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IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 3:17 pm Post subject: Window Tinting on Westfalia |
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Has anyone tinted the windows on their Westfalia's? What products work best and are easiest for do-it-yourselfers? |
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TommyBoyGomes Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2005 Posts: 1531 Location: L.A./Dublin, Irl
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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Once I got to the driver's side window that's up against the cabinet behind the bench seat and realized how difficult it was going to be to align the tint accurately back there, I decided to pay someone to do it _________________ 1969 Squareback, 1776cc
1990 Vanagon Multivan |
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Dampcamper Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2013 Posts: 788 Location: Rainy Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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I had the Westy gutted so tinted the rearmost windows on both sides, now I'm kind of thinking I should have just let the curtains do the job but that big old cabinet is in the way so the tinting stays. We have a regional plastics chain that sells window tinting and has instructions available. They aren't in Iowa but I'm sure somebody else sells tinting retail out your way. |
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Syncroincity Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2007 Posts: 1557 Location: New York City
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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All tints work pretty much the same as far as application, just don't buy cheap film, it will turn purple after a few years. 3M is one of the best, and if you want high-tech film, their new ceramic stuff is pretty interesting; almost 100% UV blocking, on all tint levels, so you don't have to go limo black to get full heat rejection.
Be aware also that going dark on the back windows seriously impairs rear vision at night, if you have to negotiate a driveway backing up, upgrade your reverse lights or install a back-up camera. _________________ '86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT
Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight= |
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noganav Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2006 Posts: 1236 Location: San Diego CA
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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Try a search for the word 'tint'. |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9775 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:22 pm Post subject: |
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Syncroincity wrote: |
...3M is one of the best, and if you want high-tech film, their new ceramic stuff is pretty interesting; almost 100% UV blocking, on all tint levels, so you don't have to go limo black to get full heat rejection... |
The 3M ceramic is what I went with -- an impressive drop in heat without (as noted) having to have dark windows. Was able to use the same % tint all around and still be legal.
I paid to have it done just because I see so many botched DIY tints. I sure some can get good results the first time they try but I seriously doubted that would be my experience.
BTW, they removed the window by the closet to put the tint on -- I didn't want a half-tinted window there and doubted even the pros could do a good job of squeezing in there are getting the tint on well. |
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Vinzanto Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2012 Posts: 247 Location: Kansas City
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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General question here up for grabs on the topic of tinting; does all tint become purple over the years (time/sun/elements) or is that just a sign of low quality tint? I've heard arguments in both directions. _________________ 1984 Vanagon Westfalia Wolfsberg |
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Syncroincity Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2007 Posts: 1557 Location: New York City
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 1:18 am Post subject: |
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Vinzanto wrote: |
General question here up for grabs on the topic of tinting; does all tint become purple over the years (time/sun/elements) or is that just a sign of low quality tint? I've heard arguments in both directions. |
Definitely not, just the stuff you get in autoparts stores for $30 a roll. Any pro installation uses good film, and you can also buy that for DIY projects. I'm still in touch with an old car of mine that was tinted 15 years ago at a local shop, looks brand new.
Another key to DIY success is to use 2 pieces on the rear window; too large a sheet and you'll end up with bubbles popping up in short order. There are a couple of good instructionals on Youtube. _________________ '86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT
Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight= |
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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:22 am Post subject: |
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Save yourself the aggravation and pay a professional to do it.
