So i was wondering if any average owner out there has bought the Double Black Film Kit (basically window tint) from blackdragonautomotive.com. I have never done anything like this before, and was thinking about buying it. I guess my question is this; if someone out there has purchased this item, could you please tell me how easy/hard it was to install, and if you could tell me what you needed for the job, as well as if you thought it was worth it or not. Thank you.

 

I've used tint film before and its not fun. You are probably better off getting a high quality tint installed locally with a warranty against bubbles and whatnot.

 

Ok. I just called em anyway. I then realized it is 5% light transparency. OR only allows 35%. So, i would have been in trouble had i done it. Thanks for replying

 

Is there any way to get your windows tinted without using a film? Isn't there a way they can stain the glass so its more permanent?

 

Nope. Factory tints are part of the manufacturing process. Film is the only post production option. I tried tinting my 1/4 glass. Due to the compoind curve, it was a dismall failure. Thought maybe it was because they were so small, hatch had same result. Tinting is a learned skill that takes practice, and failure, to learn the technique. I did manage to do a decent job on the door glass, with help, but the rear glass was done at a shop, eventually.

 

Back in 1981 when I had a window van, I did the windows with a spray on tint with decent results. After doing a quick online search I found that it at least does still exist. Do a google for "VHT Spray-On Tint SP-171" That should get you going in the right direction.

 

I did fine with the door glass (took them out) and the quarters, but the rear hatch is very difficult.

The film maker (3m) recommended doing it in strips, by cutting the whole film against the outside of the glass, then dividing it into strips. I did this, also removing the hatch and hardware so I could work on it on a table, inside up.

The final result actually looked pretty good, though it took a lot of fiddling and cussing. But I missed one important thing, as it wasn't mentioned in the instructions:

Make sure you trim the film from around the gas lift attaching bolts, so that there is no film under them at all. You want to clearance the rubber wahsers on the inside, basically.

Otherwise, when you torque the hatch lift bolts or if they shift later in use, they twist the film and make for horrid wrinkles.

As Trochoid said, it's an acquired skill. Worse than doing wallpaper.

 

the quote of the day those vans were bad *** in their time. there really were some cool "******* wagons" out there!!

 

(in deep, creepy voice) Come here little girl...



CHILD MOLESTER VAN!

 

I did the rear glass in my 2005 Silverado with the window tint from Wal-Mart. I made a template out of paper from the outside of the glass. Make sure your work area is very clean. Once the backing is pulled off of the tint, everything seems to be attracted to it. Make sure to use plenty of soapy water and a good squeegee to get the air bubbles out. It turned out ok. If you can get the glass out of the door, that would be the way to go.

 

Cue the band Ides of March, playing "Vehicle"...

 

You guys are killing me! Actually one of my friends had another van that was all painted up orange and had the **** rug and everything in it.
Mine was basic metal and rust!!

 

Thanks for all the tips guys. Honestly think I may just pay a guy to do it. He's a pro, and...alas I am not. Thanks again!