Ceramic Window Tint and Detailing photos ...

[wquiles]

I just had ceramic window tint applied on my Daytona. It is the latest and greatest window tint, as dark as Texas alows (30%), and has the least amount of heat transfer, much less than the best premium metalic tints ;)

I also just finished detailing the car:
- wash with detergent (meaning dish washing liquid like Dawn) to remove all old wax
- dry
- apply clay bar with special lubricant
- dry each section
- apply Klasse All in One
- buff
- enjoy ;)

Here are the "before" pictures:
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3231.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3232.JPG


Here are the "after" photos of the tint job. Note how it is dark but still allows the friendly cops to look inside:
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3585.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3586.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3587.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3591.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3605.JPG


And here are some photos after detailing the car for the first time. This is a photo of my wife's old 525i, right of the side of my Daytona:
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3608.JPG

more detailed photos:
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3614.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3617.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3618.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3619.JPG

http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3621.JPG

My arms are tired and sore, but it was definitely worth it!

Will

[billynation]

So it will be a littel easyer for everyone to see the photos with out clicking.

Before Tint
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3231.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3232.JPG

After Tint Install
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3585.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3586.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3587.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3591.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3605.JPG

Detail Images Close up.. His wifes car in the background
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3608.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3614.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3617.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3618.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3619.JPG
http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Tint_Detailed/IMG_3621.JPG

Well that was fun... It looks nice man... Good Work

[whatsurdream]

Looks awesome!!!

[basscharger]

ohhhhh........ shiny!! my likey

[wquiles]

So it will be a littel easyer for everyone to see the photos with out clicking.

Thanks dude!. I will try doing that next time ;)

Will

[MagChargerRT]

Ceramic tint is worthless unless you have a bmw or car that is all fiber optics. This tint was designed to go on those types of cars becuase the metallic tints cause interferance with the fiber optic systems. Less heat trafer yes. But only 2% more then Formula 1.....at a much steeper price. IMO not worth the extra money, unless you need it which our cars dont. This tint also gives off a less tinted look.

[wquiles]

The shop had a very cool demo: a heat lamp for food, inside a enclosed chamber. A sliding piece of auto glass under the lamp, with Formula 1 on one half and the ceramic tint on the other half. You put your hand inside, turn ON the heating lamp, and compare the metalic to the ceramic - literally like day and night. Whomever told you it was only 2% was smoking some good weed ;)

Will

[alber/t]

The shop had a very cool demo: a heat lamp for food, inside a enclosed chamber. A sliding piece of auto glass under the lamp, with Formula 1 on one half and the ceramic tint on the other half. You put your hand inside, turn ON the heating lamp, and compare the metalic to the ceramic - literally like day and night. Whomever told you it was only 2% was smoking some good weed ;)

Will


I saw that same lil display at cartoys, and it is pretty cool... dont know if it was that same tint though

[falchulk]

Ceramic tint is worthless unless you have a bmw or car that is all fiber optics. This tint was designed to go on those types of cars becuase the metallic tints cause interferance with the fiber optic systems. Less heat trafer yes. But only 2% more then Formula 1.....at a much steeper price. IMO not worth the extra money, unless you need it which our cars dont. This tint also gives off a less tinted look.


What?? How does metallic tint cause interference with fiber optics. Fiber optics would be a closed loop between transmitter and receiver. How would window tint ever become involved? Metallic tint does interfere with RF (radio freq) if that’s what you are talking about? Also, what BMW is "ALL" Fiber?

[wquiles]

The shop had a very cool demo: a heat lamp for food, inside a enclosed chamber. A sliding piece of auto glass under the lamp, with Formula 1 on one half and the ceramic tint on the other half. You put your hand inside, turn ON the heating lamp, and compare the metalic to the ceramic - literally like day and night. Whomever told you it was only 2% was smoking some good weed ;)

Will
MagChargerRT: Actually, I "think" it was formula 1 metalic tint. I am not 100% sure. So let me apologize for my tone as it could had been another premium metalic tint and not formula 1.

