My first tint installation (DUW)

[FunkRider]

This is posted on TOprotege.com aswell as mazdas247.com but I figured those here might be interested in the rear channel inserts that Get faded.

For a long time I've wanted to try and tackle doing my own window tint so I bit the bullet and picked up a precut tint kit from ebay for 25 bucks (including S&H)

I figured for my first time I'd try it with the windows out of the car so I could learn the ropes sitting in a chair working on a table. The only problem with the pre cut kits is they are cut exactly to size and the rear 1/4 windows sit very far inside the window rubbers. I ended up with a small gap because I placed the tint too low. I might just touch up the gap with a black marker for now.

The front passenger window gave me a little trouble as it has a slight compound curve to it I think. I had a little bit of tint "fingering" that I had to fix by shrinking the fingers with a hair dryer.

I also replaced the rear door window channel inserts as mine had faded white.

On to the pictures!

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint005.jpg
My work station aka Dining room table.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint006.jpg
Passenger side front window tinted

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint007.jpg
passenger side 1/4 window showing tint gap.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint008.jpg
My Protege without any windows!

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint009.jpg
Passenger rear door without windows (I have many other projects on the go right now, don't mind the mess)

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint010.jpg
Faded plastic window channel insert

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint011.jpg
Faded vs new insert.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint012.jpg
Driverside and passengerside inserts from mazda. (I think they about a buck each)

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint013.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o7/FunkRider/Window%20Tinting/Windowtint014.jpg
Passengerside of the car done in 20%


For a first timer I think I did great, I did get a slight amount of dirt in the 1/4 window aswell as the gap but its not too bad. Tomorrow I'll be doing the drivers side, it should come out much better as I got better with the tint as I went on. I plan on taking the car to a pro to have the rear window done as it is very tough to do because of the compound curve that needs to be done in multiple sections or heat shrunk.

Having tint installed for you by a pro is worth every penny however I'm cheap and like to learn new things. My hat goes off to the skilled people doing this for a living.

[TheMAN]

cool, now you just added more scratches to your roof!

[FunkRider]

The dark blue tool case has rubber feet, the black case is sitting on a shop towel and everything else on my sunroof. But it's already scratched to hell from a big cat or a raccoon anyways.

[DForrest]

Looks nice. I agree with the pros being worth every penny. I tackled that job once and failed horribly. I bought those rolls of tint from canadian tire and attempted putting it on and cutting it with the windows in. Needless to say it didn't turn out. Its amazing how easy it is to get little bits of dirt on the window right before the tint goes on.

[wheresthericego]

they make shop benches for a reason. Your paint will appreciate it.
cheap tint turns purple.
Hope you like purple

[FunkRider]

Its 3M colour stable film so it won't be turning purple.

[wheresthericego]

Thats a really good price on 3m tint

edit: a REALLY good price

[boboki]

Looking good funk!