Sunbreakers

You can do some research on Suntek here on the site and get mixed opinions. From what I understand the Carbon series is about 4 years before a guaranteed failure. There are many other horror stories. I would look at Solar Fx as others have mentioned.. You can message @whitehog and he can take care of you for that. Another option is one of the sponsors, Express Window Films, which you can access by clicking on banner at the top of the page or in the window film section. Solar Fx is a great film from what I have seen and Express has a great variety and price point. Hope this helps. 

I stripped an explorer yesterday that had the same gaps...Been a while since I have tinted one, but it seems you can just trim the edge of the gasket on the inside and tuck behind? I did a bunch of police explorers about a year ago and don't recall an issue. 

I think that is just beyond allowable. I would sue everyone. That sort of negligence is inept and inexcusable. I did notice that customer service is severely lacking. I had a rubber bumper break that is a carriage stop. Called for two days only to have them tell me they don't have replacements. Called Graphtec...same part on theirs and they don't stock it either. Told me to get online and try to find something "close" and it should work..WTF. Sorry you had that happen. If it was packed inadequately it is on Signwarehouse. It is also on Fedex for accepting it. I would keep calling until someone listens. That is terrible...so sorry you had that experience. 

Ppf blackout is for ppf so unless you do ppf I would not consider it. I have all of these and like Ryker said it really depends on what you want to use them for. The pink clean is ok for cleaning but I prefer the old fashioned black rubber squeegees for that. The Orange Crush and Blue Max have been my favorites for some time but now the Redline is my favorite. The Clear Crush is good for curved applications. The Yellow flat out is great in the extended reach fusion handles for flat glass. The one I was LEAST impressed with was the hybrid squeegee. Save your money. 

So the damage was done during return ship? Surely it was insured. I would think someone would have to cover the damage for you. 

@smartie2shoes I was really shocked when I was in Martinsville last year and saw the widespread decay and poverty. If I understand correctly Martinsville used to be dedicated to textiles. When I first started buying Llumar back in the 90's it was Martin Energy Products who I bought from and they simply changed to window film after textiles went to China to stay profitable. Sort of surreal when you stand in front of the factory with a sewer treatment plant right next to it. All the stores empty and shopping centers with only 2-3 stores really speaks volumes about the area. 

13 hours ago, Bham said:

   Morning ever E body    

It's definitely a racket @Roach  That's one part of the "system" that is hard to fight and win, and no matter what, like you said, it WILL cost you something.  :emptypockets 

 

Had a short visit with Sunbreakers yesterday afternoon.  Not nearly long enough, as we could sit and talk for hours about film and the stupid stuff we did 25 years ago.  

@Bhamit sure was great to get a chance to come by for a visit. I enjoyed getting to see the shop and chat about the old times and the new. Of course we could talk for hours about film....like kids in a candy store. We need to do it again soon!!! Enjoyed it brother!!

Glad to hear it worked as it should. 

4 hours ago, Bubbles said:

Whats blistered AF

I think that means “blistered as the f- word.” 

12 hours ago, poppawilly67 said:

just purchased a redline and used it yesterday on a 2014 silverado.  when i rolled the truck out of the shop, all windows where blistered AF on the inside. 

@poppawilly67So I assume that when you mean “blistered” you mean that you got so much water out of the film that it was drying quickly leaving the film covered in what looks like tiny uniformed water bubbles across the entire surface of the film? 

@jh812 that is the one at sign warehouse. @alberts316That is very disappointing. When I bought my Q64 I think I gave in the $3,900-$4k range and it was priced retail about what it is now online. Also, another issue I have is if I am not mistaken Graphtec is a Japanese company and not Chinese so tariffs should be of no influence whatsoever. That is a shame they will not work with you. If you can get name brand for the same price then I would not even consider it...go for the Graphtec at US Cutter..their customer service sucks but should be fine. Sorry I couldn't help you out. I guess when I buy my next plotter this next year I will have to look elsewhere. 