My point is that the difference in heat transfered was HUGE. The ceramic tint felt as almost if the lamp was not ON. Since I use a radar detector, the ceramic helps with the detector, but it was the difference in heat and comments from others here in the local BMW club that got the ceramic that made me go this way ;)

Will

[MagChargerRT]

The shop had a very cool demo: a heat lamp for food, inside a enclosed chamber. A sliding piece of auto glass under the lamp, with Formula 1 on one half and the ceramic tint on the other half. You put your hand inside, turn ON the heating lamp, and compare the metalic to the ceramic - literally like day and night. Whomever told you it was only 2% was smoking some good weed ;)

Will

Yea, I have seen that demo. Whichever metallic you compared it to...was not formula 1 :lol:

[falchulk]

Yea, I have seen that demo. Whichever metallic you compared it to...was not formula 1 :lol:


Can you clarify your earlier comments?

[joescat]

/debate:off

You car looks GREAT! Thanks for the pics!

I just did mine for the 1st time too, yesteday. Finally, since November, got a warm enough day to get the hose out and all that. High of 68 today (with major storms and tornado watches) - until the bottom falls out again to below freezing tonight, high barely 40 tomorrow. Forecast says shovelable snow by Thursday. At least I got to drive it clean some yesterday evening before it all hit. It was a little heartbreaking to back outta the garage into pouring rain. But, at least it's got one good coat on now.

[MagChargerRT]

Can you clarify your earlier comments?

Sure what do you wante me to clarify?

The demo? The demo we discribed is done by taking the 2 peices of tint and simplely feeling the heat pass through it when the lamp is turned on. Formula 1 is the "best" metallic tint you can buy. Comparing the 2 side by side you will be able to feel the difference with ceramic. But honestly the difference is not compelling if you know what I mean. Also if he didnt add a clear peice of ceramic tint to the front winshield (non-tinted) then he is still not getting the full effect of ceramic. But now we are talking close to $500 for tint. I'll stick to my formula 1 at a cool $189!

[falchulk]

Sure what do you wante me to clarify?

The demo? The demo we discribed is done by taking the 2 peices of tint and simplely feeling the heat pass through it when the lamp is turned on. Formula 1 is the "best" metallic tint you can buy. Comparing the 2 side by side you will be able to feel the difference with ceramic. But honestly the difference is not compelling if you know what I mean. Also if he didnt add a clear peice of ceramic tint to the front winshield (non-tinted) then he is still not getting the full effect of ceramic. But now we are talking close to $500 for tint. I'll stick to my formula 1 at a cool $189!


No, none of that:) I want to know about the fiber optic issues that metallic tint can cause.

[aflores496]

hows 3m tint? Is it mettalic?

[ChargerOsix]

Wquiles,

Where did you get the tint installed and if you don't mind asnwering, how much did it cost? I paid $300 for Lumar Platinum Plus on another vehicle and was wondering if it costs more than that.

Thanks

[wquiles]

Wquiles,

Where did you get the tint installed and if you don't mind asnwering, how much did it cost? I paid $300 for Lumar Platinum Plus on another vehicle and was wondering if it costs more than that.

Thanks
No problem. The ceramic tint was an additional $99 - my total out the door was $399. As others have mentioned, it is more expensive, but since I plan to keep the car at least 3 years, the extra $100 or so is about $35/year, which is a bargain to me.

I live in the Dallas, Texas area, and this shop is called ProTint - they are located in Plano, Texas (phone 972-713-6861). Most of the BMW owners in Dallas use this shop and they are repeat buyers, having done 2 cars with them. If the store is good enough for them to come back, it is good enough for me ;)

Will

[RTjunkie]

Ceramic tint is worthless unless you have a bmw or car that is all fiber optics. This tint was designed to go on those types of cars becuase the metallic tints cause interferance with the fiber optic systems. Less heat trafer yes. But only 2% more then Formula 1.....at a much steeper price. IMO not worth the extra money, unless you need it which our cars dont. This tint also gives off a less tinted look.


