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  #1  
Old 06-15-2017, 03:53 PM
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Question Window Tint

I have a 85sd that needs the windows tinted , I'm tired of feeling like a Ant under a magnifying glass.
So went to local shop here in Des Moines Iowa and they said they couldn't do it at least they were up front about their limits.

So would like to here what you have done or suggestions

Thanks John

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  #2  
Old 06-15-2017, 04:07 PM
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I can't imagine why they couldn't do it. I've done my own tinting using kits that are laser cut for the windows precisely, but it's still a lot of work, and a PITA.

I'd suggest another shop. What laws are there in Iowa about tinting the front windows?

If you do get it, spend the extra on the new ceramic tint, it really blocks the UV and heat!
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  #3  
Old 06-15-2017, 04:30 PM
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You can do it yourself but it takes some skill. I've done four of my own cars and have only just got the knack of it. My main tip is to get a roll of the pro stuff. Llumar is easy to get, there's a seller on eBay that has it but he's slow to ship, FYI. You only want to do it once and not have it turn purple.

Then you have to watch Youtube videos a lot. I wish I'd had Youtube back when I started.

But for the roughly $200 that a shop will charge I would go with a shop if you can find one.

-Rog
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  #4  
Old 06-15-2017, 04:33 PM
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Hmmm... around here we have many places that do nothing but window tinting. I had mine done with high-quality 3M tint at the Mazda dealership. However, the installer cut big chunks out of my rear windshield seal and put DEEP permanent cuts in the side windows.
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  #5  
Old 06-15-2017, 04:41 PM
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Is it not already tinted? My 81 300 SD came with tinted windows.
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  #6  
Old 06-15-2017, 04:47 PM
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Find another shop - I have all mine tinted and as said above Stick with a shop that uses 3M tint. Cheap tint off ebay and such is just cheap tint. Most 3M installers will give you life/ownership on car.
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  #7  
Old 06-15-2017, 05:30 PM
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Might be they just don't want to

When had my 300TD-T done, took several hours extra, as told me because no black edges of glue in windows, had to be precise as no way to hide it with the gasket windows. Did a fantastic job, even the windshield you couldn't tell. Made a huge difference. Back then, had money, so saving up again, but doubt it will be until Winter.

And yes, it was the special U.V. blocking tint, so even though only a 50 percent (windshield was 70 as wanted the lightest), no more feeling the sun on your skin, so didn't bother to have A/C.
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  #8  
Old 06-15-2017, 06:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazy4diesel View Post
I can't imagine why they couldn't do it. I've done my own tinting using kits that are laser cut for the windows precisely, but it's still a lot of work, and a PITA.

I'd suggest another shop. What laws are there in Iowa about tinting the front windows?

If you do get it, spend the extra on the new ceramic tint, it really blocks the UV and heat!
Here in Iowa 70% in front. I believe they just prefer newer cars. But will go by another shop tommorow . I am a little afraid to do myself.

But APPRECIATE everyone's response it has been helpful, I will ask about the ceramic type.
John
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  #9  
Old 06-15-2017, 06:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tyl604 View Post
Is it not already tinted? My 81 300 SD came with tinted windows.
Yeah you can sorta see the tinting but doesn't help with the heat and glare in backseat and front.

Windshield was replaced 6 yrs ago by Safelight and has the tint but with this sun these days, Global Warming that doesn't exist its getting tougher for me.
Thank for your reply.
John
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  #10  
Old 06-16-2017, 12:49 AM
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I tinted my 1985 300D for my son when he was living in the San Joaquin Valley. It is almost de rigeur there. Indeed, you see many people open their hoods there in the summer whenever they stop. I bought a laser-cut kit on ebay, which wasn't much more than buying bulk roll and fussing with that. I chose the better product (3M?) that is very tough. The side windows were fairly easy once I got the hang of it. They cut them slightly over-size on purpose, so you must do the final trimming. Main thing is to keep everything clean and use lots of water spray. You don't want to trap a piece of hair or grit underneath. The rear window was a whole different beast. I fooled with it for ~2 hrs and did the best I could. It still has a few wrinkles in the corners. I had to cut it a few places to match the curves. Trying to work upside down, against gravity, in the fairly narrow space makes it tough. If you ever plan to have the rear window out, that would be the time to apply tint film. Also, first check your state laws since some are picky on the transmission allowed for the fronts.
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  #11  
Old 06-16-2017, 10:07 AM
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I tried doing the tint myself at first with the glass out of the car, but I got too much dust and dog hair trapped in between so I went to the Mazda dealership, which was a 3M dealer. I paid the extra money to have them cut the tint right at the edge of the glass so you don't see a line when the windows are rolled down a bit. Sadly, they probably owe me money since they got crazy with the razor blade and took big chunks out of my rear window seal and cut deep scratches about 1" below the top of the side glass where they pushed too hard on the razor when they were getting the shape.

