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Doing a self-install of window tint?

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Old 07-31-2005
fireradio's Avatar
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Doing a self-install of window tint?

Thinking about picking up some of these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...temZ7989185284 bad boys and installing the film myself. Some say it isn't too tricky, some say it is. What do you think? I think since these are pre-cut it would be pretty easy.

Charlie
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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well the back ones wont be hard cuz its flat..the part that is curved is the hardest..its like laying vinyl...keep it wet...and sometimes with ur squeegy (sp?) take a paper towel around it so it doesnt scratch it
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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If you can do it right then more power to you, but if you cant get it right, time to go pro.
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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that is cool, but it is something i will leave to a pro.
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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Make sure you clean the inside of the windows good with a razor blade, and keep the film wet until you have it centered in the window the way you like it. Then use a squeegee to remove all the water. There is a mixture that you can use to help you move the tint on the window and it will keep it from sticking until you squeegee the water from it. I can find out tomorrow from my buddy's shop to see what he uses to do it.

Other than that, If the windows are clean and you keep it wet you won't have a problem. There isn't enough of a curve on the ranger's windows to worry about.







Vic
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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Jus water and a lil dish soap mixed in. I tinted my own windows.

Aaron
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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id definitely let the pros do that... but if thats just me... if you wanna do it definitely go for it! maybe one day you can do mine!
 
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Old 07-31-2005
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I've tinted about 5 cars now. Did my truck 3 times after tint started fading. Precut does take alot of the time out of it. Here's some pointers:

1. DO NOT use Windex or any amonia-based cleaner. Ammonia will loosen the glue. In fact that's what I use to strip the windows when I redo the tint.

2. Like Vic said, make sure you clean the window good before you lay the film on it. Any little spec of dirt or dust will cause a small bubble and be stuck there for as long as you have your tint.

3. Have plenty of solution (soapy water). Spray plenty on the glass and on both sides of the film. It makes it alot more manageable and acts like a lubricant when you're working with it.

4. Don't squeegee the film until you are absolutely sure you have it where you want it.

Here's something I do on my truck, but you don't have to if you don't feel like it:
Take the weather strip off of the bottom of the window and squeagee the tint a little lower. Not sure if you're precut stuff will be long enough, but that's what I do with the rolls I use.

Like I said, they're already cut, so that saves you a good deal of swear words. Good luck!

Just remembered a few other things. If you can, get a hairdryer after your done and run it across your windows. For some reason it seems to help it stick better. Also, I believe some of the pros use heat guns, so a blow dryer is the closest thing that most of us have lying around the house. When you are done try not to roll down your windows for at least a day.
 
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Old 08-04-2005
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I tinted my ranger with the same kit from ebay, it worked perfect, there pre-cut to fit just right.Wash the inside of the glass and make sure theres no lumps or bumps (snot or food) left.Use a little washing up liquid mixed in water on the glass before you apply the film.Have a Squeegee(home depo/lowes) $4.Took me less than 20 mins to do rear windows and back screen,no bubbles, looks like a pro did it!
 
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Old 08-04-2005
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I tinted mine. not hard at all. but next time I am having a local tinter do it because i dont want to take the time and do it agian
 
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