Front Wrap & Tinting

[ACN]

Wanted to see some pictures or hear opinions in regards to wraps and tints. I'm considering XPel, suntek, or Nanoclear for my front fenders and dash. Also considering suntek CIR for window tints.

Anyone have these done? Opinions?

 

[Windchaser]

I have Suntek Infinity tint on the windows and Xpel on the front. The Xpel is invisible. I'm very happy I got it. I also like the window tint.

 

[Mark_888]

Wanted to see some pictures or hear opinions in regards to wraps and tints. I'm considering XPel, suntek, or Nanoclear for my front fenders and dash. Also considering suntek CIR for window tints.

Anyone have these done? Opinions?

Looks like CIR is a hybrid combination tint film of carbon and ceramic. This provides a dark tint (neutral color) with added ceramic for heat rejection. If you are looking for a darker tint color, this may be OK.

If you want a maximum heat rejection for a given VLT, I would highly recommend a pure ceramic tint film (also known as nano-ceramic), such as Formula One Pinnacle. It comes in a wide range of VLT ratings. Google to find out the allowed VLT rating in your state (which can vary depending on which window the tint film is installed on).

Given that you live in AZ, I would definitely go with a pure ceramic tint film, and forget about the carbon (which actually absorbs heat instead of reflecting it).

 

[ACN]

Spoke with a few installers here in the valley. Ended up going with 25%suntek cxr on the windows and a ceramic tint for the Pano roof.


Also went with suntek clear bra on the full front.

$2k total for everything.

 

[donnykidd]

Hello. I took delivery last week on my G80 Sport and she is getting XPEL Ultimate Plus on the front end, side mirrors, and top rear bumper done. After that some Gtechniq work inside and out including two coats of EXO (so they say). Next project is tinting the windows. I just received a quote for under $500 for Formula One Pinacle on sides, rear window and roof. From what I have read on other boards thats a soild deal. Thoughts?

 

[Mark_888]

I just received a quote for under $500 for Formula One Pinacle on sides, rear window and roof. From what I have read on other boards thats a soild deal. Thoughts?

About 9 years ago I had Formula One Pinnacle (ceramic) installed on sides and rear window for $400. I had no sunroof to tint. So $500 is probably about right. Formula One is a division of Llumar, but they don't sell it to just any tint shop (not even all Llumar dealers), as they make sure the dealer does a high quality installs.

Tint shops tend to charge a little more in the summer if they have more business than they can handle, so don't way too long.

 

[ACN]

My tint was $500 (Suntek CXR) +$250 (3M Crystalline) for the entire pano roof.

 

[donnykidd]

Finally pulled the trigger. Found an exceptional tint shop in CVille with Formula One Pinnacle authority. 35% all around.

 

[LD5050]

^ Turned out good! Don’t forget like I did and roll down the window in the first 2 days. Damn fast food drive thru

 

[SecretSandwich]

Finally pulled the trigger. Found an exceptional tint shop in CVille with Formula One Pinnacle authority. 35% all around.

Wow that looks great tinted, big improvement over an already good looking car!

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[mdaecher]

Has everyone with tinting done their pano roof too? Getting my windows done Thursday. Suggestions via experience on tint levels?

Just had ceramic coating done on whole vehicle and a rain product on windshield.

 

[donnykidd]

Has everyone with tinting done their pano roof too? Getting my windows done Thursday. Suggestions via experience on tint levels?

Just had ceramic coating done on whole vehicle and a rain product on windshield.

I found this interesting when getting quotes on pinnacle one by llumar. One shop quoted me the pano roof when I asked for it but not on the original quote. The second one told me not to do the roof as it has tint and could damage the glass. I had the second shop do the work.

 

[mdaecher]

I found this interesting when getting quotes on pinnacle one by llumar. One shop quoted me the pano roof when I asked for it but not on the original quote. The second one told me not to do the roof as it has tint and could damage the glass. I had the second shop do the work.

Yes, the pano definitely has a tint. Plus, I can totally close the inside shade to keep out the sun/heat – so I’m thinking it’s really not important from a thermal (or cosmetic) standpoint to add tint

 

[mdaecher]

forum thoughts on 35% vs 25%? State law not an issue either way

 

[OMG70]

forum thoughts on 35% vs 25%? State law not an issue either way

From what I've seen, shops usually stock 20% rather than 25%, but regardless I would choose something in that range. Perfect visibility without anyone really being able to stare at you through the window. It does make it hard to stare down stupid drivers as you pass them though

Edit: If you care to check out my profile you should be able to see my car a bit more clearly. 20% tint with Rayno S9 Ceramic Film. The heat rejection is amazing

 

[donnykidd]

From what I've seen, shops usually stock 20% rather than 25%, but regardless I would choose something in that range. Perfect visibility without anyone really being able to stare at you through the window. It does make it hard to stare down stupid drivers as you pass them though

I have 35. If I had to do over, would go with 25.

 

[bubbaG80Sport]

Perfect visibility without anyone really being able to stare at you through the window. It does make it hard to stare down stupid drivers as you pass them though

This is something to consider before tinting windows. You and the the other driver may not be able to make eye contact if there is tint betwixt yourselves. Your tint will impact the others driver ability to see into your vehicle. Your ability to see out/through your tint will not affected.

A good DEFensive driving technique is to try and make eye contact with the other driver to anticipate what they are going to do. Tinting can also affect effectiveness of OFFensive driving habits (giving the other driver the finger) .

 

[bubbaG80Sport]

I would go with the darkest tint legally allowed in your location. I've never heard of anybody being pulled over or ticketed for illegally tinted windows, but chose to error on the conservative side to avoid giving a LEO an excuse to give me crap. Every state has different rules on tint %, location of tint and color (e.g. mirrored) tint.

Cosmetically (how it looks on the car), is a personal choice . Functionally ....
Darker tint will generally provide better UV, heat and infrared protection for the interior.
Visibility from inside to outside will not be noticeably different with a 10% VLT difference.

I tinted all windows except front, sunroof and mirrors with Xpel Prime XR Black 35 (VLT 36%).

It's illegal to tint front window below AS-1 line in my state. Front windshield is already embedded tinted from factory at top of front window and I didn't want a partial tint on front window. It would likely collect dirt, looks ugly and prone to peeling with exposed edge.

Things to consider ....
C1) Check you states tint laws.
Window Tint Laws | Car Tinting Laws

C2) Some tint has metallic fibers embedded which may impact AM/FM and cellular reception.

C3) Find a good installer. The functionality and longevity is highly dependent upon the installation. They can advise you on local tinting laws and should provide you a certificate indicating the tint is legal in your state/region. (Store this in your glove box).

C4) Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives (ammonia, isopropyl alcohol) when cleaning installed tint.

C5) Lower quality/cheap tint will become purplish/brown over time. Spend the extra $ and buy good quality tint.

I used Xpel Prime XR Black 35 (VLT 36%). on my 2011 Hyundai Genesis 3.8. Tint looked great at 100K miles. Same tint is on my current 2018 G80 with 23K miles 1.5 years old and looks like it was installed yesterday.

 

[mdaecher]

thanks for the advice all. I am leaning toward 35% just because it's my first tint, and it will technically be legal.

 

[RCH04]

thanks for the advice all. I am leaning toward 35% just because it's my first tint, and it will technically be legal.

That sounds like a good plan. You have to be comfortable with your choice. It's your car and your $$'s. Let us know how you like it when done.