Windshield Visor Tint

[Nabber]

Was curious on everyone's opinions on this. I am going to move my Radar detector to the spot directly above the rear-view mirror. It is behind that black perforated "tint" the factory windshield has near the top. Do you think that tint will block the radar signals or might it be transparent to radar? Will probably depend on whether it has a metallic component.

I'll certainly try it out but if someone has some knowledge in this area, that would be great.

TIA!

 

[Gimli]

It won't block radar but it will block laser signals.

 

[Nabber]

It won't block radar but it will block laser signals.

Thanks, that's what I figured. I figure by the time I'm tagged with laser, it's too late since I dont have counter-measures so I'm not too worried.

 

[ctrcbob]

How are you going to stick it up there? I don't think that suction cups will hold through those little black dots.

 

[Gimli]

Thanks, that's what I figured. I figure by the time I'm tagged with laser, it's too late since I dont have counter-measures so I'm not too worried.

Laser detectors can also alert you when someone in front of you gets tagged so I wouldn't completely downplay their effectiveness.

 

[scottdk]

The junk on the windshield is called the "Dot Matrix" and is similar to a Teflon material. Not much sticks to it, as some people may know with cars that have it on the rear window (Last Gen Mustang had a huge one!) and tint doesn't really stick to it that will and it looks like crap.

 

[Nabber]

Update:

1. Suction: It sticks just fine as the "Dot Matrix" is embedded between the sheets of glass, just like the protective film.
   
   
2. Detection: The radar detector functions great up there! It's hard to test known sources as my unit auto-locks out repeated false signals, but I got a strong KA signal at over a mile from a parked police car facing away from me.
   
   
3. Radar: A definite concern and I appreciate Gimli's comment. I live in Iowa, and other than the occasional overpass speed trap, they don't use laser around here much. The "Dot Matrix" may allow some laser signal to enter as the tint is not contiguous but rather a matrix of discrete dots (imagine that!).

Picture of detector location... can't Beat It!

 

[ctrcbob]

By god, you are right. The Dot Matrix is between the glass, not on the inside, ---------
HOWEVER, how do you get the detector to fit with that rain sensor in the way? If you place the detector to the side of the rain sensor, the rearview mirror mount is in the way.

 

[Nabber]

By god, you are right. The Dot Matrix is between the glass, not on the inside, ---------
HOWEVER, how do you get the detector to fit with that rain sensor in the way? If you place the detector to the side of the rain sensor, the rearview mirror mount is in the way.

The rain sensor is to the right of the rear view mirror mount, so I mounted it to the left of center.

I am pathetic at taking good pictures but here are a couple taken last night.

 

[ctrcbob]

Great photos. As I have time, I will try your position also.

I just assumed that it would fit left of center, but if you made yours fit, I will make mine fit.

Thanks again.

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[tarpumn]

Please forgive this old man's question but where did you connect power? I'm not real comfortable taking the headliner apart.
Thanks
Tom

 

[Nabber]

Please forgive this old man's question but where did you connect power? I'm not real comfortable taking the headliner apart.
Thanks
Tom

It's pretty easy and theirs nothing to remove. The wire slips above the liner easily and runs along the top towards the drivers door. From there, you just follow the A-Frame down to the door area and up under the dash to the fuse box. There are further details in this thread that detail the install with pics and wiring examples.