To tint or not to tint....that is the question.

momo.75 · 03-12-2003, 05:44 AM

I have an black '03 and want to have the front two windows tinted to match the rest of the windows. All my other cars have been black with tinted windows. Every time I get a new car it is a debate between my wife and myself, since she doesn't like tinted windows, but I do it anyway, since I am driving said vehicle.

What are your thought on tinted windows? Do any of you guys/gals have the same resistance I have?

1Runner · 03-12-2003, 05:52 AM

Here in Michigan, our resistance group is a bunch known as The Michigan State Police. I believe 20% tint is the max for front windows here. Many many moons ago I had a Firebird w/ all the windows tinted "limo black". It looked REAL sharp. I had it like that for 2 GLORIOUS days...... thats when one of Michigans finest saw it for the first time. He stood right there with me along side the highway, and watched while I pulled all my tint. Nice bunch of guys, really.

momo.75 · 03-12-2003, 06:01 AM

I know how it goes....I am pretty sure 35% is legal in all states. I am not really going for the darkest I can but more just for reflection of heat. I am in Alabama and it tends to get a little on the warm side during the summer.

JSB · 03-12-2003, 06:29 AM

I say tint them. At least for the UV protection. Shoot you could get 50% for UV protection and the tint is extremely light. I like dark tint myself. All my cars have been tinted, except my last car. I didn't bother. I once got pulled over 5 minutes from leaving the tint shop. I had 5% plus 20% on the back and two layers of 20% on the back side windows and 5% on my drivers windows. Anyway me and my buddy leave and I'm in a hurry because I had to pick my wife up from work. Boom...Nailed by radar. My buddy asked me what was I going to do. I told him I can't roll the window down...I'll just get out. So I get out, and the officer over his PA tells me to get back in my car. So I sit inthe seat with my feet outside and left the door opened. He walked up and looked at the windows which had the little sticker they put on them to show that it's legal tint, and ask me where I was going so fast. Told him I was late picking my wife up from work and didn't want to hear her complain. I guess he sympathized, because he let me go. Anyway...I say TINT it especially if it's black. It will look great! sorry for the long story.

momo.75 · 03-12-2003, 06:33 AM

I got the official ok from my CFO (the wife). I waited until she left the house and then called her to tell her I was going. I knew she was in a hurry, so she wouldn't have time to argue........heheh.......was that wrong. Anyway, I am walking out the door to get'em done.

Bumpin' Yota · 03-12-2003, 06:51 AM

hmmm interesting - remind me never to drive in Michigan...lol

I have 5% all the way around and ill take the ticket before I tear 135 bux of tint off - besides the ticket is only a fix-it ticket anyhow. A quick talk with your optomitrist and you can legally run 5% - a prescription for tint.

Incidentally, the cops dont mess with you here if your tint is too dark provided you arent driving like you stole it....

Steve

ManyMods · 03-12-2003, 08:00 AM

[quote]Originally posted by Bumpin' Yota
[b]hmmm interesting - remind me never to drive in Michigan...lol
[quote]

Steve,
From the sound of it, you won't be driving in too many other states either.

[quote]
I have 5% all the way around and ill take the ticket before I tear 135 bux of tint off - besides the ticket is only a fix-it ticket anyhow.
[quote]

Hmmmm. I don't know about where you live, but in MA the ticket is 250 bux. Sounds like poor ecconomics to me.

[quote]
A quick talk with your optomitrist and you can legally run 5% - a prescription for tint.

[quote]

That is FALSE. You cannot get a tint waiver unless you have glaucoma and they might give you those horse blinder shades first.

jacksonpt · 03-12-2003, 08:02 AM

If you're the one that's driving the car, tint them. She can do what she wants with her car(s), you do what you want with your car(s).

2k4runner · 03-12-2003, 08:14 AM

I think this is fairly up to date. hope it helps.

http://www.pcisys.net/~bpc/auto_law/tint/

their info on Michigan seems to backup 1Runner's info, heh.

Bob_98SR5 · 03-12-2003, 08:15 AM

Here's the definitive source on tinting and laws:

http://www.tintdude.com

Bob

billyho · 03-12-2003, 08:23 AM

Tint away!!! Blacking out the whole truck will look sweet!!!!

