I had a strong opinion on this upon first reading the thread, but wanted to double-check with my installer first. The 1/4" gap at the top of the windows has not been a procedure used since the 80s, at least out here in CA. My installer confirmed it's the sure sign of someone who's a "newbie." I understand the guy you are thinking of going to is not a newbie, but he is using the techniques of one. The first thing I think of is my father's 1987 Cadillac that had the tint done this way. Yikes... but tint that is poorly done ruins a car for me. I don't care who referred you to this shop, I would run, not walk, away from it. Please call my installer if you want to confirm this. He is one of the top tinters in SoCal and has done several exotics for me and all of my Lexus'.

Sal - (714) 549-2200
3071 South Harbor Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92704

 

Here are some pics of my LS430 showing that there is no scratching on the tint. Hope this helps.

 

Seeing the nice job on your tint I will ask him some more questions before he will do our car.
Thank you for the heads up.

 

You're welcome. Really hope that he can do it right for you.

 

Tinting the windshield makes a huge difference in heat reduction. A lot of the local guys out here do it to protect their dashes too.

If you go with a light ceramic tint, it should block out just as much heat as really dark tint would. It's more expensive than regular tint though.

 

Kira X. So light ceramic tint just on the front windshield? And the other windows a different type of film? I am planning on getting mines done this weekend. I just pick up a 05 LS430 and will upload picture later.

 

Yeah, ceramic for the front windshield and regular tint for the rest. If you can't get a good ceramic tint or if it's too expensive, 35% or 40% will work fine.

 

Got the old tint removed and new tint put on at dealership. All side windows and rear were done for 350. Went as dark as they would allow by law on sides and matched it on the rear window.

 

Most people I know use this on the windsheild.
http://www.ashadedarker.com/images/airblue.pdf

It's pretty much clear, and offers great UV protection, and heat rejection.

I plan to do it as soon as I replace my pitted windsheild..

 

I have had Llumar film on all of my cars for the past 20 years, but have never heard of using it on a windshield. The ad doesn't specifically mention using it on a windshield. I wonder if that is legal in all states?

 

Not sure on legality, but it is "almost" clear. It is made/marketed for windscreens. You want to ask for the "air blue" film.
http://www.llumar.com/en/AutoWindscreen.aspx

Here is a pic I found on an LS1 forum. 15% tint on the sides, air blue on the windsheild.

 

Llumar is what the tint man used on our car.
50% on rear three windows and almost clear on the front sides and main window.
It seems to be making a huge difference on the heat coming through to the dash and seats.
He installed it all the way to the top of the windows unlike what I thought he was going to do.
3 to 5 days before we can roll down the windows so the tint won't lift when closing the windows.
It takes 2 to 3 weeks for it to fully cure so we'll just use the ac and enjoy the coolness.

 

It should add a degree of safety to the glass shouldn't it?

 

Yes, it should. It will hold your glass together if it breaks. One of the windows on my Saturn got kicked in and the tint held all of the glass together. Had it not been tinted, there would have been glass everywhere.

 

I never thought of that. Just wanted it cooler inside and it is working very well for that.