Before I do it, Window Tint ???

[Topgun514]

I was planning on painting my jeep this week white because the black is killing me in the summer. I want it done right and its looking like a bit more than I want to spend right now...I am still waiting on a friend to help but it looks like a bit more than 300.

I was wondering though, Instead if I got my windows tinted, would this cut down on the interior heat of my jeep? If not I can wait for my next pay check but I have no tint now, would tinting help a bit to keep temps down?

 

[kerry]

I'm interested in the answer to this question. My Fuso FG is really hot when driving into the sun. The windshield is huge. I was thinking of tinting the top of the windshield and also tinting all of the side windows. I'm really curious as to the degree of difference this might make. How much does window tinting typically cost? I haven't priced it out yet.

 

[DontPanic42]

I have a 6" strip of heavy tinting on the top of the windshield of my FG. It helps and wasn't all that expensive. As far as the side windows go, you had best check to see what is legal in your state. If you live in a state with vehicle inspections and if I remember correctly Colorado does, check with one to find out how heavy a tint is legal. It will be in their book.

 

[FellowTraveler]

Medical exemption certificate allows even tinted windshield

There is tint that blocks uv radiation and are super efficient in blocking radiant heat and light.

I have all my windows to include windshield tinted dark, federal DOT, NHSA and state regulating entities have exemptions for tint to include windshield on non-commercial vehicles, as dark as you want. Known as "medical exemption certification" for those of us with sensitivity to bright light, lupus or other vision or skin related medical problems.

Herein Florida any doctor can fill out the exemption certificate application which then is attached to the vehicles title along with the effected persons name, dob and other personal info. However, if the vehicle happens to belong to a trust then no name other than the trusts appears on exemption certificate.

 

[bob91yj]

If nothing else, paint the top of the roof white, similar to the Toyota 'cruisers. You can leave enough of the edge black that it won't even be seen by most people.

 

[Bikemobile]

Do the side windows 30 or 50%. That means 30-50% light will come through. The cops shouldnt bother you with 50 in the front. On the back windows 15-30%. tinting will make a huge difference in the summer heat.

 

[1911]

Huper Optik film will reflect 70% of UV rays, but it's expensive. I have it in one of my cars and it makes a huge difference in Texas summers. I'm going to have it put in my FJ40 hard top also.

 

[shogun]

Without a doubt it makes a huge difference. Like snow tires up north, its mandatory equipment here. Some a/c cant handle the thermal load in summer and will never get the cabin cool. Tint makes it feasible. You can feel the difference in your arm, behind the tint its merely warm, in sun its burnin.

Downside, some tints are cheap junk, and will turn purple in a few years. Get the high end stuff. Here they have some sort of "ceramic" that is top of the line. Still well under $300.

Then there is "wrap" for your color issue. They have solid colors via web that you can DIY. Get the gloss white.

 

[pyrate]

Tint makes a huge difference IMO. Unfortunately, CA doesn't allow tint on the front three windows - at all.

I used to have a Toyota Land Cruiser and we did a test before and after the tint. Inside temp was 15 degrees less w/ tint. Another 10 degrees w/ a white top. All windows other than the front three were limo grade tint which I believe is rated at 20%.

And go w/ the good quality tint. It won't turn purple in a year.

 

[overlander]

I'm doing my this summer. I have no tint on my glass, and my rig is white, and it still gets hot. Of course, a 110 has a LOT of windows. I'm going legal on front doors and 50% in the rest to include the alpines.

I think tinting will have more effect than body color if you have to pick one. Another thing you can do since it's an expo vehicle is put a full length roof rack on it with flooring. Will act as a "tropical roof" and keep the heat of the roof body panel.

You have a few levers to play with.

 

[r_w]

I used to have a Toyota Land Cruiser and we did a test before and after the tint. Inside temp was 15 degrees less w/ tint. Another 10 degrees w/ a white top. All windows other than the front three were limo grade tint which I believe is rated at 20%.

Just for a point of reference, what was the original color of the roof??

 

[Mc Taco]

Tint definitely keeps the temps down. Had all four of my door windows tinted with limo tint. Kept it quite cool. Second fix-it ticket from CHP, and I did not replace the front door tint. Rear doors and back slider still on and it works well enough.

 

[Ludedude]

Definitely works. It's pretty much mandatory in this part of the world. As others have posted, make sure you go with a reputable installer who uses quality film.

 

[off-roader]

Had the windows tinted to just above limo tint in the back and just a slight tint in the front but kept the windshield clear (but use a fold out shade when i'm parked)and have never had an issue with police. Even been pulled over and they didn't ticket me.

Definitely keeps the temps down a notch plus I no longer have issues with stupid drivers who don't align their head lights properly.:smiley_drive:

 

[burn_e]

As mentioned above; Tints are more or less compulsory here in the Middle East. Good quality tints (like 3M) make quite a difference. The level of darkness isn't that important.
What I do for longer drives or parking is to cover the not required windows with shades. These hold with velcros on rear window etc.