Pete

I want to get the windows tinted on my '02 Coupe. I plan to get all five windows (2 on each side + rear windshield) done.

The problem is that I have no idea what to do about the little window, below the spoiler, on the back of the car. It has a very small radius of curvature (meaning that it's a drastic curve) and it's plastic. The few places I've taken it to refuse to tint it. A couple people suggested that I get it painted black, so that it'd be opaque. I took it to a place that specializes in that sort of thing, and even they refused to do it. Plus, that window does offer some visibility, though it's not much, so I'm not sure whether I should completely cover it (rather than tinting it, somehow).

I'm concerned, because I think it'll look silly to have the back windshield tinted (with a dark tint, mind you) and the window below it translucent. I think this is particularly an issue, when looking from the front of the car, through the front windshield to the rear of the car, where that little window is quite visible. It doesn't seem particularly visible, from the rear.

Any suggestions? Has anyone had the windows tinted and done something about the little window? Has anyone had the windows tinted and left the little window alone? How does it look?

I pondered the idea of painting it myself, but that idea has "disaster" painted all over it (no pun intended).

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

~Pete

peter_j_arialis@hotmail.com

Flashman

Since it sounds like you want tinting one way or another, just go ahead and get the regular tinting done. Then see how much it bothers you. If it really bothers you, you can look into additional options.

Rick

Rick

Ask the specialty shop that refused if they could provide you with a piece of the film large enough to cover the lower area on the hatch so you can do the tinting yourself(noting that you won't hold them responsible for problems with that section).

Remember...everything's negotiable.

young

just a cautionary note. i don't know how the adhesive will affect the plastic... also, if you do it yourself, i think bubbles may be inevitable (depending on your skill).

Pete

Young,

I share your concerns. I don't really want to attempt to adhere the tint to the plastic myself, nor does any professional seem to want to try it. I think that damaging the plastic is imminent, in that case.

I had already intended to get the other windows tinted and see how it looks, but I suspect that I won't like it and will have to think of something (quickly) to do about the little window.

I'm contemplating using some black vinyl (affixed at points around the window portion). I'll have to see if bubbles or a "gap" are visible from the outside.

It's difficult to even tell that there's a window there, from the back, so I don't think that bubbles would be visible, if the material is opaque. If the material is not opaque, I think that bubbles would be visible, from the front and subsequently through the back.

~Pete

young

you know, i'm afraid to even suggest it, but they have that tint spray for side marker lights...

just forget i even brought it up

seriously though, i don't know how its going to look. how dark a tint do you plan to get? maybe you could get away w/ some sort of an DIY interior job - double sided tape and some dark film. at least it won't be permanent and you can test it.

MARK CUMMINS

We tinted ALL the windows and it looks sweet please do the little window on the hatch cause it will look funny without the tint...

btw, please have the window tinter remove the door panels and MODIFY the INNER window seal/scraper cause if you DONT you WILL have tiny scratches on the film ...Learned the hard way on my 210

C230K

Had my windows tinted and left the little piece in back without. I do not notice that little section..maybe because the car is red. Because it's plastic do not think that the tint will stay on. just my thoughts.

Lynn

Pete, if your interior is charcoal, you may not notice the lack of tint. Oyster, however, might be.

Pete

Mark,

You said that they did tint the little window, on your car? How does it look? Has it started to come off at all?

~Pete

MARK CUMMINS

PETE,


YES AFTER THE SECOND TRY!All the windows are tinted the rears in LIMO and the front doors lite for the local POLICE
and the car is MAGMA!w/charcoal cloth .... you can see thru the lower window and we have a sub enclosure with a MAGMA RED grille and the FILM WILL stick to the plastic window cause the tint shop does tinting on aircraft with PLEXIGLASS WINDOWS...
SO GO FOR IT

TimmyC230boy

I just got my windows tinted on my C230K.
I will be posting pics shortly!
It looks awesome

dave

tommy did they do the bottom plastic glass my guy wouldnt



Obsidian black C230K

TimmyC230boy

Nah, I didnt get it done. they were gonna charge like 60 extra bucks for it. I didnt thik it was worth it.

C230K

Had my windows tinted here in Florida, was told that they do not recommend covering the plastic, and from the outside you will not notice that it was not tinted. If you did get the plastic tinted,only problems later.

Iceman's C230

How dark did you get them done?? Pictures would be great soon as you get them.

C230K

Car was tinted using maximum legal tint.
Tom

TimmyC230boy

That looks very close to mine. I also used maximum legal tint.
Pics coming tomorow
Tim

Steven N

One of the few concessions I got from the dealer on price was free window tinting. Are their any issues I should be aware of in having the dealer do the installation? The car is silver with the black leather interior.

MB-BOB

If you intend to keep the car more than 4-years, make sure the tinting is at minimum, a mid-grade, NON-FADING type. The Cheap, baseline, color-tinted only material (they will probably use) will turn purple and fade, while the midgrade either won't, or will take longer.

I have midgrade 3M "Black Panther" metallized tinting... guaranteed never to fade for life of the car... $200-$225, vs $150-$175 for the baseline tint.

revstriker

MB-BOB, Can you tell me where you got your tinting done? I've been looking into getting my two cars done. Anyplace you can recommend?

MB-BOB

Sure thing. Call Sun Masters Glass Tinting, 14452 Midway, Farmer's Branch, 972-934-1114. They have the full range of 3M, are priced competitively, and stand behind their work. I believe they also do some work (sub-contracted) for either Ewing or Park Place Mercedes, so they know the cars.

revstriker

Thanks Bob. I'll give them a call in the next few weeks.

Mach430

If you have the normal MB window moldings (which are abrasive) you will scratch your tint within 6 months. Make sure to have your window moldings replaced with a mole-skin or felt compound instead to prevent this. It's fairly cheap, especially when comparing it to replacing your tint job. For more info, call Vision Tint in the 714 area code (Orange, CA).

Dummkopf

For Mach430,

Tried to call Vision Tint in the 714 area - but they're not even in the phone book - please advise!