TDiddy · 03-12-2003, 08:36 AM

Hey Bob, I went to that site you posted, but their search page was slower than molasses. Do you hapen to know what our laws are here in our glorious state?

pfdaxe · 03-12-2003, 08:42 AM

Good luck with the tint. I have limo on all windows. It's VERY dark with the limo over the factory privacy glass on the rear windows.

momo.75 · 03-12-2003, 09:08 AM

jacksonpt,
You must not be married. If you are and don't have these kinds of problems, consider yourself lucky. One of my main problems is that I was laid off in June and have started my own company. It was one thing to get the new truck, but to add stuff to it will be a challenge.

JGage · 03-12-2003, 09:14 AM

I have mine tinted... If your guy says that 15% will match the other windows.. He's full of it. Toyota's is a bit lighter.

I have a perfect color match, but my fronts are darker. You really can't tell from the outside.

momo.75 · 03-12-2003, 09:15 AM

I meant to say,.........they are tinted now!!! Whoohoo!!!

snappy · 03-12-2003, 07:43 PM

momo -- what did you end up getting? (%)

I blacked mine out the 2nd day I had the 'Runner, and I agree w/ the folks who basically say "attitude is everything." Unless you're driving like you stole it, you should be cool. (of course, i respect that diff states have a more stringent enforcement of the tint laws)

I got my whole windshield done too -- nevermind that 3" sunstrip up top

I know i'll get a lot of ...negative responses... for that one, but i did it. Also had 50% on my A4 Audi with no problems (windshield) so don't knock it too much, until you try it

Because the entire cabin is dark, the visibility looking out of 50% on the windshield is not noticeable (I snuck this "mod" past my girlfiend...) It's like that police line-up phenomenon -- you can see out, but other people can't see in.

One practical piece of advice:
If you do happen to get pulled over, turn on the dome light, roll down all the windows and keep your hands on the wheel until the officer comes over to the side of your door. The patrol officers have to worry about crackheads pulling Glocks on them so the last thing they need to deal with is what's lurking behind the 0% windows.

the one thing that is a bummer is that no matter what you do, the front and back windows will never match. the 2002 rears (and all other 3 Gens, I'm assuming) are smoked glass. Tinting over those yeild some very nice limo windows. If you put 5% over the front GREEN GLASS fronts, they never get exactly the same shade of midnight. Only noticeable in the sun, but you can tell that the fronts have a green tinge to them vs. the smoked out rears.

Have fun w/ the new tint

Victor · 03-12-2003, 07:53 PM

http://www.gilafilms.com/auto/car_tint_laws.html#
here is the tint laws I found. I saw some differences with the link posted before.

tomus1000 · 03-12-2003, 08:08 PM

Tint, Man...Tint!!! Black with tinted windows is almost required. It would be a sin to leave them clear.

MY024runner · 03-13-2003, 11:52 AM

I say if you like them do it.I have limo tint all around I like it

dajabr · 03-13-2003, 12:37 PM

Here's a question; other than for looks, why tint?

True they block sun but then they make night driving harder. What else?

03-12-2003, 05:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
momo.75 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 702	To tint or not to tint....that is the question. I have an black '03 and want to have the front two windows tinted to match the rest of the windows. All my other cars have been black with tinted windows. Every time I get a new car it is a debate between my wife and myself, since she doesn't like tinted windows, but I do it anyway, since I am driving said vehicle. What are your thought on tinted windows? Do any of you guys/gals have the same resistance I have? __________________ MomoDesignWorks - Marketing/Advertising/Design - momodesignworks.com Black 2003 4Runner - Sport Edition

03-12-2003, 05:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
1Runner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: currently at large Posts: 902	Tint resistance Here in Michigan, our resistance group is a bunch known as The Michigan State Police. I believe 20% tint is the max for front windows here. Many many moons ago I had a Firebird w/ all the windows tinted "limo black". It looked REAL sharp. I had it like that for 2 GLORIOUS days...... thats when one of Michigans finest saw it for the first time. He stood right there with me along side the highway, and watched while I pulled all my tint. Nice bunch of guys, really. __________________ 2002 Tacoma double cab. 4X4 TRD package, rear locker. Imperial Jade Mica. Stock, stock, stock. It will have to stay that way for a while. (sigh) Hey!! I got some husky liners!!!

