Window Tint

[Cackalak Han]

Are you guys sporting window tints? I'd like to get the front windows done as I think it will help with the amount of heat coming into the truck. It's only in the 70's and squeaking into the 80's here, and it's already too hot for me. And the trucker's tan has already started to show its head. :sombrero:

Only negative is that the Utah law allows for 50% tint limit on the fronts. The local guy says that it will still help tremendously, but I don't know if that's a fact or if that's the salesman/recession talking.

 

[slooowr6]

In Cali it's 70% for the front windows so don't compaint too much. :sombrero:
At 70% it limits the choice for front window, I end up using v-kool, http://www.v-kool-usa.com/automotive-window-film. At the shop the sales compare 20% tint (limo dark) and a 70% v-kool in front of a 300w light. The hand behind the v-kool actually feels much less heat.

 

[Whitey]

Do the double cabs have the back passengers windows tinted like 4runners do?

 

[deadbeat son]

Do the double cabs have the back passengers windows tinted like 4runners do?

Yes. (At least my 09 does.)

 

[rambrush]

I used to run darker tint on my front side windows, but it go to be a problem in the woods and shade and dark conditions. Now only the rear windows.

 

[atavuss]

Do the double cabs have the back passengers windows tinted like 4runners do?

I have a 04 and a 09 Taco DC, both have tinted passenger and rear windows.

 

[Root Moose]

Couple of points about tinted windows...

- it's harder to make eye contact with other drivers to signal intention.

- spotting a truck with tinted windows is dangerous (know from first hand experience). If you are in bug country the driver may have the windows rolled up as protection and again making eye contact to signal intention is an issue.

A little bit of tint is ok and will help keep the interior cool, especially if you have AC. I think it's worth doing provided as you keep it within legal limits. In most jurisdictions I believe the limit is set for the eye contact issue and for peace officers having to come up to a vehicle so they can see what is going on inside the vehicle.

$0.02

 

[RedDog]

Tinted front side windows are not permitted here at all. If it can't be removed right there on the side of the road they'll tow and impound the vehicle.

To be honest, I thought this was generally the law most everywhere.

 

[Root Moose]

FWIW, Ontario law says something like 20% (or is that 80% - can never keep it straight what the percentage is referring to - the amount of tint or the amount of visibility).

Only applies to front doors and I think no tint is allowed on the windshield (good!). The rest of the windows are fair game AFAIK.

 

[CYi5]

I never did on my tacoma, but was surprised how much it helped keep heat out when I got the 4runner done. I only wanted it to match the back, so it's a couple levels above limo which is fine by me. No tickets yet...besides the one on the way to the tint place.

Northern California is consistently in the 100's in the summer and the tint does help your daily comfort level.

 

[java]

i have 25-30% ish on mine and the visibility is just fine, its a little lighter than the stock rears on the 4runner but its close. i wont drive any of my cars without tint again. in WA legal is 35% and the cops never seem to hassle people for it, i have 15% on my car and have no issues with that either.
just do an officer a favor, if you get pulled over roll all you windows down so they can easily see inside.

here is a pic in direct sunlight

 

[rewell6]

Current GA law is (don't quote me as it changes from time to time). For a while the law only regulated the fronts, then for a couple of years there was no law and now it is:

passenger car 35% all the way around

Suv, Vans etc. 35% on the front - behind the front is not regulated. Technically they could be painted black.

In the '87 that I sold it had 35% on the fronts and 5% on the rear seat windows and on the back. Stupid cargo side windows have those little dots that can't be tinted over. It looked nice in the day time since it was black, but at night and especially at night when it was raining you couldn't see out the back. At night it was so dark in the back seat you couldn't even see someone sitting back there and they could not see out the side windows. Won't do 5% on my '89. Probably 35% all the way or maybe 20% on the backs.

Is there a replacement glass for the cargo side windows that doesn't have those stupid dots?

 

[SixLug]

Not a yota (I used to have one! I come in peace!) but I have 5% on all of the side windows. Rear is like 25-30ish, maybe lighter. Front is clear. I love it...and you can flame me all you want...ha. I know its dark, but in east TN, I dont think they care too much, so I havent really worried about it. Its nice in the day, and a little difficult at night in a dark area, but I have no problems driving down any road at night. I dont mind rolling the window down if I need to either.

 

[CYi5]

Why would flaming be in order? Black on white on black...yummm. Less UV and better security for items in your car. I feel less nervous about putting a GPS on the floor when not in use as it's not as easily seen.

 

[SixLug]

Id say a lot of people would think it in excess, but I like it. I was just messing around though. What you stated are also reasons I like the darkness of the tint. You can hardly see into it during the day, and you definitely cannot see whats on the floor in the front or back, and when its night out, for get about it. Even with a flashlight Id say it would be difficult to make stuff out inside.

A quick note: It may look rediculously dark and perhaps even dangerous to some, but remember you are looking at it from the out side, through two sets of windows tinted 5% (the pass. side windows and the drivers side windows) so it looks black. When you are inside, however, you are only looking through one tinted window so its much easier to see out than in.