Window tint: 3M CS good enough?

[Viper GTS]

Thinking about getting my Mustang tinted, for both cosmetic and functional reasons. Not looking to go insanely dark, it will definitely be legal (and probably well above legal).

I've called a few local places & the place I've been most impressed with is pushing 3M CS films as their upper end. They also claim to do Huper Optik but when I asked about it they seemed to really push the 3M stuff, quoting prices on the HO that seem outrageous ($800-1000 vs $229 for the 3M). They also said the HO isn't intended for cars, although HO DOES have auto lines.

So bottom line is 3M CS seems to be the best stuff that's readily available locally. Formula One Pinnacle isn't available anywhere close but I would be willing to make a day trip out of it if it's enough better to justify it.

Since I'm in this for quality, what should I be looking at? I'm more than willing to pay for the best available, but of course everyone wants me to think what they're selling is the best.

And yes I know there are entire forums dedicated to modding/tint but I want a more mature opinion.

Viper GTS

 

[mwmorph]

I had 3M done, 7 years, no bubbling, no discoloration, kept temps down. I mean this is tint, that's like shopping around and researching gaskets or rubber gromets, theres really very little that differentiates black $1000 tint from $200 tint.

 

[exdeath]

The metalized non dyed two ply stuff is the good stuff. Other than that it has to do with adhesive quality, which I seriously doubt is an issue with any 3M products.

The back window will be the one you want to pay attention to as far as installation quality. To get it on in one piece requires shaping it against the curve on the outside with a heat gun first.

 

[Viper GTS]

I have a tendency to research everything, if I needed gaskets or grommets I'd be researching those too. Today it's tint.

exdeath

My understanding is:

Ceramic > Metallic > Dye

Ceramic has the benefits of metal without the electronics interference, but it's much harder to find. The good dyes (3M CS) approach the quality of metal without the electronics interference.

So for 3M products I'd be looking at Black Chrome (metal) or Color Stable (dye). The other options would be Huper Optik (ceramic, expensive), and Formula One Pinnacle (ceramic, hard to find).

I don't plan on keeping the car past the end of next year, but I would like to be able to tell the next buyer that it has good tint & not some POS home job.

Viper GTS

 

[Kelvrick]

I have huper on my car and really like it. I ended up paying 350 or so for my wagon (7 windows).

The thing is, I hear they have areas where they only sell to one installer, so prices kinda suck.

Another thing I did when I was shopping around was calling local lux car dealers and asking where they get their tint done.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
I have huper on my car and really like it. I ended up paying 350 or so for my wagon (7 windows).

The thing is, I hear they have areas where they only sell to one installer, so prices kinda suck.

Another thing I did when I was shopping around was calling local lux car dealers and asking where they get their tint done.

See $350-500 is what I was expecting to pay for HO. Even though this installer lists HO on their web site (and brags about being the only HO dealer in the area) they seemed shocked that I actually wanted it, tried to talk me out of it, and would only give me vague price estimates. $800+ for a coupe is truly insane.

Viper GTS

 

[jdoggg12]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
I had 3M done, 7 years, no bubbling, no discoloration, kept temps down. I mean this is tint, that's like shopping around and researching gaskets or rubber gromets, theres really very little that differentiates black $1000 tint from $200 tint.

Not entirely true... there are a number of factors including how much fading or color changing it will do over time, as well as how resistant it is to scratching