I asked the shop if it's easier to do the glass when it's out of the car and they thought I was stupid for asking that. If you get the tint installed on the side windows and leave a little overlap at the top, you can carefully use a fine flat file and file along the upper edge and make the tint line even with the top of the glass.
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1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Highly Optioned, 350,000+ Miles
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  #12  
Old 06-16-2017, 10:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BillGrissom View Post
I tinted my 1985 300D for my son when he was living in the San Joaquin Valley. It is almost de rigeur there. Indeed, you see many people open their hoods there in the summer whenever they stop. I bought a laser-cut kit on ebay, which wasn't much more than buying bulk roll and fussing with that. I chose the better product (3M?) that is very tough. The side windows were fairly easy once I got the hang of it. They cut them slightly over-size on purpose, so you must do the final trimming. Main thing is to keep everything clean and use lots of water spray. You don't want to trap a piece of hair or grit underneath. The rear window was a whole different beast. I fooled with it for ~2 hrs and did the best I could. It still has a few wrinkles in the corners. I had to cut it a few places to match the curves. Trying to work upside down, against gravity, in the fairly narrow space makes it tough. If you ever plan to have the rear window out, that would be the time to apply tint film. Also, first check your state laws since some are picky on the transmission allowed for the fronts.
Thanks for sharing your adventure! I had visions of that same scenario for my self. Again sounds like the 3M is the way to go. Heading over to another shop in a few minutes.
Will post result.
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  #13  
Old 06-16-2017, 10:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Squiggle Dog View Post
I tried doing the tint myself at first with the glass out of the car, but I got too much dust and dog hair trapped in between so I went to the Mazda dealership, which was a 3M dealer. I paid the extra money to have them cut the tint right at the edge of the glass so you don't see a line when the windows are rolled down a bit. Sadly, they probably owe me money since they got crazy with the razor blade and took big chunks out of my rear window seal and cut deep scratches about 1" below the top of the side glass where they pushed too hard on the razor when they were getting the shape.

I asked the shop if it's easier to do the glass when it's out of the car and they thought I was stupid for asking that. If you get the tint installed on the side windows and leave a little overlap at the top, you can carefully use a fine flat file and file along the upper edge and make the tint line even with the top of the glass.
Doing myself is something I have toyed with in my head over the past few years but lost courage.

I also thought about pulling the glass out but that would only help sides, and do nothing for the front. And the back well I think Bill's post above describes the battle I don't want to face.

I'm heading over to another shop will post result.
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  #14  
Old 06-16-2017, 02:56 PM
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One other caveat with window tint:

If you have a W210 or newer with the integrated antenna in the glass, tinting the window with metallic tint absolutely kills your radio reception. AM is intolerable to listen to, and FM is about half what it should be.

Thankfully my kids turned me on to Spotify and I Heart Radio...

There is a TSB out on this issue, if I find it I will add a link.
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  #15  
Old 06-16-2017, 03:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jay_bob View Post
One other caveat with window tint:

If you have a W210 or newer with the integrated antenna in the glass, tinting the window with metallic tint absolutely kills your radio reception. AM is intolerable to listen to, and FM is about half what it should be.

Thankfully my kids turned me on to Spotify and I Heart Radio...

There is a TSB out on this issue, if I find it I will add a link.
Also, cellular reception in the vehical is reduced with metallics. Interesting the W210 and later have the antenna in the glass.

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