Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Are you getting the cheapest? Why not get ceramic for just a little more? The cheapest stuff usually has fading and problems starting after 1-2 years. It's not worth it. Both of their cheap lines are the same, really. At least get ceramic. Shop around if you are getting quoted to high.

Bocatrip

Is 3M Stable their cheapest? and then Ceramic?

Bob04

Talked to an installer that will actually do Huper Optiks for a little less than 3M Crystalline. Does that sound right?

Bocatrip

I believe I am getting a choice of either 3M color stable CS35 or 3M ceramic CM40 for the same price of $269 for 4 windows and rear windshield. My problem is night vision and although the 35 might look darker from the outside, the ceramic 40 blocks out more heat and is probably better for night vision. There's my choice. Form or function. There is no point for the car looking good if I can't see clearly at night. The ceramic 40 is still better than the factory glass in the looks dept. I was told that the ceramic has more of a shiny look to it. Is that true?

lsdude

If you're in Boca, we can meet up and I can show you my LS with ceramic 35 in the front, 18 in the back, and 70 on the windshield. I don't think you'll see much difference between 40 and 35.

Bocatrip

I don't believe 3M has Ceramic in 35. They have 30,40 and 50. Which manufacturer did you use for your Ceramic 35? Are you sure it's not 3M Color Stable 35?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

3M generally makes good products. I think that is your best choice Boca. I would do 40% on the sides and rear and then do 50% on the windshield. The difference between 35 and 40 is minimal and probably a little better for you. Get the Ceramic though. It has better performance and longevity.

Bocatrip

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. They have helped greatly in my decision making. I'm leaning towards the 3M Ceramic CS40. It's known for it's clarity from looking inside out (which is important to me) and the shade difference is not dramatic from the 3M color stable CS35. I'm hoping the night vision will improve as well. I have a very small sample to judge by, but it seems to have somewhat of a sheen from the outside which it is known for. The heat gain reduction is 43% compared to 27% for the the CS35 which seems significant. I'll stop by the installer tomorrow to make my final decision before the Saturday install.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I would go with 3M. I'm not familiar with Suntek but I know 3M is good stuff.

Bocatrip

3M Ceramic CM40 it will be. I stopped by the shop today to confirm. The description on one of the sites describes the appearance from the outside as being very sleek and moderately shiny. I can't tell from the small piece The installer said it does have some reflective properties which is why it has higher heat rejection than the 3M color stable films. I'm curious of how it will look with the semi reflective shiny appearance or if it is really that noticeable. I did forget to ask about radio and phone interference but I assume that is not an issue with ceramic tints.

phanham

I had ceramic installed on all windows a couple of weeks ago. Sides & back were 25% (I should have went darker), and windshield is 85% (clear). So far, interior has yet to get much higher than ~90 degrees, but then again it hasn't gotten too hot yet where I'm at. I do have a few small "footballs" on back glass, but nervous of taking it back in fear potential to damage defroster & antenna when removing...

btw, new to forum, been lurking for some time now; '05 ML Sport, Flint Mica. Info has been great, and plan to tackle bad passenger door lock actuator soon with parts that have been ordered.

Bob04

I found an installer to do Huper Optik 50 on the sides and back glass and 70 on the windshield for $500. Does that sound reasonable?

Bocatrip

Does anyone complain much about seeing the headlights of the car behind you at night glaring across the rear defroster elements?

Bocatrip

UPDATE: I had the tint install yesterday and overall I'm very pleased. I got the 3M Ceramic 40 (CM4). My only complaint is the tint does not lie perfectly flat across the back rear defroster lines. I know these lines are thicker than other cars and there has been some discussion of the night refraction off of these lines from car's headlights from behind. I was told by the installer to keep the defroster on for the first day and have the car facing the sunlight to help in the curing process. Will the film contract as it completely cures or is this as good as it will get? I was told by the installer if it remains the same to bring it back within a week and he will work on it to get flatter. The good thing is that being a 40% film, it is not as noticeable as with the darker films. I have not driven at night yet to see the extent of the refraction. The bottom 3 lines are almost perfect but the installer said he was using a heat gun to get it that way. He didn't want to use it on the entire back film. Do other members have a similar issue with the rear tint lying perfectly flat? Am I being too particular?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

No, the rear will not be totally perfect around the defrost.