SolarGard Quantum 28%/14% Window Tinting

Well, I got tired of the factory look of non-tinted front side windows and wanted that more sleek, professional, black look. So I started looking into getting my windows tinted. There are a myriad of choices when it comes to window tinting options. You can either do-it-yourself, or have a professional do it. On top of that, there are many different film choices, including the manufacturer of the film, product line of the film, and light transmittance level of the film. Although I typically do all my modifications myself, I decided not to waste my time and money trying to do my own tinting job. So I called around a bit and settled upon Gregory's Auto Tinting in Abilene, TX. I spoke with Jason and he took his time to explain the different options to me, so I felt pretty comfortable going with this shop.

The truck comes from the factory with no tinting on the windshield or front side windows and 20% tinting on the extended cab windows and the rear glass. BTW, that 20% means that 20% of the visible light is allowed to pass through. The other 80% is blocked. Texas law allows you to have 25% tinting on the front side windows, any amount of tinting on the rear side windows and rear glass, and no tinting on the windshield (except for at the very top of it). I wanted to do as close of a match between the front side windows and the rear windows as possible and still be able to quickly and easily ID cars in my sideview mirrors. I drive pretty fast and really need to be able to see anything coming up around me in those sideview mirrors. So the 5% "limo tint" that some of these clowns get was out of the question for me. After speaking with Jason, I wound up settling on the Quantum line of tinting by SolarGard (www.solargard.com). This is a metallized tint, which means that it will not fade, bubble, or peel. And it blocks a LOT of the heat.

I decided to do the 28% tinting on the front side windows (as dark as you can legally go with the Quantum line in Texas) and the 14% tinting on the rear side windows and back glass. Below, you can see before and after comparisons of the truck. So far, I'm extremely happy with the way it turned out and while I would have liked for the front side windows to be a little bit darker, I really think it's worth it to have the increased side mirror visibility. All in all, a great addition that was long-needed.

(below) Before Picture

(above) After Picture

(below) Before Picture

(above) After Picture

(above) After Picture