It has been posted in other threads on this forum that Metallic tints cause interference on OUR cars, with the AM and sometimes FM reception. This is due to the fact that the antenna for our cars is part of our rear window. Ceramic tint is the only way on our cars to ensure that no interference will occur from opting to tint the windows. Just FYI.

I'm also confused as to how a metallic tint in specific would cause interference problems with fiber optics, as they transmit light, nothing else.

[arfur]

It has been posted in other threads on this forum that Metallic tints cause interference on OUR cars, with the AM and sometimes FM reception. This is due to the fact that the antenna for our cars is part of our rear window. Ceramic tint is the only way on our cars to ensure that no interference will occur from opting to tint the windows. Just FYI.

I'm also confused as to how a metallic tint in specific would cause interference problems with fiber optics, as they transmit light, nothing else.

If there are EMC issues (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) with firbre-optics, then potentially this might be a problem.....but I really don't have a clue as EMC is not my subject! :whistle:

[joescat]

fibre optics should be completly impervious to EMC. Unless there is associated electronics that IS affected by EMC. Just not the fiber optics itself.
That is the primary beauty of the technology.

It has its drawbacks too - it is more difficult to work with and install, and it not tolerant at all with physical damage. Nick a fibre optics cable, and it's toast.
It generally doesn't bend like metal wire - it will break, and be rendered useless.
It is typically omni-directional. So, you usually need a pair to have two way communication.

[joescat]

Wait, WtF? Somehow we went from window tinting to fibre optics. I just realized I swayed WAY off topic, sorry.

There I go again!

[falchulk]

Wait, WtF? Somehow we went from window tinting to fibre optics. I just realized I swayed WAY off topic, sorry.

There I go again!


A comment was made regarding this type of tint causing issues with fiber optics, your comments were not off topic in response:) I am still wating to hear what BMW is all Fiber Optics and how the tint interferes:)

[MagChargerRT]

Fiber Optics are used throughout 6 and 7 series BMW's 2004 and up. Looking more closely at these systems on a new 7 series you will notice window sensors on all 4 windows. For some reason metallic tint caused an owner of one to get his hand caught in the window. Once they put ceramic tint on the windows the sensors were functioning properly. There was also another case where metallic tint was used on a new 7 series and the dealer was so dumbfounded as to why this car had short somewhere cause it not to start. the car was sent to SAMM Sound of Jupiter, FL. Since they are experts with electronics, It was determined that part of the fiber optic system in the door was fried due to the metallic tint and the way it re-acted with the window sensors.

Its funny...Next time you see a new 7 series..see if it is tinted. Chances are its not. They will not tint them at the dealerships if you ask them. Unless they carry ceramic tint.

[falchulk]

Fiber Optics are used throughout 6 and 7 series BMW's 2004 and up. Looking more closely at these systems on a new 7 series you will notice window sensors on all 4 windows. For some reason metallic tint caused an owner of one to get his hand caught in the window. Once they put ceramic tint on the windows the sensors were functioning properly. There was also another case where metallic tint was used on a new 7 series and the dealer was so dumbfounded as to why this car had short somewhere cause it not to start. the car was sent to SAMM Sound of Jupiter, FL. Since they are experts with electronics, It was determined that part of the fiber optic system in the door was fried due to the metallic tint and the way it re-acted with the window sensors.

Its funny...Next time you see a new 7 series..see if it is tinted. Chances are its not. They will not tint them at the dealerships if you ask them. Unless they carry ceramic tint.


Ohhhhhh, so you meant optical sensors that may use fiber optics to get the light from the trasmitter to where it needs to be on in the door for the window? That actually makes sense.

But the sensor being fried due to the tint is likely a myth. No way it should have done that.

[plugray]

Nice pics! Great job detailing the car and the tint really looks good on the Top Banana.

[SCV Blackbird]

Sure what do you wante me to clarify?

The demo? The demo we discribed is done by taking the 2 peices of tint and simplely feeling the heat pass through it when the lamp is turned on. Formula 1 is the "best" metallic tint you can buy. Comparing the 2 side by side you will be able to feel the difference with ceramic. But honestly the difference is not compelling if you know what I mean. Also if he didnt add a clear peice of ceramic tint to the front winshield (non-tinted) then he is still not getting the full effect of ceramic. But now we are talking close to $500 for tint. I'll stick to my formula 1 at a cool $189!

