What is your opinion on how to choose the right window tint? I went to five different stores in San Diego and evaluated the tint used, percentage of tint, brand quality, and store reputation.
Here are the five stores I visited in San Diego:
Diamond Services (Miramar) – 20+ years in business. Uses Lumar. Has big open work area. Rep showed me his car and I wasn’t impressed. He stated a previous employee messed up the job, and he was getting it redone. Also, they don’t cut to the edge of the window, only up to the black edge border around the window. I thought they were supposed to install to the edge? (Price: $250)
Tech Formulas (Miramar) – 24+ years in business. Used Lumar, but replaced with Johnson Window Films after he explained there was a lot of customer complaints who used Lumar and the Johnson Film was easier to apply. Very professional and friendly. Has huge high ceiling facility, showed me around workshop. Basically has two choices of quality, Silhouette, charcoal dye, will fade 5-6 years and the Executive, non dye, metallic, has mirrorish look, lifetime no fade. I like the dark charcoal more over the mirrorish look, but I want a lifetime non fading tint. (Price: $200-$220)
Progressive Mobile Electronics (El Cajon) – 25+ years in business. Uses Solar Gard. Rep showed me his truck with 13% back, 43% sides. Looked real good, but the back and rear side had factory smoked tinted windows. I was surprised how dark the 43% looked to the 13%, but it was a cloudy day. (Price: $200)
Street Smart (La Mesa) – 20+ years in San Diego. Uses Solar Gard, but highly recommends Global G-lux. Has a dark charcoal color, lifetime non fade. Independent owner, very knowledgeable. Showed me his truck with 20% Global and it looked real good. I think it’s a little too dark, I would go 30% all around. His buddy was telling me he had 20% installed and was pulled over by a cop and had to remove the rear front later. (Price: $229)
Progressive Mobile Electronics (San Diego, off Rosecrans) – business 20+ years, tinter was young, but professional. Uses Solar Gard, but recommended Solar Gard True Grey. Had a dark charcoal look, and rep said it is lifetime no fade. (Price: $200)
Overall, I think getting a lifetime non fading metallic would be better over a dye tint that will fade in 5 years. I was told dyes will fade even sooner. It seems each store had a long reputation and that’s why I chose these five over the other 30+ stores in San Diego area. As far as the brands, I think I like the Global G-lux and Solar Gard True Grey, due to the fact their both dark charcoal color and have a lifetime no fade. Also all manufacturers are nationwide, so if I move to Arizona, warranty will cover.
As far as tinting in CA, I realize you can’t tint the front sides. However, it seems there’s a lot of drivers getting away. I think the dark in the back, and then light on the side doesn’t go well together. So I’m thinking somewhere around 30% all around, or even 20% in the dark would be the best choice.
Please sound off on your personal knowledge with any of these shops, or manufacturer tints. And what tint fade will look the best for the 05 Mineral Grey?
I have had all my cars tinted at Mr. Tint, they have locations everywhere, I have only used Temecula, they do a great job, it might be worth the drive.........I have not had any problems.
If you don't get limo all around, you should not have a problem with the cops, they just like to see that your seatbelt is on. Stay with the same tint all the way around, looks better.
I had my windows tinted at Audio Excellence in Bonita (Chula Vista). I paid $170 plus tax. Rear window is dark and side windows are med. They are located at 4024 Bonita Rd, Bonita 91902. (619) 472-2955. I have the lift time Warr. also. They did my silver 05, and talk to the owner George. Tell him Ed sent you
umm well i got mine tinted all are dark limo tint .. don't really recommed them but hey lol... i got done at VIP Center .. im sure they have tons of locations in southern cali..
One thing i did find out that your not allowed to have your front window tinted at all .. My friend is a chp and well she told me but i also got one of those plates that let cops know your related to some sort of police officer... So been lucky few times..
[My friend is a chp and well she told me but i also got one of those plates that let cops know your related to some sort of police officer... So been lucky few times..[/quote]
What kind of plate do you have. Can you post a pic of it?
I had my Mustang GT Vert tinted the same day I picked it up from Vegas. My back window and two triangle windows were done in limo ( 6% ) and my front windows were done in medium ( 32% ). I have been using them for the last 20 years. The brand they use is Solar Guard and the have a lifetime warranty. Look at my pic's on my gallery in my user name. The price was $145.00. Ask for Jim.
__________________
LEGENDARY LIMER #0013
" Gator " a pure mean monster
2005 Mustang Gt Convertible Premium (Legend Lime)
Medium Parchment Interior,Black Top,Manual 5 Speed
Shaker 500,IUP,Side Airbags,Active Anti-Theft,Stock 17'' GT Wheels
Ordered 1st Time 12/18/04 Denied Due To IUP
Ordered 1/18/05
Start Build 2/14/05
Delivered 3/11/05
Owner 3/12/05
Mod's
Billet Radio Knob,Billet A/C Knobs,Billet Bullet Door Pins
Chrome Flame Rearview Mirror,Black Mats with FONTECH Embroidered
Axel-Back SLP Loudm
[My friend is a chp and well she told me but i also got one of those plates that let cops know your related to some sort of police officer... So been lucky few times..
