Window Tint Question - 2013 Elantra GLS Sedan Options

[SunState]

I want to get the windows on my 2013 Elantra GLS Professionally Tinted and I have a couple of questions.

1. To place the tint material on the back window does the installer have pop off the back shelf to get to the lower part of the window and if so has this led to any future problems with regard to the back shelf being loose or rattling?

2. Does the installer have to mess with the door panels to get to the bottom of the side windows.

Recommendations Welcome

Thanks

[Nymeria]

I can't say for sure, since I never directly spoke to the installer, but nothing like that came up in any of my conversations with the tinting place I went to. If I roll the window all the way up and pull down on the vinyl strip at the bottom, I can see where the tint ends, so I don't think they had to crack anything open. I haven't noticed any problems or rattling issues. It is the BEST, you won't regret it (and I say this even though I only have 50% all around).

[mlumz]

They should not have to remove anything. They usually have tools to place the tint just below the line of sight on the side windows and the rear windows. Many states require the 3rd brake light to be untinted.

[hyundave]

My professional installed DID take off the door panels. It's nice because I cannot see the tint line whatsoever. As for rattles, nope no problem. But then again, these doors are built to be removed several times before they start weakening up

[LeMeez]

Use a reputable installer, he should remove the panels to do the job properly without causing any future issues.

[benman]

My installer left the third brake light untinted. I should have asked that he not do this since my third brake light is now on the spoiler, but oh well.

Another advantage to tinting is that I was noticing a lot of glare on the shiny black plastic of the rear shelf before. Now it's pretty nice.

[SunState]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Among the replies there are examples of tint film application on the side windows in two ways: Removing the door panel to gain access to the lower part of the window or cutting the film as far below the rubber seal as possible without removing the door panel which I would imagine involves just peeling back the window seal as far as possible with a thin tool or something.

For longevity of the tint film adhesion to the glass I am sure it's better to have the film/glass seam at the bottom of the glass as far below the rubber window seal as possible to prevent the film from peeling off from the bottom when the window is lowered. With that said, at least partially removing the door panel is necessary to apply the film in that manner.

At this point I think a critical factor is having the tinting done by a Reputable Professional. I would not want just anyone popping off the door panels on a new car if that's the installation method they use. In my immediate vicinity with a relatively small population there are not a lot options for this service. If I drive 35+ miles to a larger population area I am sure I will find a lot more choices so this might take some time to check out.

[benman]

I believe many professional installers use laser cut tint, so the piece won't be bigger for trim off installation.

I hemmed and hawed about tint and finally did it. I understand the concern, but I really do think you're over thinking it. Find a reputable shop with a history and guaranty and do it.

I don't know if my installer remove door panels or not, but I don't see anything lines when the windows are up either. Has anyone actually ever had this problem?

[SunState]

Benman,

Thanks for your comments. You are right, I am probably over-thinking this a bit but the thought of some yahoo pulling apart my door panels makes me cringe but I also know that in the hands of an experienced person, popping off door panels is no big deal if that's what needs to be done. I will start checking into this on Saturday if any of the places locally are open.

Thanks Again

[Vinnie]

I've done a few tint jobs. In some cases, installers remove panels.

I just did the same on my truck a few weeks ago. Only because I needed to bake the tint in the sun quickly so it would dry and be ready for the next day.

BUT you do not need to remove the panels. When the soap or tint fluid is applied, they slap the tint onto the window and because its so thin, it slides right in between the glass and stripping and can be positioned.

The guys here are correct, tint places have the diagram in their computer. The printer cuts the tint exactly to spec. It does go below the weather stripping by an inch or two. Also the tint is just short of the glass edge up top by a couple mm so it's not peeled when window goes up.

Hope this helps. It's really a simple process... The biggest pain is the rear window! Its a pain in the ass and sometimes requires a hair dryer to shape the film. On hyundai's it's not bad and no hair dryer is needed in my opinion.

Make sure you get a good shop, they warranty's their work and can confirm the tint does not turn purple haha!

[SunState]

Vinnie,

Thanks for the great description.

Doing some local research this morning It's looks as though I have found just the right place. Turns out there is a tinting business not too far from me that has been in business here for over 20 years and does the window tinting for several of the local dealerships including the Hyundai Dealership where I bought the car.

The tint film is computer cut to size for the exact model & year and installation does not involve the removal of any door or back dash shelf components.

The recommended configuration is the same as they generally do for the Hyundai Dealership and complies with Florida Law.

3M Film

28% Front Driver and Passenger Door Windows
15% Rear Seat Windows and Back Window
$169.00 Plus Tax

Does all this sound appropriate? Will this be too dark?

Thanks to all for your comments. I felt as though I was at least a little informed when talking to them.

On the schedule for next week.

This post has been edited by SunState: Aug 18 2012, 10:49 AM

[silvergls]

My tints were installed without any removal of panels. The doors are all tucked under the seal line and with no visible edges even for the rear glass and windshield strip. The rear glass was also done in a single piece. I was there chatting with him as he was installing the tints. They were also all handcut freehand.