Have window tint? Please chime in. Have install question about 3rd brake light.

[JCtx]

I need input from those with the 3rd brake light at the top of the rear window, with a plastic cover protecting it.

I'm going to get window tint installed over the weekend, and I want to know which is the best way to do it in that area. My ex-Porsche had the 3rd brake light like that, and the stupid installer damaged my expensive new car when he removed it, and broke something, leaving the headliner a bit loose, and of course saying it was like that already. Geez. So definitely don't want that to happen again. Unless there's a way to easily remove that plastic cover, and I can do it myself beforehand, I don't want it touched by this guy. And if that's the case, guess the film would have to be cut outside, since there are heater elements inside. And also guess it's possible a bit of light might be visible if not perfectly cut, which I'd have to accept, but want to see a few jobs if possible to make a judgment what to do, and what would be acceptable as a 'defect' based on my request. Thanks gang.

 

[Volfy]

Are you just concerned about the tint shop not trimming the tint film properly around the plastic trim? If so, I'd just communicate that concern to the tint shop prior to the job. Most reputable ones are very good about that sort of thing. They would typically cut with excess and tuck a few mm's extra into the trim, which can be done without removing the plastic. Pretty sure that's how it was done on mine.





Another point is the visible light transmission (VLT) rating of the tint. These days good ceramic tint films can have very high Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) ratings even with relatively high VLT. For us here in the sun belt, TSER is what matters. While I do like a bit of darkening for side and rear windows, I still prefer to be able to look through them at night - again, for safety reasons. Most states require 35% VLT or better for side/rear windows. That's about right AFAIAC. That's what I have on both Stinger and G70.

 

[EdP]

I need input from those with the 3rd brake light at the top of the rear window, with a plastic cover protecting it.

I'm going to get window tint installed over the weekend, and I want to know which is the best way to do it in that area. My ex-Porsche had the 3rd brake light like that, and the stupid installer damaged my expensive new car when he removed it, and broke something, leaving the headliner a bit loose, and of course saying it was like that already. Geez. So definitely don't want that to happen again. Unless there's a way to easily remove that plastic cover, and I can do it myself beforehand, I don't want it touched by this guy. And if that's the case, guess the film would have to be cut outside, since there are heater elements inside. And also guess it's possible a bit of light might be visible if not perfectly cut, which I'd have to accept, but want to see a few jobs if possible to make a judgment what to do, and what would be acceptable as a 'defect' based on my request. Thanks gang.

I imagine you are not going back to that hack. Mine is perfectly trimmed around the light. No reason to remove it.

 

[JCtx]

Thanks guys. That's exactly the way I want it. This guy is good, so I'm almost sure that's the way he plan to do it, but just in case, that picture will help a lot (the Porsche was done in Austin, where I bought it. And no, would never use that place, which was highly recommended by the dealer. Go figure). Will show it to the guy, and tell him I want it done that way. And yes, the plastic part has a rubbery 'lip' around the edge, so it can be lifted a little with no damage. Hope it turns out as good as it shows on that picture.

And since I live in hot TX (in the 100s for months), will get the best ceramic, and 35% in front, and 20% on the 5 windows behind. I'd never get more than 35% in the front, even if it was legal (it's not in most states, and for a reason). Thanks again for your great help.