I'm totally torn on these two issues. First, the window tinting.

I believe I want 20%, because the 35% tint I've seen is really, really light. Almost not worth having any tint at all. It's illegal, so the shop won't give me a receipt, and I must pay in cash. They don't want any paper trail getting back to them, for fear of the $5k fine they can be hit with. They can talk all they want about a warranty, but with no receipt or paperwork, a warranty is nonexistant. He has 27% film, which is the legal limit, but it's metallic.

Then, we have the metallic / dyed issue. I listen to a LOT of AM radio. Given that our antenna is under the rear window, I'm really concerned about losing reception. Anyone with 20% metallic that can see if AM reception is affected? Metallic is better on everything else (heat, UV, warranty, etc).


Then there's the Clearbra. Wrapped edges look better, and my installer is happy to do it, but 3M says "no" and the installer said that in a few years, I should expect to do mainenance and maybe even having the edges pulled and trimmed, because the film isn't designed for it. He can cut it 1/16 - 1/8" from the edge and he hasn't had complaints about that. Thoughts?

 

I would lean toward the darker tint but it does depend on how cops are in your area. Also, different brand tints although rated the same % may appear darker/lighter. I have 20% Madico film on a coupe and it looks great but a co-worker installed 20% Llumar 2 weeks before me looks a few shade darker. Both cars have black interior and both films are metallic. Also, I have noticed the radio reception is weaker but that's only in wooded areas.

As for the clear bra, I have the 3M film installed as well. Lets just say if you're planning on showing your car, you shouldn't get the clear bra if you can risk rock chips. It will be visible but only 5-10 ft away on a dark colored car. For me though, with interstate traffic, it was worth the investment despite my initial assumption that it would be nearly invisible once installed.

 

i got 20% and love it

 

This is what I am getting, Formula One Ultimate Series 28% on sides ( metallic film ) and Pinnacle series 15% on the back ( ceramic film ). Stays legal and keeps your radio/radar/gps/ etc etc. fine. And Formula One films are really high quality, lifetime warranty coast to coast.

 

I have 5% and wouldn't want anything else, sure its illegal but who cares.

 

Looks like 3M Scotchtint 20% would be the perfect compromise - non-metallized, dark color, and great warranty.

So I'm still stuck on the Clearbra... Wrap the edges?

 

I dont have to wrap it, but a good installer will take it right upto the edge. The precut kits come that way, but most installers are lazy and just stick it on there with the gap. The shop down here does a good job and the installer stretches the material right to the edge.

 

I ended up going to Alta Mere, and getting the 3M color-stable non-metallized 20% tint, and 3M clearbra on the bumper, 18" of the hood, fender tips, and mirrors. No wrapped edges, just cut right at the edge.