Tinted windows question

[philby]

I'm about to buy a AWD TS, the dealer has one in the colour we want 04 model - well seeing at the TS only came out in November figure little has changed since then.

Anyway question is, I wanted some extra's like Fog lamps, Tinted windows, 3rd row seats etc. The dealer's car can be fitted for all, but she say's that the window tints are based on film. So she intended to sent the car in stock to get them tinted - Firstly is this true???, We test drove a car with tinted windows and I checked the windows, did not appear to be film but I'm no expert.

I've checked the internet but there is no clarification on this - does anyone here know - Thanks

by the way - I think ford are onto a winner with the Territory, for a guy like me with 2 kids, friends who come over all the time and camping trips this car rocks!!! :dance:

[grahill]

When you buy any new car, they are factory tinted to a very small degree (glass coloured when moulded hot). When you ask for tinting from the dealer or another tint-a-company, they will add a thin film to the inside of your windows depending on the tint gradient that you ask for. There are usually three quality grades (so I understand) and price will vary accordingly. The most expensive has a lifetime warranty against bubbling and peeling, the others not so. My dealer automatically chose the one with the maximum warranty. Warranty doesn't cover you scratching it though. It is easily scratched (i.e. dog clawes) and should be cleaned with the recommended cleaner (usually warm soapy water, no harsh glass cleaners). Some window cleaners are now tint safe though.

When you ask for the maximum tint, this will be dark, but not black, as it is against the law to have it too dark. You are suppose to be able to see through both side windows (Through the vehicle). Apparently this is to enable a vehicle beside you to see through the vehicle for oncoming traffic. When I say by law, this only means the front side windows. Any other side and rear window can be totally black if you want. The windscreen isn't allowed to be touched in any way.

I have included a picture of my vehicles, both with with maximum tinting and the Territory with fog lamps if this helps.

[davway]

i would suggest to get the rear windscreen done the darkest as well. really cuts down the brightness of those high beams behind you that someone forgot to turn off.

[johnydep]

The glass has a vey slight tint, but if you want something darker a film tint is required.

I was a bit dubious about getting the film tint, becuase the trim needs to come off to install it properly, but now that it is on I can't do with out it.

My previuos car had no tint, and I can feel the difference the tint makes after being parked in the sun for hours, or even just driving, no more burning sensation on my arm.

I mainly got it for the kids, as they were always complaining about the sun. but I did not want sun shades, as they would cause other problems.

My tint is the Sun Smart, comes with a life time warranty. It refelects the sun using a metalic substance, whereas some of the other tints are just dark tints in a plastic film.
don't get a cheap tint, you'll regret it in 5 years. I have seen them on freinds cars, they change to a purply blue coulour and become quite noticeable that there is a film on the glass.
Eventually all tints become effected by age & kids.

I would rather Ford offer an option of a tint in the glass.

[grahill]

As jonnydep has mentioned, that the sun rays are reduced is true. The tinting almost eliminates all UV radiation. I was also told that tinting can improve aircon efficiency by up to 12% also.

[philby]

Thanks Guys - So it is a film - I wasn't sure if the darker tints were film or not as she said that it is normally factory fitted but that they used another tinter who uses the lifetime no bubble version.

Just checking up on the dealer, hate to pay $50K and find out I was dupped.

Me - I aggree Ford should offer a dark tint within the glass for better clarity - may cost a tat more but will have better durability.

Grahall - Like the car, mine is the same colour but not the Ghia (one tone) - went for extra fog lamps as the inserts look crap. The fog lamps really make the front look good.

Am also thinking about getting the roof top pod, not sure how much it increases the wind noise but what the hell when you need the space for camping (3 room tent weights 80kg) you need space for all the extra bits!!!!!

Thanks again - will be picking it up next week so I'm looking foward to trying it out!!!

[grahill]

Philby, mine is a TS with colour fitted bumpers, fog lamps and tinting (most dealer optioned at no extra cost). I've since fitted a bonnet protector (see avatar to the left), dust deflector (a must on dirt roads, see previous threads in this forum, back one step) and a cargo barrier.

[johnydep]

Thanks Guys - So it is a film - I wasn't sure if the darker tints were film or not as she said that it is normally factory fitted but that they used another tinter who uses the lifetime no bubble version.

Just checking up on the dealer, hate to pay $50K and find out I was dupped...........


There is no factory fitted tint. Not even a factory option.

Tint is a dealer option only.

[Mechan1k]

When you buy any new car, they are factory tinted to a very small degree (glass coloured when moulded hot). When you ask for tinting from the dealer or another tint-a-company, they will add a thin film to the inside of your windows depending on the tint gradient that you ask for. There are usually three quality grades (so I understand) and price will vary accordingly. The most expensive has a lifetime warranty against bubbling and peeling, the others not so. My dealer automatically chose the one with the maximum warranty. Warranty doesn't cover you scratching it though. It is easily scratched (i.e. dog clawes) and should be cleaned with the recommended cleaner (usually warm soapy water, no harsh glass cleaners). Some window cleaners are now tint safe though.

When you ask for the maximum tint, this will be dark, but not black, as it is against the law to have it too dark. You are suppose to be able to see through both side windows (Through the vehicle). Apparently this is to enable a vehicle beside you to see through the vehicle for oncoming traffic. When I say by law, this only means the front side windows. Any other side and rear window can be totally black if you want. The windscreen isn't allowed to be touched in any way.

I have included a picture of my vehicles, both with with maximum tinting and the Territory with fog lamps if this helps.

I have a TX AWD with foglights as an option with the dark tint/metal film ... life time warranty as well ... looks awesome ... and does a good job on a hot day ... i definitely recommend it ... I have crappy pics ... but it kinda shows it.