$325 is what I ended up paying for all but windshield and I got great results. Pleased with level of tint (not too dark) and they stand behind it with a no bubble guarantee. _________________ 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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HoustonPhotog Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2013 Posts: 1514 Location: Houston, TX
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ryecatcher Samba Member
Joined: January 02, 2014 Posts: 81 Location: Tampa, Florida
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:46 am Post subject: |
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Here's an easy way to deal with the window behind the cabinet: punch out the backing to the cabinet (the part facing the window). It's held on by staples, flimsy, and you end up gaining a few precious inches. It allows access to the window for tinting, and once it's tinted you can't see inside the closet. _________________ 1982 Westfalia Camper, Air Cooled
"Wendeline" |
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HoustonPhotog Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2013 Posts: 1514 Location: Houston, TX
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:56 am Post subject: |
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ryecatcher wrote: |
Here's an easy way to deal with the window behind the cabinet: punch out the backing to the cabinet (the part facing the window). It's held on by staples, flimsy, and you end up gaining a few precious inches. It allows access to the window for tinting, and once it's tinted you can't see inside the closet. |
Yea this is my plan... just in case. I have a spare fridge cabinet door that I've been meaning to install into the rear closet for more access so I want to get it install Friday and pop out the back closet panel in time for the tint guy on saturday. _________________ Abel Longoria
VanAlert App for Vanagons/Buses | Texas Vanagons | My Vanagon Build Thread | Follow Me On Instagram | Vanagon-centric Stickers Available Now |
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greenraVR6 Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2011 Posts: 306 Location: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:57 am Post subject: |
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Vinzanto wrote: |
General question here up for grabs on the topic of tinting; does all tint become purple over the years (time/sun/elements) or is that just a sign of low quality tint? I've heard arguments in both directions. |
Seems to me most of the crappy purple and bubbled tint jobs are from DIY installs. Although I'm a little lost on what happened with the '95 Jetta I just bought. All the windows are tinted and the sides look great, but the rear window is more hazy than bubbly and everything behind me is a blur. Very annoying and needs to be re-done or just removed all together. _________________ '88 vanagon*****'91 gti 1.8t*****'04 r32*****'11 suburban z71 |
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TheRealSean Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2014 Posts: 180 Location: Northern California
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 11:03 am Post subject: |
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I did a tint myself for $40 with the mirror reflective screen from home depot. Noone can see in and it drastically reduces heat. If it bubbles in a few years I will do it again with the same material for $40. took a few hours and a few beers on a saturday |
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adamjjohn203 Samba Member
Joined: March 18, 2012 Posts: 187 Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 2:26 pm Post subject: |
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I have suntek 18% professionally done. Pulled the windows so the tint goes all the way to the edge...took the opportunity to replace the seals with non trim ones and added vented rear windows at the same time. _________________ '87 Westfalia
2000 Volvo V70 "eVOLVOd" |
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MikeHill Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2005 Posts: 271 Location: Plymouth, MA
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:55 pm Post subject: |
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I've always used 3M window film and after 8 years in my current bus it still looks good and hasn't had any noticeable color degradation. If you want to save some money you can certainly do it yourself. I paid for the first window tint install 30 years ago. When I saw how it was done I did the next 3 vehicles myself. (You might want to check on your DMV's websites to see how dark a film you can use. Here in MA I had to go with a 35% tint.) On my current bus I was doing new seals anyway so I popped out the windows. You can apply the tint with the windows in place but it's just harder to trim where the film meets the seal when you're done. I've done it both ways. The key is getting the windows squeaky clean with glass cleaner and razor blades. Then apply the film after spraying the glass with water. Use a piece of film bigger than required since you'll be trimming it when you are done. I use plastic Bondo applicators to squeegee out all the water bubbles and stick down the film. Start in the middle and work the water bubbles towards the edges and dry the water with a paper towel. After each window dries use a razor blade to trim the edges then reinstall if you're using new seals. If you are installing the film without removing the glass you can trim the film at the rubber seal using an Exacto knife or razor blade. There is a knack to applying window film so I recommend you practice the technique first. My son installed window tint is his van last year after spending some time applying/re-applying tint to a spare window I had laying around. One word of caution, after installing the tint you should only use glass cleaner without ammonia. I'm told that the plastic film is degraded by cleaning products with ammonia.
_________________ 77 bus, 2.7 liter Corvair/PowerGlide |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9775 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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MikeHill wrote: |
...One word of caution, after installing the tint you should only use glass cleaner without ammonia. I'm told that the plastic film is degraded by cleaning products with ammonia... |
Good point. I use Sprayway -- available at Costco and other fine stores. |
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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:29 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="Ahwahnee"]
MikeHill wrote: |
...One word of caution, after installing the tint you should only use glass cleaner without ammonia. I'm told that the plastic film is degraded by cleaning products with ammonia... |
Good point. I use Sprayway -- available at Costco and other fine stores.[/quote
X2 - Pro shop that did mine said same thing _________________ 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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IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:48 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for all of the tips. I think I'll try this myself, as the cost of having a professional do the job exceeds what I paid for the van. |
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IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 5:18 am Post subject: |
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More pictures, please. Thanks. |
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