604Lexus

My front is 50%

mrfuni

[SIZE=2]I think the legal tint varies state by state. Also the factory tint may look good, but it doesn't have the characteristics to keep out the heat and UV rays. I have all my windows tinted with an aftermarket tint that reduces heat and UV by 95%. Looks better also and offers some privacy .

SGT

Anyone else know for sure?

LCB

I put 20% on my front two windows (RX400) and it looks nearly identical to the rear.

One disclaimer - the inside looking out will not look identical, because Lexus puts a slight purple hue in the rear windows. Most tint has that black/brownish look when looking out. Most people never notice the difference but I can.

604Lexus

The tint guy said the rear are 25%.

SGT

Thanks for the confirmation.

TripleDES

All,
Has anyone had the front side windows tinted on your RX to match the factory installed tint for the rear windows? If so, please share your experiences, what type of film was used, etc. I'm looking to get this done.

Also, has anyone had the factory tint removed (if possible) to install a completely different type of film that's either ceramic, or non-metallic.

From what I've gathered so far, metallic tint is to avoided for vehicles with navigation because it may cause interference. The ceramic tint is extremely expensive, but lighter shades are more effective with blocking out UV and IR rays than the comparable non-ceramic tint.

I'm looking to just simply get a matching tint to go with the factory installed tint in my RX350.

tfischer

Your suggestion is both illegal and dangerous (which is not a coincidence).

Forget about it.

TripleDES

I didn't make a suggestion, I posed a request for information. Your answer is short sighted and ignorant. It's not illegal or dangerous if the right tint is applied. Only a handful of states completely ban ANY shades of tint. The rest have acceptable limits on how much light must pass.

For those who care, attached is a guideline for each of the 50 states regarding window tinting regulations.

salimshah

Easy guys, a small misunderstanding (due to lack of clarity) and impatience can stink up the environment real quick.

I assume the orignal question was SIDE windows for driver and front passenger and not the FRONT windshield.

Back to the question...

I think this was posted a while back and and a bit of digging can get you an answer to your question.

I always go for the easiest and surest way. Call the dealership and get in touch with the company they use to tint side glass.

Salim

lok888

TripleDES - I have tinted front windows on my RX350. Actually my wife brought the car to a window place. I don't know what they've used. It is the same color like the rear. In MA, tint has to be 35% or less. I would do no more than 30% just to be safe. I also have the top of the windshield tinted. Again, that windshield band requires than 6" tall.

So far, I have no problem when using the navi or radio. I thought the roof-mounted antenna is designed for the radio & navi. Isn't it any sensor for the navi somewhere in the front?

I want to post some pics of my new ride. Should I store the pics somewhere like photobucket.com first? Or post them directly here?

TripleDES

Ooh, I see how my post could have been misinterpreted. Apologies if this was the case. Yes, I mean the front side windows, not the front windshield. I've done the typical search within this forum and the entire CL forums but didn't see anything recent.

TripleDES

Thanks lok888!! Good information. From what I've seen, this site allows pics to be posted within threads. If you prefer an external site, just post the link here. Extremely interested to see!

salimshah

lok888:

You are right .. a portion .. just the top edge .. can be tinted. But the view area needs to be clear. Most cars have a gradual tint built in.


TripleDES:
The tint in the back side windwos from factory is sealed inside the glass. It is not a film on top that can be removed. The only option would be to replace the glass with clear glass.


Salim

TripleDES

Thanks Salim,
The tinting company mentioned this could be the case so that's why I'm basically just looking to get them matched.

Since the tint is integrated, film can still be applied to make it darker if one prefers.

In CA, film must allow 70% of light to pass and the windshield can only be tinted no more than 4 inches from the top. (see attached file) CA even requires a certificate of compliance for the tint applied.