Formula One is a brand. They make the ceramic tint that I was quoted @ $395 for the back 5 windows. I was given a choice of 3 shades all at the same price. It was described to me as having greater thermal and UV blocking than previous tints like titanium (which I believe used to be the state of the art). The tint shop said that even the lightest shade of ceramic blocked more UV and gave better thermal insulation than the darkest of the previous generation of tints. Just what I was told.

[slickrick]

Will your car looks great and the tint blocks more heat than regular tint right ?
I wish my tint shop would of had that option ....

[wquiles]

Yes, although as you can see above, some metalic tints should come close to heat rejection. The test that I used between the metalic tint had a darker (limo type) than the 30% ceramic, but the ceramic still had much lower heat transmision even though the visible light transmition was higher - your milleage will vary depending what metalic film you use. So far I really, really like the ceramic tint and since I also have a V1 detector, I would do it again ;)Will

[robvia]

Looking to get my SXT tinted. The local tint shop carries Llumar film, ATR ($140) and Platinum ($200). I've been reading all the threads.

So is it true, that any metalic film on the back window will cause the AM reception to go bad? What if they leave the black strips near the roof untinted, will the AM reception still work? Is the AM antenna in the entire back window? Or just the top black strips?

[wquiles]

Unfortunately, yes, metalic tints in general do block some AM and FM stations (and to some degree the rear facing radar detectors), when the radio antenna is in the rear glass and then gets tinted.

I have personally never cared much for AM, and my FM reception was not affected "that" much with metalic tints, so it has not been a problem for me. Others in our car club have reported more serious signal loss, so I am sure that some metalic tints will do more "damage" than others. Unfortunately I have never seen a site showing what tint brands to to radio signals.

As posted in this thread, ceramic tints "solve" this particular problem (there is zero metal in them), but it is indeed a relatively expensive way to do it, specially then the best metalic tints (professionally installed by a great shop) range in the $200-300, and you have to pay $100-150 extra for the ceramic tint. That being said, I absolutely love the ceramic tint on my car and how it makes the car look - I will know later in August/Sept when the heat is fully ON here in Texas if my purchase was well justified or not ;)

Will

[robvia]

Alright, found a shop down here in South Florida that has Formula One Pinnacle Ceramic. They were on the Formula One site here.
http://www.formulaone.com/
They're called Rhodes Complete Auto Radio and they are located in Hollywood.

The good news for me, is they'll only charge me $230 for the job, plus a little bit more if I want the strip across the front, but they said they'll have to decided when I come if it's ok to do that. They said it can look weird if there are black dots in the windsheild.
Wquiles, it looks like you didn't do the front strip, but I've seen other pictures with it done, so I'll have to see what they say.

The reason they can do the job for $230, is because they are open year around, while places up north have a slow season. I asked if it was really Formula One Pinnacle and the girl on the phone said yes, it is. So I have an appointment for this weekend.

[thebigqballer]

Tint shop in my area that I asked for a price quote suggested I buy I piece of vinyl for the upper portion of the back window where I'm assuming the AM/FM antenna is. Don't know if anyone else has heard of this? I'm guessing it would be cheaper than ceramic tint.

[Miranda]

Another option would be to have the rear window only tinted with ceramic and have the other windows done with regular metallic tint. This could save some money. My local tint shop offerred to do this, but I decided to go with the ceramic all the way around, mainly because of the heat control.

[joescat]

For what it's worth . . .
My tint guy said of course they don't tint over the black stripes. And, you cannot tell at all that he stopped there, using 20% "regular" tint. I got name brand, quality tint (and I don't recall the brand at the moment), but not metallic and not ceramic.

[thebigqballer]

For what it's worth . . .
My tint guy said of course they don't tint over the black stripes. And, you cannot tell at all that he stopped there, using 20% "regular" tint. I got name brand, quality tint (and I don't recall the brand at the moment), but not metallic and not ceramic.

