siide window tinting

[V8Dom]

ive been thinking of replacing my side windows and wondered if anyone has had success in tinting their side windows, on or off the car?
I know martins SS car has them and they look fantastic but wonder of the cost too(Rusty??)

thanks dom

[ROWDYRENAULT]

At least in sunny California it is well worth the effort, it makes the interior much cooler and cuts down on a lot of glare. I would do it with the windows out if possible. my one caution is to make sure that when you look out to the mirrors that all of the mirror is either in the tinted area or out. On my first attempt I unknowingly split the mirror half in and half out VERY DISTRACTING when you need to see something behind. Lee

[V8Dom]

one of the other reasons im looking at doing it is the mirrors... I have finally found a perfect set up that look good but the vents are in the way, so im moving the position of the vents too..

thanks for the tip, did you spray yours or apply a film?

[Steve_D]

I built a kitcar that almost failed SVA with off the shelf polycarbonate side windows.
I would guess that any tint you apply (and stay within the law) would be so light that it would not be worth doing.

Steve

[ROWDYRENAULT]

v8: I had film applied to the outside because the windows where already in place. I am going to replace the side windows because somehow I have got fingerprints on the windows that will not come off. My guess is that I had something bad on my hands when I touched them but I have not a clue as to what it was. Anyway I will have the film applied to the inside of the windows this time. The film has been on for about 3 years without a problem, but remember once you apply the film you are committed, its not coming back off without some damage. Fortunately I live in California which although intolerant about most things automotive, is not anywhere near as totalitarian as England appears to be from the outside looking in. After years of reading comments such as Steve's below, the level that the SVA gestapo put their bore-scopes up your tail pipes is.............hard to contemplate. Lee

[Storer]

Dom

I think Steve is right. Front seat side windows are only allowed a tiny amount of tint.

No sure if they check at MOT but Plod will pull you up for it. Do you want to give them an excuse..............



Paul

[Ult-Jim]

How do all those hip hop VW Golf's in London do it and down where I am blacked out Mercs and even a Rolls the other day. And I am led to believe the rules are similiar in France these days

[Storer]

Ult-Jim said:

How do all those hip hop VW Golf's in London do it and down where I am blacked out Mercs and even a Rolls the other day. And I am led to believe the rules are similiar in France these days

They get away with it until they are stopped by plod.


Paul

[Rusti Evo]

V8Dom - the side windows on my SS car were specially made in polycarbonate and not tinted with film.

The grade chosen is the lightest tint available and made specifically to comply with the law.

Getting shot of the helicopter vents significantly reduces the wind noise! (as does removing the standard mirrors..........)

[V8Dom]

Storer said:

Ult-Jim said:

How do all those hip hop VW Golf's in London do it and down where I am blacked out Mercs and even a Rolls the other day. And I am led to believe the rules are similiar in France these days

They get away with it until they are stopped by plod.


Paul

when they see a police car they wind down the windows..

its only the windscreen and front doors that are restricted... rear doors and boot can be black..

However,,, if you have a modern car the min requirement is 2 mirrors... a drivers side, and a passenger OR centre ... if the rear window is dark, the centre mirror doesn't count.

so if a wing/door mirror is damaged, there is question if you can legally drive on the road, even if you have a darkened centre, and if you go to an mot with a missing or broken passenger mirror, and darkened centre you will fail.

[F.C.]

My windows have a tint, I was thinking of replacing them as there is a small amount of air bubbling around the edges where they are bonded on anyone know how much SS charges?