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t'sunamibus Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2012 Posts: 202 Location: Westport, Washington
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Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 9:16 pm Post subject: DIY window tint ? |
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I want to re tint my westys windows while I have them out for panel replacment. Has anyone taken this on with good results? |
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goffoz Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007 Posts: 1486
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Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 10:00 pm Post subject: |
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Yep...buy high quality film...the cheap stuff "purples with age" I used 3M 5% rear 3...!0% on the middle sides and a strip of 10% over the windshield
..(Not allowed to do the fronts in Kali)
Had to buy it from a installer. went on easy, saved about $100 on the labor.
The installer guy was very helpful. I tipped him a $20 Starbucks card.
Took me 3hrs...He said he could have done it in 2hr.
So about $30/hr to me..better than I do at my paying job/before taxes |
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morymob Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2007 Posts: 4683 Location: east-tn
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 4:29 am Post subject: |
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What makes 'em purple is ANY amonia mixed in the cleaner,read the contents before using. |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9810 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:50 am Post subject: |
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I suppose anything this side of brain surgery can be attempted DIY -- but this was one area where I had seen so many cars with crappy results that I went with an installer.
In my case there was a Groupon which was the starting point for negotiation -- but (at least in the case of the firm I went to) the price on the wall is extemely flexible esp if you are looking at a high-end product like the 3M Crystalline.
That stuff BTW works very well blocking light but also blocking heat which is the main reason I wanted tint. Also has a life-time guarantee including that it won't turn purple.
The installer also suggested Sprayway Glass Cleaner for use on the tint side. Available at Costco. |
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BillWYellowstone Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2011 Posts: 767 Location: Yellowstone NP
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:56 am Post subject: |
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I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? _________________ Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round. |
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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:29 am Post subject: |
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When I had the Thingamajigger painted, I had all the windows tinted. Was a very low tint; more UV ray protection than privacy motivation.
Cost me $300 plus the states portion - guaranteed not to bubble or change color for as long as I own the vehicle, and no hassles. _________________ Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory. |
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t'sunamibus Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2012 Posts: 202 Location: Westport, Washington
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:29 am Post subject: |
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Ill have to check into the 3m product. Mine has taken on a purple tint and has some pretty scratched up areas. Im a glazier and we have a company come into our shop regularly to apply various films like uv, tint, graffiti etc.
Ive always been one to do for myself vs pay someone else. |
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t'sunamibus Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2012 Posts: 202 Location: Westport, Washington
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:33 am Post subject: |
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BillWYellowstone wrote: |
I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? |
Im my case, with an aircooled westy I removed all the cabinets to get access to all the spot welds. You have to remove the top cabinet ( very easy and its not heavy at all) and you should be ble to slide the closet far enough away from the window to get at it. If not , and I had to to remove the closet, pull the engine cover and that gives you enough room to tilt the closet in order to remove it. |
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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:33 am Post subject: |
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t'sunamibus wrote: |
Ill have to check into the 3m product. Mine has taken on a purple tint and has some pretty scratched up areas. Im a glazier and we have a company come into our shop regularly to apply various films like uv, tint, graffiti etc.
Ive always been one to do for myself vs pay someone else. |
Well that changes the parameters a bit.
Seems like you can get product for cost and already have the tools needed. Just do it in a dust free environment or you will hate yourself in the morning.
LP _________________ Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory. |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9810 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:01 am Post subject: |
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BillWYellowstone wrote: |
I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? |
I just had the tint shop remove that window, put the tint on it and pop it back in. They are also a glass replacement business (common for the same business to do both) so it was no big deal for them. |
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PDXWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6247 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:34 am Post subject: |
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BillWYellowstone wrote: |
I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? |
My local installer said they can do it without removing the cabinet. Call around and find someone that has experience. _________________ 89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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spitsnrovers Samba Member
Joined: December 17, 2005 Posts: 924 Location: Calgary, Canada
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:47 am Post subject: |
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You say you already have the windows out - that's more than half the battle.
