pbalentine

I like that!! Customer: The dealer wants X amount for tint. Me: Dealerships can barely wash cars correctly. 

I’ll get more jobs with that line on the back burner! 

I install both the CXP 70 and the CIR 70. Thats seems a little dark for the CIR 70, which is actually 71% on average. The CXP is measured at 64% on average. The CXP can look dark sometimes. 

1 hour ago, Dano said:

^^^and be 2-3 times more expensive if something goes south.

Yep, thats right!! 

If the customer just says, Mercedes or BMW its either really old or a brand new, high-end model. I add a small mark up for all Euro & Tesla. Then I double that or triple the fee for high-end model or old classic model. Also, the biggest factor I use for pricing is not film cost or difficulty, its the stress of doing it. Also, panel removal on these can take 2-3x longer. 

The rollups look like an Audi or similar. That style rollups has to be bottom loaded. The time is takes to remove creases is more than the time to remove and replace the door panel. Plus, no straining and wasted energy taking out creases. 

Ive seen a few like this redoing the fronts. Most likely a dealer install. 

Come on guys…we’re better than this. You take one screw out & pull out the sweep. Then you don’t need to have a big gap, because thar mirror side is so short. These Mazda CX5 rollups, along with Lexus’ are peer misery to tuck. 

XPEL is how SunTek used to be. Everybody carries them, including mostly new shops. If I ever went back to Global I would sell Global. I dont need to catchy reboxed name to sell film. People that seek top brands will pass on Xpel, but thats my customers.  

Best to pass on these. Don’t use blades or scrub pads. The coating is best removed dry with a bunch of fresh blades. 

Havn’t doe one, but Ive noticed pulling sweeps cant be done as much anymore. A lot panels now really hook around the sweep making it necessary to remove entire door panel. 

Just charge more for them. I’ll add anywhere from $50-$100 for most Sedans. They are usually more work than any vehicle. A Sedan vs hatch has a long list extra BS to do: Headrest removal, deck/headliner prep, 3rd brake light removal, tight work space(coupes are worse), hard 1/4 windows, harder rear rollups, and huge curvy window to shrink & install. 

Im tryin to just use the orange this last week. Its been 100-105* while installing in sight humidity. Its either slides too much or sticks too quick. Even with measuring it I can never get it to slip how I like it. Probably go back to using my secret blend of 70% generic Baby & 30% Orange Slime. 

Just compare it to people looking for generic self phones vs top brands. People seeking top brands will pass on Rayno. 

With VW/Audi its all in the door panel removal. Tear those off and you’re good to go!

1 hour ago, Dano said:

@pbalentine how do you like the slime compared to dish detergent/JnJ? Is there an install advantage? 
 

The slime doesnt cause build up and it really helps bottom loading in temps 95*-115*. I combine it with generic baby shampoo. 

That green tint slime is a bit weak. I would get the more concentrated orange slime. 

I had young guy drop his teenagers Model 3 off in a corvette. He didnt like the Tesla and believed in the alternative fuel that Porsche is working. He also mentioned the battery foot print, along with the possibility of N. Korea taking out the power grid. 

Their quality did improve but they still have intentional low standards set for quality. That was Musk Idea, put nothing into, but inflate the price. Tesla will be nothing but a memory in next few years. Porsche, Merc, BMW one uped Tesla big time. Thats why Tesla dropped the price..to liquidate theit shitty cars. Last few I did were all beat up. One was for a teenager. Again, its a car for show off wannabes. 

My friend had the same year S10. I would keep the AMG maybe since its rare. There really are a lot of variables for reliability. First its where it was assembled, then how its driven & maintained. I wonder if someone out there has a reliable Pontiac Aztec, like the guy in Breaking Bad?? I knew a guy years ago that had one sitting in his drive way broken down, all beat up missing a headlight. Yeah, he was was wacked out on drugs. 

Thats true, every car maker has its issues, but that Fix or repair is complete BS, unless you’ve witnessed it first hand. I personally seen tons of trouble with other peoples Chevys. What ive seen with Tesla I would never buy one. My Fords rungreat. Got an 88 Mustang with 400k plus on original motor with no compression loss. Also got a 2008 Fusion 160k runs perfect. Also, just got a 22 Explorer last year. 

Its just the ones that ask if you know how to drive it? Yes, your vehicle has been around for over 5 years. 

You got it, man!

Yeah, that would never be covered as anything else with Tesla. They are #1 for the worst quality control. The customers suck too, bunch posers. I charge a bunch for dealing with these. 

I have used Global HP & QDP.  Both excellent films. They shrink just as good. Probably can handle more heat without burning. 

Depending on angle of the sun and vehicle glass type, you may see a slight blue hue, but not too noticeable. I have the 15% on my vehicle and I hardly notice it.