If you don´t agree with or get along with a film company then there are plenty of others and one day you will be mad at them too. I think it may be more of an emotional post instead of a rational one. @blackoutauto nailed it when he mentioned Llumar being no part of Suntek..I once inquired out of curiosity about Suntek and my Llumar rep only could refer me to another separate rep. Eastman may make several brands, but they are their own separate entities and only related by parent company. Moving on. 

Yeah just looked. Call them and they will come out a lot cheaper. Ask for Katie Zink and tell her I referred you. 

If you call them it is cheaper than that. 

Graphtecs or vinyl express Q’s ??

I tried one and now use them in all of my handles...Put the orange crush, blue max and clear max in the tool box. New they feel like spreading icing on a cake..velvet smooth and move the most water I have ever experienced with an auto squeegee. Just my humble opinion. 

Well this is like Ford vs. Chevy. I run the generic version graphtecs...3 of them (Vinyl Express Q42's and one Q64),  and having the same brand helps as I can use the same blade holders. I have been told that the blade holder for Roland is not as good, but never knew why exactly. The guys at the Llumar PPF school mentioned that Rolands don't hold up as well as Graphtecs, but again I don't have anything factual to substantiate that claim just anecdotal..I say either one is fine it is all what you get used to using. WHATEVER you do just stay away from the tempting chinese stepper motor plotters for less than $2k. They are all junk and a PITA to get to work if at all. 

Again, if I am not mistaken this is a two or three step process.  there is a wood trim strip along top of the door. I believe it pops off from front to back. there are screws there you must remove and then pull handle assembly out of door first. You might want to look up this process on You tube just to make sure I am correct. 

If I am not mistaken the inner belt line moldings on that year model are from the factory simply smooth surfaced without any felt on them. They will feel a little rough or "sand paper" like if you run your finger over them. The way I usually deal with those is to apply a felt window guide tape..easy to do and sticks really well without any prep. You can order it from 44tools. If I remember correctly it is around 1" wide..I cut each strip in half and apply to each inner molding. I charge $25-$30 for each door. I also seem to recall that if you do NOT do this then it will leave scratches/tracks in the film pretty much guaranteed. Check it out here. https://44tools.com/felt-window-guide-tape-black-flock-50ft/

Hope this helps you out!

Once upon a time I could not find my white or gold hard card to shrink with and so I decided to use the below and I have never used anything else since...Heat never deforms it and it is nice and hard. 

55 minutes ago, TNTLady said:

I started using Wincos 10 years ago and now I use a lot of CTX since switching to LLumar as my main Company. Madico kept me hanging with issues, film failures, and their scratch coat began to scratch easily so I made a switch. I had used Madico for almost 30 years and make me feel that a women in tint business isnt worth their time. 

Well @TNTLady, I can tell you that if that is their perception then it is absolutely their loss..It is true that I have very rarely come across a female window film installer, but those that I have had the pleasure of working with have always and I mean always taught me an incredibly important technique I have incorporated into who I am as a window film installer today. 

14 hours ago, Stewy said:

I ordered from SFX first but then I couldn't get Global from them so I had to use express. I dropped Global because I went to LA to check out the Express warehouse but they wouldnt let me see their place. I mean I get it. But, DUBir gave me a tour of their esblishment why cant Express do the same? Great film just not good enough customer service. 

I was going to say Express has all sorts of marketing materials now...sample books, posters, banners, etc...but not letting you tour at least a part of the facility....I can understand maybe you cannot see all of it, but nothing at all is a bit disturbing I think...

Llumar has security and checkpoints and you have to wear a badge and check your phone in at the gate and at times feel like you might be going through a version of Homeland airport security, but they let you roam around once inside. 

you talking brands or shades?

Contact @whitehog  he can do solar fx and global depending on where you are or can send you to appropriate folks if not. 

Make sure and peel liner off a piece. Sometimes liner logo is hard to discern on darker films without doing so.