Notices
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Getting window tint. Can i remove the back window tint?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 30, 2015 | 04:43 PM
  #1  
gsean400's Avatar
gsean400
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 882
Likes: 4
From: az
Default Getting window tint. Can i remove the back window tint?

My back factory tint is bubbling and i am worried about the window defroster lines. They are charging me 30$ to remove the tint. But i want to know if i can just peel it off myself to save some money
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2015 | 05:45 PM
  #2  
lexo98's Avatar
lexo98
Pole Position
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 357
From: ca
Default

Yes you can, but for $30 I wouldn't. If you scratch those lines that go across the window you will lose the defroster.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2015 | 01:41 AM
  #3  
gsean400's Avatar
gsean400
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 882
Likes: 4
From: az
Default

This is a mobile tinting company, reason i ask is cause i feel like they might mess it up also.. So if it wouldnt be that hard i would rather do it myself then pay someone 30$ to possibly damage it

Last edited by gsean400; Oct 31, 2015 at 02:09 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2015 | 08:39 AM
  #4  
lexo98's Avatar
lexo98
Pole Position
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 357
From: ca
Default

Find a legit shop to remove it if your not comfortable with them. Use someone that will guarantee their work. If your gonna do it yourself cut open a trash bag or plastic and lay it over the back panel under the window so you dont get it dirty. Spray lots of Windex over the window tint. It has to sit for a while in the sun or it's easier with a heat gun. Then slowly pull the tint off spraying more Windex on the areas between the window and the tint. If pull slowly and at the right angles the glue sticks to the tint and leaves your window clean. Use a razor to remove the access glue. Ive also seen green scotch brite used. But like I said earlier pay someone if you want your rear defrosters to work.

Last edited by lexo98; Oct 31, 2015 at 08:47 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2015 | 06:32 AM
  #5  
kamlung's Avatar
kamlung
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 43
From: NJ
Default

Originally Posted by lexo98
Find a legit shop to remove it if your not comfortable with them. Use someone that will guarantee their work. If your gonna do it yourself cut open a trash bag or plastic and lay it over the back panel under the window so you dont get it dirty. Spray lots of Windex over the window tint. It has to sit for a while in the sun or it's easier with a heat gun. Then slowly pull the tint off spraying more Windex on the areas between the window and the tint. If pull slowly and at the right angles the glue sticks to the tint and leaves your window clean. Use a razor to remove the access glue. Ive also seen green scotch brite used. But like I said earlier pay someone if you want your rear defrosters to work.
i used to mobile tint also... and its a pain to remove the rear tint...

if you want to do it yourself, you need to create an oven and soften the glue so it peels right off and doesn't damage the defroster lines...

you will need two big black plastic bags and mix up a spray bottle of 50/50 ammonia and water...

1.) lay the first bag over the rear deck like lexo said above...
2.) soak the tint with the ammonia mixture... make sure all doors are open and you wear mask and eye protection... you will pass out from the fumes if it isn't well ventilated... once you soak the tint, the black bag you had laying on the rear deck, press it against the tint... the spray solution will hold the garbage bag against the tint.. (think of it like you are tinting you tint with the garbage bag)...
3.) then on the outside... spray the solution on the window and then put the second black bag on the outside of the rear window... you are only spraying the outside window to hold the bag on... now what you have from the outside is (black bag/rear window/tint/black bag) all sandwiched together...
4.) go park that rear window in the sun to bake it... try to get it at high noon when the sun is the highest/strongest...

by doing this, you are creating a tight oven in between the tint and window to soften the glue... after 20 mins just check to see if it is ready... try to peel the tint from the top corner... if it comes off easy, it's ready... if you peel and it feels still hard, let it bake for another 20 mins... the tint should come off smoothly and you should have very little residue left on the window... remember be patient and let the sun/heat help you... don't just go yanking it off...

btw also an added step that may help you since you said the tint is bubbling... if they are big bubbles (say the size of a penny or larger... take a small pin and make a hole in the center of each of the bubbles... this will help when you bake the tint, the ammonia vapor can go inside the hole and work the glue from the inside... it should help it move a lot faster...

hope that helps...
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2015 | 07:04 PM
  #6  
wbmx1981's Avatar
wbmx1981
Advanced
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 690
Likes: 25
From: South Austin, Texas
Default

I removed my tint myself. Watch videos using the trash bag. I did it and it work like a charm. I saved $150 removing my own tint.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
05ls430518
Car Chat
0
Feb 5, 2018 02:58 PM
TriniLex
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
1
Jul 7, 2014 11:13 PM
gnguru
Automotive Care & Detailing
11
Dec 5, 2013 03:40 AM
Atl
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
14
Dec 11, 2008 06:48 PM
bagwell
Automotive Care & Detailing
3
Jan 14, 2007 11:11 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:22 PM.

story-0
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-3
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Slideshow: reviewing the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury plug-in hybrid crossover SUV!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-05 19:04:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus and Toyota model of the 1990s ranked.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-04 12:35:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Slideshow: 10 Toyotas that could have been Lexus models.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 11:44:33


VIEW MORE