Has anybody installed their own window tint? And if so, how challenging was it and where did you purchase the tint?

I just finished installing 12" BSM vinyl stripes and can't help but think the process is similar for the windows. I just can't see forking over several hundred dollars in labor if it's something I can do myself. I can rebuild my own engine, transmission, and swap out rear end gears. Surely I can take on some tint. Right? What do you think?

 

It takes practice.that being said,I would fork over the ~ 170.00 and be done with it...and have the warranty

 

That back window is a big enough PITA to clean, let alone tint. Fuggedaboutit. I would rather have to do my springs twice in one day.

 

So true. It's almost worth 170 bucks to have that window cleaned so I don't have to. I HATE cleaning the inside rear window.

 

I bought some pre cut stuff off of fleebay. Doing the back window rubs butt lol. The side windows turned out fine. The back window either needs to be cut in 3 pieces to lay flat or needs the heat gun. I will be taking it in to have it redone by some one who knows what they are doing. I was told 100 bucks to have the rear window done.

 

And after they tint they leave that residue which took FOREVER to clean. I woulda thrown in lunch if they'd cleaned it also

 

I ordered a pre cut set of tint from snaptint.com. I will be putting it on this Friday so I will let you know how it goes.

 

I've done many cars over the years. Most recently I've used the precut tint from the vendor on ebay. $25 if I recall correctly. The side windows are cake - about 10 minutes or less each. The rear needs to be shrunk to fit the compound curves (pretty much all cars need this). Do a GIS on window tinting and you'll find dozens of how-to sites. The key to shrinking the rear is low heat and lots of baby powder between the glass and the film. For overall install, you need to keep it VERY wet so you can keep repositioning as necessary. I'll be doing mine in the next week or two.

 

Thanks for the input everybody. I'll be checking local prices here in Augusta, Georgia today. I didn't realize it cost less than $200 to tint. I seem to remember spending $400 for my 4 door interpid a few years back.
If it's quite a bit more here in GA, I think I'll give the pre-cut tints a shot. Worse case, I waste $40 on tint and a weekend of my time.

 

That's my logic. If it turns out well then you're way ahead of the game. If not, no big loss.

 

Can I have $40

 

i am getting the whole car done for $100 with 20% all the way around and they said if it does not turn out good they will steam it off so i can keep the rear defrost and they will install some new tint, and they do the back window in one peice

 

That's TOO cheap. Is that an actual tint shop or some guy that said he'll do it. The back can definitely be done with one piece, but it will require shrinkage.

 

It's called gambling with the odds stacked in your favor.