I'm thinking I might take that same route. I was gonna get 35%, hopefully that will still look good next to the black stripes.

[joescat]

My tint is moody, at least on Inferno Red. The current conditions has a huge effect on how wel it can be seen through. In the bright sun, the glare off of it makes is very hard to see in. Most of the time, one can see in at a reduced level.
I know even in the very late evening when it's starting to get dark, I've waved to people and they readily wave back, and aren't squinting to see in.

And I'll take this oppurtunity to post some pics of my freshly cleaned Inferno last weekend. . .
The sun is mid-afternoon on a cloudy day last weekend, towards the front of the car (south). I'm in Michigan, so the sun is rather low in the sky this time of year.https://home.comcast.net/~joescat/LeftSideShowsTint.jpg

https://home.comcast.net/~joescat/RightSide01.jpg

https://home.comcast.net/~joescat/RightSide02.jpg

[wquiles]

joescat,

VERY nice job in the cleaning/detailing ;)

Will

[robvia]

Got my SXT tinted using the Formula One Pinnacle. Did the entire car at 35%.

I made a web site to share with everyone. Check it out here.

http://www.nogodforme.com/DodgeChargerTint.htm

I'm very happy with the tint job.

[NYT]

joe,

whats with the guards on top of the windows? why did you add those?

[joescat]

Got my SXT tinted using the Formula One Pinnacle. Did the entire car at 35%.

I made a web site to share with everyone. Check it out here.

http://www.nogodforme.com/DodgeChargerTint.htm

I'm very happy with the tint job.

Looks sharp! And your 35% looks a lot lighter than mine! I mean, lighting conditions make it vary a lot, but mine NEVER looks that clear. I'm wondering if your's or mine really is 35%?

And NYT, they're made by Vent Visors. I like to crack my windows, even in the frequent snow we get (or used to get), and rain. It's fantastic to be able to drive around in the pouring rain with the windows open an inch or maybe two. Also, you can leave your windows cracked without worrying about rain coming unexpectedly, or (although it's never happened), someone putting something into your cracked window. They can't really see whether your windows are open or not.

It helps keep the car cool in the summer.
And another, albeit minor bonus, if you think someone next to you is gonna pull on you, you can slyly crack a window to hear their engine real good, and they cannot tell.

Personally, I think they look _okay_. I'd never do it, on this car anyway, for just looks. I can live with it though, for the functonality they provide.

[NYT]

makes sense. ive seen them on trucks for that exact purpose but never on a car.

[joescat]

Got my SXT tinted using the Formula One Pinnacle. Did the entire car at 35%.

I made a web site to share with everyone. Check it out here.

http://www.nogodforme.com/DodgeChargerTint.htm

I'm very happy with the tint job.

Hey! I'm sure I posted again after my last post, but it must not have saved. I didn't catch right away the upper band of pics on your website were w/o tint, that's what I was looking at. Below are with the tint. Whew, that makes a lot more sense now.

[robvia]

Hey! I'm sure I posted again after my last post, but it must not have saved. I didn't catch right away the upper band of pics on your website were w/o tint, that's what I was looking at. Below are with the tint. Whew, that makes a lot more sense now.
Thanks. Yeah, I'll have to put the words before and after in big letters on there. It's 35% all the way around, looks great. Glad I got it right the first time, and my AM radios stations still work.

[SCV Blackbird]

Thanks. Yeah, I'll have to put the words before and after in big letters on there. It's 35% all the way around, looks great. Glad I got it right the first time, and my AM radios stations still work.

Looks great and that's a great price! The "open 12 months" rule doesn't seem to apply in L.A.!! BTW, there are 3 levels of F1 Pinnacle tint: 15, 35 and 50.

http://www.formulaone.com/pinnacle.htm

I may use the 50 on the rear 5 windows because I want the heat and UV protection, but not the dark tinted look. I'll have to decide by tomorrow morning between the 35 and the 50.

[joescat]

So what'd you end up going with?