Posted: 6/24/2003 5:05:22 PM EDT
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I figured I would save a bunch of money and do it myself. I bought the tint and install kit. Now, I am going to follow the directions to a T, but any of have tips that worked for you? It will be going on my Xterra |
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I've done it a couple times and have gone five years on the longest without a bubble. The real trick is simple, get the damn window clean as clean can be. They don't stress that enough in the directions. I used auto glass cleaner, the clear stuff, I picked up from the auto store. Go for it, you can do this. Tj |
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I did some flat windows in a van one time and they turned out GREAT! Clean isnt good enough! They gotta be sterile! If you can get to a body shop supply/paint store and get some of the small soft squeegee's you will be WAY better off than with the plastic ones. The ones I got were black and made by 3m |
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Ditto on VERY CLEAN WINDOWS!!!! Don't be afraid to use lots of soapy water to position the tint. I have do it before and it wasn't bad looking, however I would rather pay someone to do it. BTW the tint that most places is not the same quality that they sell in the tint shops. Not to mention the warranty they give you. Almost all the store bought tint will turn colors while the real tint from stores will be much better and last longer. If you do go ahead and do it good luck and be patient. |
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Many newer vehicles do not use mast antennas any more but instead use antennas that are embedded in the rear glass or sometimes the rearmost side glass (SUVs). Usually, the darker shades of window tint contain metal particles which can potentially degrade the radio reception if they are in contact with the in-glass antenna. Also, sometimes people go a little crazy with the razor blade when doing the trimming and accidentally cut a defroster or antenna filament. Not good. The Xterra has only a mast antenna, so you are OK. This is just something for the rest of you DIY'ers to keep in mind. More and more OEMs are switching to amplified in-glass antennas, so just be careful. If we have a customer who complains about poor radio reception, the first question we ask is whether aftermarket metallic window tint was intalled, and who performed the installation. Just FYI. |
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Check your statutes first. It'd be a real bummer if you found out the one window that reaalllly reeaaally turned out best was illegal and gained you a fixit cite. Tint shops around here will do whatever you want. the more reputable will let you know if it's illegal before they do it. It's ok for them to do it. the driver owner gets stuck. The less reputable shops put it on and then charge you to take it off. |
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Ever see what happens when a 3yr old gets ahold of a roll of scotch tape ? That's what it looked like when I tried tinting my own windows... My best advice... Pay the extra $$$ to the experts after you screw it up yourself...[:D] You'll get a much better job... Actually, the commercial grade tint is thicker and stronger than the retail stuff... I've had several vehicles done over the years, and never regretted paying someone to do it... Good luck !!! |