'98 4runner

Ok this is my first post, but I have done a few searches on here and cannot find the answers I need.

I have a '98 4runner. These cars have factory tint on the rear passenger windows and the rear window. I want to have the fronts tinted so that they match or closely match the factory tint. What is the usual % for factory tint? Somewhere I read that it might be around 20% so I was thinking that I would do 20% up front.

I know 20% is !llegal and that's not great, but I also read somewhere that having anything less that 20% is kinda pointless. How dark is 20%? Is it hard to drive at night or in the rain?

How much should a shop charge to tint two front windows?

Thanks.

Are you in North Carolina? If so there is a 35% limit for the fronts. I wouldn't go any darker than that for the reasons you mentioned.

Prices vary from shop to shop, so call around for some quotes.

Factory glass on MOST are around 20%. That being said, you should keep it legal. 35% tint will go nicely with a factory glass as well. No tint is "worthless" as it all will block the UV and some heat. Some films will block more heat than others......

I'm in SC and I believe the law here is 28% for fronts. Another reason I wanted to do 20% over 35% or so is because I have some audio equipment in my car. It would be nice to have a little more security.

Beeline is that 20% up front? The rears don't look factory to me. Is this correct?

I called a few days ago and got quotes anywhere from $50 to $65 and even one $100 for two fronts. Does this sound about right?

Any answers to the other questions?

I'll always suggest to keep it legal, and I'd usually tend to go with the higher priced shop.

20% on front and factory on the back.

$70 - $100 is average price.

I read that about 10 minutes ago and I also read this: http://www.tintdude.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=40823.

Anybody have answers to my questions?

Is it hard to see out of 20% at night? In the rain?

Is there a way to make the fronts exactly 28%

Are some films darker than others?

Would it look weird if I had 20% up front and stock rears? How about 35% fronts and stock rears?

Any body have good pictures of 20% compared to say 35%?

Yes I have a lot of questions, but in my opinion this is a big decision.

I tried to PM you Beeline, but apparently I can't do that. I also tried to edit my last post and can't do that either.

Beeline: How do you like the 20%? Does it match with the stock rears? Any problems at night or in the rain?

If you are standing about three feet away how visible is the interior?

not a runner but it is 35% on the front and factory on the back.

call me, if you want. easier to explain 1-800-438-8468

Ok man. I'll probably give you a call later. It looks like that 35% offers almost no advantage over my stock glass. I think I really need to just go to my local shop and look at some of the cars there and decide what I want to do.

its going to reject heat and block uv better than the stock glass. darker films don't necessarily do any better in that regard. keep it legal man!

Yes you are correct in that aspect. I don't want to pay $50-$70 just to get some heat reduction though. I want them to be darker so I can have some more security. I have a good bit invested into my stereo.

I've noticed that cars that have all windows tinted look at lot darker inside if you view them headon. So is it true that the inside gets a lot darker by just tinting the front two?

I just read up on the laws again for my state and it says 27% all the way around. So if my stock are around 20% then they are already !llegal.

Right now I'm leaning towards going for matching stock or darker. If it is possible to match stock I would probably get that over 20%.

Did you read my post? Answered at least 2 of your questions......

20% can be a bit hard to see out of at night....rain will make it worse....would you drive around looking out of dark sunglasses? That is about the same. Every film company has different lines of film that vary in darkness and color. To get "exactly 28%" is going to take about a 40% film. Factory front windows are already around 70%!

Now, your questions....answered

Cool. I DID read your first post, but it only covered a couple of the questions. Thanks for answering the rest.

Do most shops have the devices that measure light? If they didn't how would I know that I was getting what I paid for?

Any ideas?

If you go to a reputable shop, you know you get what you pay for..I'm sure theres also some fine print for mpv's, or something that explains factory glass and its legalities in your state....Double check, and if you're that worried about your radio, or your subwoofers ( which are probably !llegal, because most citys have an ordinance law ) there are alarms on the market that can alert your cell phone, or come with a pager that will let you know if someone is tampering with your vehicle....

Is everyone on this forum against anything !llegal? Just because I have subwoofers does not mean I play them loud or use them in a bad way.

I've been looking at a better alarm, but tint is a LOT cheaper than getting a new alarm.

I just wanted to know about the light meter because let's say I wanted to get exactly 27%, but they made it 30% that would not be fair.

How do you recommend I find a good shop? Any shop could seem good right? Is there any advantage in going to a car tinting shop compared to a shop that tints cars and houses and such?

Thanks.

35% is better than nothing.

It will give you more privacy and better looks than clear glass.

Plus if you've invested that much into your "system" than a few bucks more for a quality tint job shouldn't be anything. Unless of course, you can't afford it.

Good points.

Anybody have ideas about window strips? Are they worth it? Do they make a difference? If I put a 5% window strip would it look weird? How much do they cost?

I was also wondering what the AS1 line is. I've searched for it and can not find any information about it. I've also looked at my car, but can not seem to find any telling signs.

http://www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2003-07-25-03-18924

dig down into that and you will find information on the AS1 line...... not all cars will have a marking of AS1. I have heard that the AS1 was measured from the bottom of the seat, fully back, straight up so many inches, then straight out to the windshield. This document makes it be a bit different measuring.

Ok. Thanks. Do you feel as if a window strip is worth it?

Once you have one, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

I've done them on Ions, which end up being about 1.5" big, and the owners love it. It really helps with glare.

Try DarkMatter Ceramic Hybrid Film 30*** its a 29%, Awesome Clarity.

get Llumar ATR 30. It will meter 28, maybe 27. If you want you can go with ATR 20. It will be illegal but it isn't any harder to see out of than the 30. I would stick with the 30 though. Not worth the extra few percent. As far as front strips. Some people love them some hate them. Completely personal preference