!

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Constable
Holy Moses!! I thought we were bustin' chops here in Jersey... you guys really hammer those people!
"busting chops?"
"hammer?"
"those people?"

I don't think this tint law is anything like that, Constable, anymore. It's Illinois law now, sorry...The tinters got warned.

Way back when this tinting got popular around here, we lost a few cops, and a few citizens (accidentially) because of window tint. Didn't take long to get things agreed upon and set right after all that.

There isn't much tint seen here anymore, our native tinters have moved on, ya know?

Someone who has the bad tint and is just visiting Chicago, will probably just get a warning, and a chance to fix it.

If they hang in Chicago more than 30 days, well...

"If you don't get this hint, we got your tint."

K?

[Billatpro]

Ya know, I think I'm gonna stay away from Mac.

[SergntMac]

Yo...Bill...Wasn't my work...K?

That's the way it is around here now...Sorry.

[Billatpro]

Just knucklein ya Mac!
I've lived a few years in and around Big Windy and I know the limited sense humor there.

[RCSignals]

The only problem with the tint laws is SUVs, Minivans, and similar vehicles get an exception. They can be had from the factory with dark privacy glass

[jgc61sr2002]

Originally posted by RCSignals
The only problem with the tint laws is SUVs, Minivans, and similar vehicles get an exception. They can be had from the factory with dark privacy glass RC - The front door windows on the vehicles you mention do not have privacy glass.

[Ross]

All right, this is along the same lines, yet totally different. I personally don't like tinted windows. I just think it makes it harder to see out of the car, especially at night. (Maybe it's just my aging eyes!) Just personal preference. HOWEVER, I would love to get some sort of clear film which has the UV protection, since I plan to keep my girl forever, and want all of the protection I can get. Is there a clear "tint" that will do this?

[Constable]

Mac, I understand the officer safety issue (especially since I experience it everyday like yourself) and completely agree. I apologize if I came off the wrong way by using the term "busting chops" and "hammering". It was meant in a purely playful form.

[Fourth Horseman]

This is why I decided to go 50% all around. It's dark enough to look good but stays legal. It's just not worth the trouble to go darker and face possible trouble with the law, IMO.

[mdmarauder]

I'm with you Fourth...I'll either do 50% or just leave it factory.

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
RC - The front door windows on the vehicles you mention do not have privacy glass.

That's true John, but most of the State and local laws don't allow for privacy glass on the rear windows either. Just a discrepancy.
Seems a lot of "thugs" are choosing to drive Cadillac and other high end SUVs these days, rather than sedans.

Not a problem for me, as I don't plan on tinting the Marauder. the dark interior already makes it difficult to see into.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Constable
Mac, I understand the officer safety issue (especially since I experience it everyday like yourself) and completely agree. I apologize if I came off the wrong way by using the term "busting chops" and "hammering". It was meant in a purely playful form.

You did not, Ryan, no apology required, I took no offense. I was only trying to point out that all jurisdictions have their own ways of coping with the tint issue. Some have meager 9 dollar fines, others much more severe. Even this meager fine confirms that there IS some local law, or, ordinance regarding tint, and I suggest to anyone considering tint to check local laws, as well as laws in places where they are likely to visit or spend time, such as a vacation home, or, relatives out of state. Some jurisdictions may catch you off guard when traveling, and if the contact with the LEO gets off to a bad start over this, courtesy could suffer.

With topics such as this, we usually see some mention of legal issues, but when I read front to back, we cannot even agree on how the "percentages" apply. Is a 35% tint 35% clear, or, 35% obstructed? BTW, Illinois does not require meter evidence, the degree of obstruction is left to the observation and opinion of the LEO trying to peek through...Just my .02c.

[Constable]

From everything i've understood about window tint... 35% tint Allows 35% of the outside light into the vehicle (and so on for 20%, 15%, 5%). That theory appears correct when looking through the 5, 15, and 20. But when looking through 35... it doesnt seem to hold up. I'm sure that each tint manufacturer has their own way of marketing their product and their own specific percentages.

Question for you Mac: here in JOISEY we cannot enforce alot of equipment violations on out-of-state cars. I figure it's for good reason because each state has it's own different regulations. You mention:

"I suggest to anyone considering tint to check local laws, as well as laws in places where they are likely to visit or spend time, such as a vacation home, or, relatives out of state. Some jurisdictions may catch you off guard when traveling, and if the contact with the LEO gets off to a bad start over this, courtesy could suffer."

Are Illinois police allowed to write these violations to out-of-staters?

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Constable
I'm sure that each tint manufacturer has their own way of marketing their product and their own specific percentages.


That is precisely what was told to me by a long-time tint expert here in town this morning, shortly after I got my first look at my newly-tinted marauder... 20%, baby!!!

This thing looks BadAss (tm). I was going for 35% then changed my mind to some 20-something polarized, then this morning the shop owner told me regular charcoal was very popular with the 'old Impalas' (I chuckled when I finally realized he was talking about the 90s SS - I guess they call them 'old' now...).

So I ended up with a 20%, black tint. I'll post some pictures tomorrow... today was a mix of cloud and rain. Tomorrow, the MM gets a wash and Zaino refresh (damn, I gotta keep reapplying this ***** every week, it seems :mad: ). And then the pictures will flow....

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Constable
Question for you Mac: here in JOISEY we cannot enforce alot of equipment violations on out-of-state cars. I figure it's for good reason because each state has it's own different regulations. Are Illinois police allowed to write these violations to out-of-staters?

I cannot speak for every LE agency in Illinois, but I can say there is no statute on the state books that bars enforcement of a valid statute against a visitor.

Every Illinois LE agency will have it's own rules and regulations regarding the treatment of visitors and the enforcement of local laws, and the Chicago PD has nothing in print. No rule or directive that bars enforcement. It's in the hands of the officer on the scene, and absent dire circumstances, the customary behavior is to NOT interfere with the arresting officer's decision, let the court decide merit.

I do not suggest that common sense and common courtesy does not prevail here. However, let's take this quiz one step further and see if it's really logical.

It's my understanding that with a valid permit on file, a private citizen can carry a concealed weapon in NY. If this is true, am I bound to recognize that permit here in Illinois? No. In AZ, private citizens can freely carry loaded firearms on their person, as long as they are not concealed. That agreed upon, what would you expect to happen once Cowboy Bob steps off the train in NYC with a Colt Peacemaker strapped to his leg? Ummm...

In both cases, I think someone gets pinched. Now, what makes a tint law different from a gun law?

Disposition and demeanor towards the inquiring LEO perhaps?

Sorry y'all, back to our regular programming...

[martyo]

Originally posted by SergntMac
Moreover, In AZ, private citizens can freely carry loaded firearms on their person, as long as they are not concealed. What would you expect to happen when Cowboy Bob steps off the train in NYC?


He get's called "Sir" !!

[jgc61sr2002]

Sarg - NYC firearm permits are only valid in NY State. Yes cowboy Bob gets busted.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
Sarg - NYC firearm permits are only valid in NY State. Yes cowboy Bob gets busted.

Exactly my point, John, thank you. I am only trying to stimulate consideration for the legality of tinted windows. Seems there is a rule in place everywhere you turn, and they may not be the same rules, or, penalties, as your home 10-20.

Thanks y'all for enduring the sidetrack, back to our regular programming, eh?