DIY Window Tint

N147JK · 12-17-2020, 09:48 AM

Scrounging around I was lucky enough to find 1 side and 2 rear opening windows at the local wrecking yard. So, I'll remove the existing fixed ones in my 2001 E250 and install these. Only thing is they are not tinted like the other windows in my van are, so I need to tint them before installing.

Can anyone recommend a good quality DYI tint film to use? There are a million choices out there, some of which I'm afraid are cheap, low-quality junk that ought to be avoided.

Any suggestions appreciated!

simplesez · 12-17-2020, 09:56 AM

The precut stuff on eBay is cheap and super easy to install.

Seems to work fine. Faded a little but didn't turn purple like the stuff from the 80s.

Gets you tint for well under $100. Just ordered another set for the Transit.

nyyankees588 · 12-17-2020, 12:10 PM

I used this website's products to tint my entire van. I bought it in bulk sheets and cut to size, but they have a variety of sizes/tints/etc. went on relatively easy (clean clean clean and apply in a clean area) and has held up for the past yr with no fading. If you want it to last, go with a ceramic tint. The cheap stuff will fade and turn purple.

N147JK · 12-17-2020, 12:27 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't know about the ceramic material. Costs more, but maybe a good way to go - I only want to do this once!

simplesez · 12-17-2020, 01:21 PM

It doesn't turn purple anymore. This isn't 90s garbage die tint. Even the cheap stuff is 10x better than years past.

Ceramic is a buzz word to sell appearance products. Sorry but I'm calling it out.

Anyway it all is cheap if you DIY

Here is an example of precut. Saves you a few hours if it is your first time.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/271180449401

primitive · 12-31-2020, 06:31 PM

If you’ve never done it before, use lots of soapy water and a good squeegee. (A couple of drops of dawn in a spray bottle) The soapy water allows you to move the tint to get just right. Then just squeegee the soapy water out and allow to dry. Make sure you start off with really really clean windows
Pep boys is the place I have always got my tint. Cheap and close by for me

boywonder · 12-31-2020, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplesez

It doesn't turn purple anymore. This isn't 90s garbage die tint. Even the cheap stuff is 10x better than years past.

Ceramic is a buzz word to sell appearance products. Sorry but I'm calling it out.

Anyway it all is cheap if you DIY

Here is an example of precut. Saves you a few hours if it is your first time.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/271180449401

I did the ebay precut stuff and it's been working great for 5+ years....but I'm always worried about it turning purple if I clean with ammonia based products......good to know I can relax.

neatvan · 01-01-2021, 12:21 AM

Pre-cut window tint?! That's a thing?! What a game changer! I had no idea and I've always got the roll and cut them manually (poorly)!

Thanks for the tip!

86Scotty · 01-01-2021, 08:26 AM

If tint is common (and legal) where you live I'd just have a tint shop do it. Why? Warranty. I have all my vehicles tinted. They are fast and use superior, commercial grade products and they are reasonable too. Also, any problem I've ever had they don't ask questions, they just re-tint it for me and get me out of there.

If your windows are not installed then it's even easier, just drop them off with them for a day or two.

**BroncoHauler** · 01-01-2021, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

If tint is common (and legal) where you live I'd just have a tint shop do it...

Absolutely agree. Even more so if old tint has to be removed first. That's a job I can't stand to do.

Herb