Notices
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Tint removal question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 16, 2021 | 08:42 AM
  #1  
Einzelherz's Avatar
Einzelherz
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 84
Likes: 17
From: NT
Default Tint removal question

My 98 has a slight coloration on most of the glass (windshield and sides) that I'm 99% sure is some factory UV coating. It's not the Bronze glass that came on some colors.

My rear window has tint applied and it's bubbling. I'd like to remove it. Is there a possibility that I might damage what I think is a factory coating on the rear glass if I do a terrible job of removing the aftermarket tint? Or is the coloration in the glass?

Thanks!
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2021 | 08:59 AM
  #2  
400fanboy's Avatar
400fanboy
Racer
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 493
From: Nevada
Default

The stock windows do have coatings applied that give a subtle color shift. You can see these color codes on the windshield glass codes for example:

*TL,T=5.3,BRONZE

*TL,T=5.3,GREEN

If there is aftermarket tint on the car, removing the tint on the side windows is blindingly easy.

If there is aftermarket tint on the car, removing the tint on the rear window is not a walk in the park. Shops have told me in the past they can't guarantee they won't damage the embedded heater elements in the glass when they are removing the tint. I've also never had the heater elements ever be damaged in the tint removal, but I'm one person with a small sample size.

I'm not sure on whether tint removal will damage the factory green\bronze tint to the glass. I doubt this is the case, but I'm not sure.

If you want to get a job done, you can have it good, fast or cheap. Pick two. I would avoid the "cheap" option here due to the risk. Get a pro to do it rather than John Doe's Tint haircair restaurant massage and tire service.

Last edited by 400fanboy; Apr 16, 2021 at 09:03 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2021 | 11:30 AM
  #3  
deanshark's Avatar
deanshark
Pole Position
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,278
Likes: 317
From: ct
Default

Originally Posted by 400fanboy
John Doe's Tint haircair restaurant massage and tire service.
Wow, I didn't know that was a franchise. I thought we had the only one here in Ct.
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2021 | 06:48 AM
  #4  
Einzelherz's Avatar
Einzelherz
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 84
Likes: 17
From: NT
Default

Originally Posted by 400fanboy
The stock windows do have coatings applied that give a subtle color shift. You can see these color codes on the windshield glass codes for example:

*TL,T=5.3,BRONZE

*TL,T=5.3,GREEN

If there is aftermarket tint on the car, removing the tint on the side windows is blindingly easy.

If there is aftermarket tint on the car, removing the tint on the rear window is not a walk in the park. Shops have told me in the past they can't guarantee they won't damage the embedded heater elements in the glass when they are removing the tint. I've also never had the heater elements ever be damaged in the tint removal, but I'm one person with a small sample size.

I'm not sure on whether tint removal will damage the factory green\bronze tint to the glass. I doubt this is the case, but I'm not sure.

If you want to get a job done, you can have it good, fast or cheap. Pick two. I would avoid the "cheap" option here due to the risk. Get a pro to do it rather than John Doe's Tint haircair restaurant massage and tire service.
Reading up on what's involved it seemed like more work than I was interested in doing myself so I'll likely take it to a shop. Since it's one window and removal only I don't even think cutting corners with Billy Bob's Woodchips N' Window Tint would save me that much. Thanks for the info!
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2021 | 08:52 AM
  #5  
wolfy53's Avatar
wolfy53
Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 112
Likes: 20
From: Kansas
Default

Windex will take off window tint film glue.

I have done this on several vehicles. But for my LS when i got it, the window tint was shot. I just paid my tint guys an extra 80 bucks to remove all the tint.Then I had them replace it with new.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
roshko
LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017)
5
Dec 7, 2020 06:29 PM
T-Rex
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
6
Jun 23, 2018 05:30 AM
jfdelacruz
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
5
May 8, 2018 02:24 AM
Injectelo
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
6
Jun 2, 2014 07:52 PM
gtpmb1
Automotive Care & Detailing
2
Nov 6, 2005 05:10 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:58 PM.

story-0
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
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-9
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