Sorry... tinting advice again

[BSNF206]

Sorry to post yet another one on tinting.  I have read all the past posts on this topic but still need reassurance.

I have an appointment scheduled to have my 2001 XC's windows tinted.  20% w/ 3M lamination.

My major concern is that the job is well done w/ out bubbles.  The volvo dealership near me outsources this to an external vendor and is asking $325.

For those that have had this done, are you satisfied w/ the results?  Are tiny bubbles acceptable?  When installing, is it better to remove the door frames or is it okay if they put on w/o removing the windows?

The tinting is warranted for 10 years and can be reversed.

Just thought I'd reach out to the community before investing in this.  Would hate to cause more headache if it is not worth it.

Thanks,

Burton

[BSNF206]

One other thing.... does anyone have a decent picture of a nautic blue XC w/ the rear five windows tinted?  I have checked all of the pictures posted but didn't see any (at least any w/ good angles).

Thanks.

[RCF4]

It's going to look really good with 20%, BUT, I had a buddy with a BMW with 20 %, he did not like it at night, specially when it was bad weather at night.

 As for installation, just take the car to them, they dont need any liners off, or anything. If it is a shop that does tinting, bubbles won't be an issue, they have it down, My V70 is flawless, not one bubble.

[cmon4day]

Any recommendations on a tinting shop here in the SF Bay Area?  If you've had your windows tinted and are pleased with the job and are willing to recommend the shop, let me know.

Thanks ,

Vic

[toma nova]

I'll be getting our Nautic Blue XC tinted in the next few weeks:  35% on the back five and 50% on the front two.  Good shops will computer (laser) pre-cut all pieces specifically for your car then install them:  no more trimming in place like my last tint (15 years ago)!  The best way to find an installer is word of mouth:  two different Volvo dealers, one auto parts store, and one tire shop all recommended the same installer, so I am comfortable!  Look for brand-name film with nation-wide distribution and lifetime warranty:  there are several out there.

I'll post some pics when completed.

Tom

[Toots!]

To reiterate what I said in another thread, I had my windows tinted 40% on rear windows, 20% on driver's and passenger's doors. I'm quite happy with the 40% but would have preferred 10% at front, mostly to appease authority figures (customs officials, police) that approach my car. I have been told that the front windshield is less than 5% so 10% seems about right. This job was done through the dealership, is warranted for 'lifetime', has no bubbles, and 20/40% is no problem at night. I have noticed no problem with radio reception either. Art mentioned that laws in Alberta don't allow my level of tinting. Since the order was taken at the dealership (in Ontario, Canada) I have assumed I'm not breaking any laws http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif . The tinting has eliminated the need for a cargo cover and so now I have to store an item (provided standard with the car) that may never again see the light of day! I would have preferred a cargo net since I seem to carry a lot of stuff that shakes, rattles and rolls!

[hordtheviking]

If the shop knows what they are doing then bubbles are NOT acceptable. I've had two cars tinted (both in Arizona where they definitely know what they're doing) and it looked factory perfect. If it's a good shop, using good film, that's done this for a few years then it should look perfect and last indefinitely. I've had one car for 7 years and the film looks as good as the day it went on.

[Art]

I've heard great comments from other members about Llumar film and will probably opt for it when I get the windows tinted. The folks over at Supertint (http://www.supertint.com/index.htm) are the Western Canadian wholesalers/distributors for Llumar films. More reason that I feel confident that the installation will be of professional quality. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I was quoted a price of $286 Cdn. installed for all five windows with Llumar Centaur.

[BSNF206]

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Just thought I'd send an update on the status of my tinting.  Just had it done yesterday... rear five windows 20% using 3M films.  It came out perfect and looks fantastic!  I just wish that I had done this sooner, but at least it is in place before summer.

Thanks to all those that responded to my concerns!

Burton

[Shoop Dog]

Can you post any pictures?  I'm scheduled to have my windows tinted in the morning and I'm still debating on 20% vs 30% in bronze.  The owner's wife has 30% installed so hopefully I see that to help make the decision.

Thx,
Jim

[cmon4day]

Check out the pictures of the Platinum Green XC70 in some showroom. It looks like the rear windows are tinted? What do you think?
Getting Desparate Thread (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=Post;CODE=02;f=1;t=1061)

(hope this works, the link that is  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[Shoop Dog]

I had my windows tinted with Johnson Window Film (http://www.johnsonwindowfilms.com/) and used 35% for the front 2 and 30% for the rear 5 windows. I used the bronze metallic color and it looks great but if I had it to do over again, I would opt for 20% for the rear windows (except for the tailgate glass). I'm also experiencing some interference with my radio reception which is something the installer said I should not have since Johnson uses a "sputtering" technique for impregnating the film with metal.

I'll post a picture soon.

Jim