tinting the front windows
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
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tinting the front windows
I have a 2003 F-150 with the extended cab. It came from the factory with the tinting on the extended cab windows (like they all do, I guess), but clear front windows. Does anyone have experience with trying to match the front windows to the extended cab tint?
I don't necessarily want really dark tint, I just want them all to match...
Thanks,
Alex"
I don't necessarily want really dark tint, I just want them all to match...
Thanks,
Alex"
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,406
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From: West Texas
tinting the front windows
I'm sure anybody that does much tinting to new vehicles can tell you the exact match since Ford has been doing this for a while. they probably have it memorized. I would go to a well known, and reputable window tinter in your area and I bet they can help you without any problem!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Deep East Texas
tinting the front windows
Without an problem . . . save one. The rear windows are tinted much darker than most states will allow you to tint the front. I know here in Texas the legal limit is much lighter than the rear ones and your "good standing" detailing shop won't match it for fear of reprecussions on them. Sorry for the bad news.
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13
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From: Sarnia, Ontario
tinting the front windows
I have tinted all my vehicles with 20 percent on the back and 35 percent on the fronts which is legal here and in most places. That means that the front is lighter but it looks good. My current truck like your has dark tint (20 %) on the back doors and I have added 35 % to the front.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
tinting the front windows
Its tough to match the rear windows as add on tinting will reduce the clarity of a normal window, where OE tinting is a part of the glass so it will have a different look.
Also the rear windows are a slightly brown shade. It may not look it, but if you get regular grey tint up front the slight difference will be noticeable.
I had my fronts tinted 20% which darkness wise is pretty close. But the color is a little noticeable under some conditions. A lighter tint on the front may not be as noticeable.
I didn't mind as I wanted my rear windows darker anyway, and I wouldn't trade factory tint for clear with add on tint as factory looks better from the outside. So I am adding 20% to my rear windows.
Chris
Also the rear windows are a slightly brown shade. It may not look it, but if you get regular grey tint up front the slight difference will be noticeable.
I had my fronts tinted 20% which darkness wise is pretty close. But the color is a little noticeable under some conditions. A lighter tint on the front may not be as noticeable.
I didn't mind as I wanted my rear windows darker anyway, and I wouldn't trade factory tint for clear with add on tint as factory looks better from the outside. So I am adding 20% to my rear windows.
Chris
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Deep East Texas
tinting the front windows
Wow, 20% is legal in Baltimore? Not here in Texas, may get shot; from either direction with 20%. Cool you can do it though.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
tinting the front windows
Don't see "legal" anywhere in that post.
Last edited by aldridgec; Aug 28, 2003 at 10:37 PM.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
tinting the front windows
Incidentally, 35% tint isn't legal in a lot of places because factory windows are already tinted some. (its like 95% light transmission) which will make a tinted windows in the 30-32% range.
Yes I have seen the state fail cars with 32% tint when 35% is the limit.
So, 50% is usually what you have to get to be "legal".
Chris
Yes I have seen the state fail cars with 32% tint when 35% is the limit.
So, 50% is usually what you have to get to be "legal".
Chris
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
tinting the front windows
I can see why so many cars have dents, creases and scratches in them. The fools cant see where the hell they are in parking lots, especially at night.
The cops want to see who is driving and toting a gun when they pull you over, so some states enable them to do so.
The cops want to see who is driving and toting a gun when they pull you over, so some states enable them to do so.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: according to some of the
tinting the front windows
35% is the legal limit here in nc and that has to be the whole ammount of tint on the windows , the tester reads through the glass , i was lucky the cop let me pull the tint off my regal's windows and drive home[ 2 layers of 50% limo black tint] but that was way back in 91 when they first stated testing tint, i had this bad habbit of thinking chevys were cool and a good vehicle to have.[over look me i was 18 and stupid]lol
Last edited by CM113; Aug 30, 2003 at 10:55 AM.
New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 10
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tinting the front windows
i have and apointment to get my screws front windows tinted to match the rears. place said they have a special tint just for that application that acts and looks just like the factory stuff. gonna cost me 72 bucks and will take and hour. i guess the stuff will be pre cut and waiting. said he does this all they time, and did 3 today. ill let yah know how it turns out.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
tinting the front windows
Definitely let us know how it goes.
After a foray into the wilderness this weekend and haveing to roll down the windows to see in the rain while backing up, I'm rethinking my choice to tint the back windows darker.
My only concern is that if I get the front windows retinted to a lighter shade it still won't match because of color differences.
After a foray into the wilderness this weekend and haveing to roll down the windows to see in the rain while backing up, I'm rethinking my choice to tint the back windows darker.
My only concern is that if I get the front windows retinted to a lighter shade it still won't match because of color differences.