What kind of plate do you have. Can you post a pic of it?[/quote]
I'm sure it is an FOP plate, and they don't mean ****..sorry.
I had my windows tinted at Audio Excellence in Bonita (Chula Vista). I paid $170 plus tax. Rear window is dark and side windows are med. They are located at 4024 Bonita Rd, Bonita 91902. (619) 472-2955. I have the lift time Warr. also. They did my silver 05, and talk to the owner George. Tell him Ed sent you
I think I like the Solar Gard True Grey 28%. I was reading up on www.solargard.com and they offer a lifetime warranty, no fading because there is no dye in the film; it is pigmented Grey. Has anyone else used this tint or similar? Are there any disadvantages to using this type film?
I think I chose the right film, it doesn't fade and it has a lifetime warranty, the HP Solar Gard True Grey. I checked their website and it stated their HP has a lifetime warranty against fading. http://www.solargard.com/index.cfm/f...mance.Wty_Auto So I call two stores in San Diego that carry this brand. Progressive Mobile Electronics in El Cajon tells me the HP Solar Gard True Grey will fade and has only a 5yr warranty. Then I call the Progressive off of Rosecrans and the rep tells me that its a lifetime warranty for only the HP Solar Gard True Grey and The HP Solar Gard Quantum. He said the other HP Solar Gard brands will fade.
Talk about getting mixed information from three different sources. At least two of the sources confirm that the HP Solar Gard True Grey will not fade lifetime, so I setup an appointment for Tuesday and will insure I get my lifetime warranty certificate from this store. He said the reason the HP Solar Gard True Grey will not fade because it does not contain any dyes (which lead to fading), it is pigmented.
Anyone else use this film or any other with a lifetime guaranty?
I think I chose the right film, it doesn't fade and it has a lifetime warranty, the HP Solar Gard True Grey. I checked their website and it stated their HP has a lifetime warranty against fading. http://www.solargard.com/index.cfm/f...mance.Wty_Auto So I call two stores in San Diego that carry this brand. Progressive Mobile Electronics in El Cajon tells me the HP Solar Gard True Grey will fade and has only a 5yr warranty. Then I call the Progressive off of Rosecrans and the rep tells me that its a lifetime warranty for only the HP Solar Gard True Grey and The HP Solar Gard Quantum. He said the other HP Solar Gard brands will fade.
Talk about getting mixed information from three different sources. At least two of the sources confirm that the HP Solar Gard True Grey will not fade lifetime, so I setup an appointment for Tuesday and will insure I get my lifetime warranty certificate from this store. He said the reason the HP Solar Gard True Grey will not fade because it does not contain any dyes (which lead to fading), it is pigmented.
Anyone else use this film or any other with a lifetime guaranty?
That's the same tint that I have on my car. I went with the HP Quantum 14 on the back window and HP Quantum 28 on side windows. Its great and looks real good. :thumbsup
The Quantum is a good choice as well with a lifetime warranty. I'm surprised tinters don't try to push these lifetime tints. Then again, I guess it may be a cost issue to guaranty a product lifetime. I got the impression from tinters that they expect people to sell their car in 4-5 years when the dye tints are "supposed" to start fading and so they don't easily point out the advantage of getting lifetime vs. a dye.
Can you imagine choosing a dye over lifetime and then 5 yrs from now having to redo your tint due to fading? I don't know about yall but I'm keeping this Mustang for a long long time.
Got my windows tinted today!!! So stoked, a great addition. It started to drizzle outside when the job was done, so I'll have to post pics tomorrow. (pray for sun in Socal)
What kind of plate do you have. Can you post a pic of it?
I'm sure it is an FOP plate, and they don't mean ****..sorry.[/quote]
actually it does mean somethings ... just lets other law enforcement agencies know your affiliated with some sort of law enforcement.. will it get you out of a ticket i highly doubt it .. i might but then again it might now .. i just got it caues my friend gave me one and im actually in the process of being in the law enforcement ..
a couple of photos of mine... Tint Devil in Mirimar, 35 sides 18 back. (I would have done the 18 all around except the wife hates it at night). They also put a felt strip in the window since stock the window only has a rubber track. Tint all the way to the edge, no lines where the tint ends. I got some new stuff made out of carbon, doesn't fade and no metal in it reducing the reflection looking out of the car by a ton. Wasn't cheap... 450, has all of the standard warranties.
2005 GT Min Gray, picked up on 4 Mar
All of the fixin's less ICAP and wheel option (looking for aftermarket)
MODS: Tint 35 sides / 20 back, 10" black stripes "painted", Pro Kit Springs, Paint the stock bullits black
Future MODS:
Someday MODS: Tires and wheels
Opinion- Tinting Windows in CA, (San Diego) 