03-12-2003, 06:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
momo.75 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 702	I know how it goes....I am pretty sure 35% is legal in all states. I am not really going for the darkest I can but more just for reflection of heat. I am in Alabama and it tends to get a little on the warm side during the summer. __________________ MomoDesignWorks - Marketing/Advertising/Design - momodesignworks.com Black 2003 4Runner - Sport Edition

03-12-2003, 06:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
momo.75 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 702	I got the official ok from my CFO (the wife). I waited until she left the house and then called her to tell her I was going. I knew she was in a hurry, so she wouldn't have time to argue........heheh.......was that wrong. Anyway, I am walking out the door to get'em done. __________________ MomoDesignWorks - Marketing/Advertising/Design - momodesignworks.com Black 2003 4Runner - Sport Edition

03-12-2003, 06:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bumpin' Yota Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 3,649	hmmm interesting - remind me never to drive in Michigan...lol I have 5% all the way around and ill take the ticket before I tear 135 bux of tint off - besides the ticket is only a fix-it ticket anyhow. A quick talk with your optomitrist and you can legally run 5% - a prescription for tint. Incidentally, the cops dont mess with you here if your tint is too dark provided you arent driving like you stole it.... Steve __________________ 3vze, 4x4, sr5, 90, auto, LSD 2x dB Drag World Finalist 2003 Nopi Nat. Street B champ 2004 SBN Street C champ 2004 SBN Advncd NW Champ 2004 Former WR Holder in NW. SPL: 159.8db @ 42hz In loving memory of Jamie Riggs 5/15/85 - 10/8/04

03-12-2003, 06:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
JSB Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 900	I say tint them. At least for the UV protection. Shoot you could get 50% for UV protection and the tint is extremely light. I like dark tint myself. All my cars have been tinted, except my last car. I didn't bother. I once got pulled over 5 minutes from leaving the tint shop. I had 5% plus 20% on the back and two layers of 20% on the back side windows and 5% on my drivers windows. Anyway me and my buddy leave and I'm in a hurry because I had to pick my wife up from work. Boom...Nailed by radar. My buddy asked me what was I going to do. I told him I can't roll the window down...I'll just get out. So I get out, and the officer over his PA tells me to get back in my car. So I sit inthe seat with my feet outside and left the door opened. He walked up and looked at the windows which had the little sticker they put on them to show that it's legal tint, and ask me where I was going so fast. Told him I was late picking my wife up from work and didn't want to hear her complain. I guess he sympathized, because he let me go. Anyway...I say TINT it especially if it's black. It will look great! sorry for the long story.

03-12-2003, 08:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
ManyMods Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Martha's Vineyard Island, MA Posts: 805	[quote]Originally posted by Bumpin' Yota [b]hmmm interesting - remind me never to drive in Michigan...lol [quote] Steve, From the sound of it, you won't be driving in too many other states either. [quote] I have 5% all the way around and ill take the ticket before I tear 135 bux of tint off - besides the ticket is only a fix-it ticket anyhow. [quote] Hmmmm. I don't know about where you live, but in MA the ticket is 250 bux. Sounds like poor ecconomics to me. [quote] A quick talk with your optomitrist and you can legally run 5% - a prescription for tint. [quote] That is FALSE. You cannot get a tint waiver unless you have glaucoma and they might give you those horse blinder shades first. __________________ - Peter 2002 4Runner 4wd Limited - Millennium Silver TRD Gen2 Supercharger w/ 7th Injector, TRD boost gauge TRD catback exhaust, TRD transmission cooler IPT valve body recalibration, Transmission temp gauge Walbro 190 ltr/hr fuel pump Beckson deckplate mod, Amsoil air filter, Dr. Z. ISR Mod Addco "RED" F&R anti-sway bars H&R progressive springs Alpine CDA-9835, Infinity RS speakers & 2 BassLink SUBS XM Radio and Many Mods

03-12-2003, 08:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
jacksonpt Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 2,761	If you're the one that's driving the car, tint them. She can do what she wants with her car(s), you do what you want with your car(s). __________________ Jackson - My Site 96 SR5 4x4 - 33" MTs, open diffs, and 3.90s - LET'S ROCK! My runner has bee traded in sniff on an 06 SR5 long bed d-cab Tacoma. The tacoma is nice, but... sniff ... I'll update my site when I'm done grieving.

03-12-2003, 08:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
2k4runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 10	I think this is fairly up to date. hope it helps. http://www.pcisys.net/~bpc/auto_law/tint/ their info on Michigan seems to backup 1Runner's info, heh.

03-12-2003, 08:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,115	Here's the definitive source on tinting and laws: http://www.tintdude.com Bob

03-12-2003, 08:23 AM	#11 (permalink)
billyho Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 37	Tint away!!! Blacking out the whole truck will look sweet!!!!

03-12-2003, 08:36 AM	#12 (permalink)
TDiddy Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Urbandale, IA Posts: 7,143	Hey Bob, I went to that site you posted, but their search page was slower than molasses. Do you hapen to know what our laws are here in our glorious state?

