re: Window Tint

["Ken Keith" <ken.keith@specialdevices.com>]

"Greg Johnson" <gregsj@iea.com> wrote:
> 
> I'm planning on putting tinting the windows of my Q-wagon.  Anything I
> should look out for?  Any BTDT's?

They butchered my Coupe when I had it done.  I was pretty PO'ed.

They sliced up my interior rubber molding, and there was bits of 
upholstery cut up on the piping on the rear seat.  On the driver seat, the 
piping was completely cut off the entire length of the side bolster.  I 
can't be 100% sure it wasn't like that before I took it in, but I noticed 
it for the first time after picking up the car.  The rear was definitely 
done during the tinting, because the little bits they shredded were laying 
about in the back seat.

Also, they did not mention, nor did I know, that if the defroster lines 
have any corrosion on them, the tint will not stick there, and there will 
be very small air pockets between the tint and glass along the lines.  I 
did not even realize I had any corrosion until I got the windows tinted.  
It's not bad at all, but I feel that had I known this was possible, I 
would have been able to clean the area to prevent this.

My advice:

1.  Go to a reputable shop.
2.  Remove your door panels and rubber areas yourself.  Clear the way for 
them to do their work, because they will not be patient enough to do it 
correctly.
3.  Look at your car carefully so you are acutely aware of any preexisting 
damaged areas.
4.  Speak to the manager and make him or her aware of your concerns, and 
ask that they be extra careful.

> TIA for your collective wisdom.

You're welcome.  I wish I had some advice before going to the place I went 
(Arizona Tint Company).  They suck!!!!  I'll never go there, and recommend 
against them.

Good luck,

Ken