I did mine 6 years ago while having out for repaint. Still in perfect shape.
Just bought the right tint from a local big box store and did it myself. As everyone says - clean, clean, clean. No additives in the water, and squeegee well before re-assembling.
The back hatch window is another story due to the curve and demister lines. I didn't tackle that one. _________________ '88 VW Westfalia
'75 Triumph Spitfire 1500 |
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Home Team Van Samba Member
Joined: January 02, 2008 Posts: 465 Location: wilmington, nc
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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PDXWesty wrote: |
BillWYellowstone wrote: |
I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? |
My local installer said they can do it without removing the cabinet. Call around and find someone that has experience. |
Mine said the same thing. I caught him as he was putting the tint on the outside of the window. He said that "the guide said to do it this way." Is there is a guide that directs those guys on how to do specific cars? BTW, I'd already taken out all the cabinets. _________________ _________________________________
82 Diesel Westy |
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presslab Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2008 Posts: 1730 Location: Sonoma County
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 5:05 pm Post subject: |
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I had LLumar tint installed on all windows except the front three, and it was $250. He did the one behind the cabinet too (on the inside) and did a pretty good job, considering. There are a few pieces of dirt under the tint on that window but not really noticeable.
Since then I've installed a custom rear slider and did the tint on that myself. Clean, clean, clean, to get all the dirt off the inside. It turned out just fine.
It's gonna be a pain getting the old tint off the hatch window without ruining the defroster lines. _________________ 1986 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1988 Subaru GL-10 EJ20G --- 2000 Honda XR650L
2010 Titus El Guapo --- 2011 On-One 456 Ti |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9810 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 5:17 pm Post subject: |
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One nice thing about having them to the tint on the closet window by removing it -- I had them take the window out the day before the tint job was scheduled so I could give that curtain back there a thorough cleaning. I don't think it had ever been cleaned -- much easier to do with the window out. |
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noganav Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2006 Posts: 1236 Location: San Diego CA
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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Home Team Van wrote: |
PDXWesty wrote: |
BillWYellowstone wrote: |
I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? |
My local installer said they can do it without removing the cabinet. Call around and find someone that has experience. |
Mine said the same thing. I caught him as he was putting the tint on the outside of the window. He said that "the guide said to do it this way." Is there is a guide that directs those guys on how to do specific cars? BTW, I'd already taken out all the cabinets. |
He was using the outside of the window as a template to cut it to size before installing on the inside. My installer did the same thing.
If you do install yourself be sure to take the sliders apart and tint all the way to the edge. Very easy to do with a couple of spreader clamps. |
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srmpf Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2011 Posts: 296
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:17 pm Post subject: |
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Ahwahnee wrote: |
I suppose anything this side of brain surgery can be attempted DIY -- but this was one area where I had seen so many cars with crappy results that I went with an installer.
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I tried both and would go straight to the installer the next time. it's definitely easier if you have the windows out but the rear window is still a challenge because it's not flat. |
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climberjohn Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005 Posts: 1840 Location: Portland Orygun
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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BillWYellowstone wrote: |
I was thinking of having mine done, but the area behind the rear closet is impossible unless the whole thing is removed, and that looks formidable.
Is it possible to remove just the closet without all the overhead stuff? |
I suggest simply removing the cheapo cardboard panel between the closet and the window. It pops out with a screwdriver in maybe 2 minutes. You gain more room in your closet, provide easy access for the window tint guy, and there's no need for it since you have tint and a curtain. I did this with no regrets.
-CJ _________________ '86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often. |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9810 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 5:54 am Post subject: |
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noganav wrote: |
...If you do install yourself be sure to take the sliders apart and tint all the way to the edge... |
And if you take it to an installer you may want to remove the screens yourself before dropping it off.
Those plastic bits can be fragile and I assumed I would be more careful removing them than someone who is working against the clock. |
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