03-12-2003, 08:42 AM	#13 (permalink)
pfdaxe Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,403	Good luck with the tint. I have limo on all windows. It's VERY dark with the limo over the factory privacy glass on the rear windows. __________________ My 2000 TRD 4 Runner My email

03-12-2003, 09:08 AM	#14 (permalink)
momo.75 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 702	jacksonpt, You must not be married. If you are and don't have these kinds of problems, consider yourself lucky. One of my main problems is that I was laid off in June and have started my own company. It was one thing to get the new truck, but to add stuff to it will be a challenge. __________________ MomoDesignWorks - Marketing/Advertising/Design - momodesignworks.com Black 2003 4Runner - Sport Edition

03-12-2003, 09:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
JGage Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NW Florida Posts: 575	I have mine tinted... If your guy says that 15% will match the other windows.. He's full of it. Toyota's is a bit lighter. I have a perfect color match, but my fronts are darker. You really can't tell from the outside. __________________ 2003 Galactic Gray Limited 4WD V8 w/ X-reas. Passenger and Driver window tint mod. <G> Royal Purple ! Amsoil in the Diffs and TC. "…..there’s always a way of balancing things. Someday it’ll come. Don’t hunt for it, don’t pledge revenge – revenge is for children. It’s a lot more satisfying to f#ck with their mind. Just keep your eyes open and wait for the chance. The take it for everything its worth. " Last edited by JGage : 03-12-2003 at 09:17 AM.

03-12-2003, 09:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
momo.75 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 702	I meant to say,.........they are tinted now!!! Whoohoo!!! __________________ MomoDesignWorks - Marketing/Advertising/Design - momodesignworks.com Black 2003 4Runner - Sport Edition

03-12-2003, 07:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
snappy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 63	my favorite topic momo -- what did you end up getting? (%) I blacked mine out the 2nd day I had the 'Runner, and I agree w/ the folks who basically say "attitude is everything." Unless you're driving like you stole it, you should be cool. (of course, i respect that diff states have a more stringent enforcement of the tint laws) I got my whole windshield done too -- nevermind that 3" sunstrip up top I know i'll get a lot of ...negative responses... for that one, but i did it. Also had 50% on my A4 Audi with no problems (windshield) so don't knock it too much, until you try it Because the entire cabin is dark, the visibility looking out of 50% on the windshield is not noticeable (I snuck this "mod" past my girlfiend...) It's like that police line-up phenomenon -- you can see out, but other people can't see in. One practical piece of advice: If you do happen to get pulled over, turn on the dome light, roll down all the windows and keep your hands on the wheel until the officer comes over to the side of your door. The patrol officers have to worry about crackheads pulling Glocks on them so the last thing they need to deal with is what's lurking behind the 0% windows. the one thing that is a bummer is that no matter what you do, the front and back windows will never match. the 2002 rears (and all other 3 Gens, I'm assuming) are smoked glass. Tinting over those yeild some very nice limo windows. If you put 5% over the front GREEN GLASS fronts, they never get exactly the same shade of midnight. Only noticeable in the sun, but you can tell that the fronts have a green tinge to them vs. the smoked out rears. Have fun w/ the new tint

03-12-2003, 07:53 PM	#18 (permalink)
Victor Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,717	http://www.gilafilms.com/auto/car_tint_laws.html# here is the tint laws I found. I saw some differences with the link posted before. __________________ "Turtle" - Green 94 4Runner Looks like one and about as fast JDM altimeter/clinometer, 2002 Sport wheels, 265/75r16 MT/R, , OME stabilizer, BJ Spacers, Cruiser Coils, removed sway bars, rattle can paint for all that peeling clearcoat! Lockright front and rear.

03-12-2003, 08:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
tomus1000 Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Wallingford, Ct Posts: 1,595	Tint, Man...Tint!!! Black with tinted windows is almost required. It would be a sin to leave them clear. __________________ -Noel- 2002 Tacoma Double Cab Impulse Red w/ color keyed package...2nd generation supercharger...TRD off road package...TRD boost guage...TRD tranny cooler...Borla exhaust...Speed Liner spray in bed liner

03-13-2003, 11:52 AM	#20 (permalink)
MY024runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: CA Posts: 239	I say if you like them do it.I have limo tint all around I like it

03-13-2003, 12:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
dajabr Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: US somewhere Posts: 875	Here's a question; other than for looks, why tint? True they block sun but then they make night driving harder. What else? __________________ Former trucks- 89 & 86 4Runners http://www.va4roc.com