50% Tint?

Almost all the pics in the other tint threads were of tint 35% and darker, that is why I created this one. I was planning on adding 35% film to the front windows of my 2014 double cab but but I know that this will give me a total tint that is darker than 35% (legal limit in CT) due to the faint tint of the stock glass. I know that I will get pulled over eventually and do not want to go through the hassle of having to get the tints inspected and then removed when they are found to be too dark. I am now thinking of getting 50% film to stay legal but I am afraid it will be too light. If you have 50% tint on your front windows can you post some pics for me? Also if you know what a 50% tint combined with the stock tint reads on a meter please let me know so I have an idea how dark it will be and how close I will be to the legal limit. I want to get as close to 35% as possible without going too dark. Thanks!

 

I don't have any pictures to help you with but I'm sure the tint shops deal with this issue - Have you tried telling them you want the end product to be 35% tint? I would assume they know how to adjust and apply the correct tint. Or couldn't they remove yours to 100% and apply the 35% that you want?

 

Thanks for the reply Devin, the stock tint is part of the glass itself, it is not a film so I unfortunately I cant remove it and start with clear glass. I did tell the shop what I wanted but the tints only come in certain percentages (35, 50, etc.) Something in between 40-45% would probably be perfect but I dont think that the tint manufacturer makes any films in this range. The guy said I should go with 50% if I want to keep it legal. I know that you dont have any pics but do you have 50% on yours? if so how do you like it?

 

The front windows aren't smoked like the rears, no?
I would think a tint shop has the ability to measure light transmission through whatever window you want to tint and see what it currently is at. Then they can recommend a percentage of tint film that would achieve your goal.

 

x2.

When I had mine done only the rears were privacy glass at 35%.

 

Rear glass is smoked and not tinted, I think it will read a different amount of transmitted light than an tinted window with similar shade. Could be wrong.

If I were you OP, I'd play it safe with 50% and be happy if that's what you think is legal, you are sure 35% tint would be too dark. There is always the potential for hassle down the road if you are pushing up against the legal limit with regards to window tint.

50% and feel safe.
35% seems more of what you want, and what I would get if I was in your shoes. Chances are it won't be an issue unless you are an aggressive driver and are a good target for cops to begin with.

 

Hey James, youre right, the fronts are not smoked like the rears but they definitely have a slight tint to them (some people say 75-80%). I will see if the shop can measure them (im sure they can) but I didnt ask last time because I just stopped by quick after work. The guy at the shop recommended 50% because I dont think 3M makes a premium tint between 35 and 50.

 

Oh okay I didn't realize it was not a film. I still think the tinting business should know how to adjust for that as it is most peoples' situation. Anyway, I hope you get the answer from someone. Though I am sure there's a simple calculation? I don't know what's on mine, it is what came from the factory. I don't like it because you can see everything inside my truck so I too will be tinting at some point.

Do you know the OEM tint %? If you do I can help more. I think the way to get the correct tint is by multiplying the percentages.

So (OEM tint%/35%) should be what you would have to apply to reach the legal limit of 35% IF my assumption is correct.

 

Try and get a light meter on them. You should ask also if smoked glass blocks the same amount of light and equivalent tint film does.

 

If that's true, (0.75)(0.50) is 32.5% tint (I would be surprised if you got pulled over for being 2.5% too dark) and (0.8)(.50) is 40% tint. So if OEM is actually 75 or 80 I think slapping 50% on there would get you to 35%.

 

I just had mine done on Monday. Went with Llumar FormulaOne Pinnacle 50% ceramic tint. I went this route to keep it VA legal.

 

I'd be kinda surprised if the front windows are in that range. I'd love to see an actual measurement.

 

Yea multiplying the percentages is the way to figure it out; Assuming the factory tint is 80%, the 35% film would give a tint of 28% which is too dark (0.8*0.35=0.28).

 

Epic.

 

That looks awfully close to what mine are and they are still quite transparent. Were they 100% before??

 

If the fronts were 80% then I'd have an equivalent of 16% on my front windows which is definitely not the case.

 

Once you've got that that's all I can help you with but I will be watching to see where this goes.

 

Thanks man, the tint is barely visible in the direct sunlight but I like the subtle look in the shade, how do you like it so far? any issues at night or with using your sideview mirrors?

 

Are you saying you applied 20% to your fronts?

 

Yes.