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Window Tint UV film

Started by mrkozzy, 23 January 2020, 01:39 AM

mrkozzy

Hi All.
I'm interested in this "UV Film" or "Clear Tint" that I've read about.
Apparently its being used on many classic cars.
From what I'm reading it is meant to be a very good product.

My glass is factory tint (an option at the time) but its ever so light, that I want something more serious.
I'm trying to preserve the interior as much as I can at this stage of the cars life.

Can anyone give me info on what sounds like a wonderful product?

I do Not want to put any form of dark tint, as I'm trying to maintain originality as far as possible. 

Any insight will be appreciated.

cheers  Kozzy
MrKozzy

floyd111

We get scorched here in Taiwan as well, and I hate anything that obstructs my view to road around my car. I always rip off the UV screens when I buy a car. Been asking a lot of people about decent light screens for a long time, but 20 million black window car owners can't be wrong, can they? Normally, more protection means a darker screen, and a lighter screen will give you less protection.  I would think it's the same principle as sunglasses. If you want to beat these cheaper physics,  you'll probably have to spend a lot more, In sunglasses, for twice, thrice the price of "non-polaroid standard brown" UV400 you can get things like "yellow-lens-replacing light-tan-polaroids, uv400 and anti bluelight." There must be great English official names for all of that, but I gotta learn this stuff off Chinese locals. :)
So, I would be careful of cheap offers promising the moon.

TJ 450

I haven't heard of these clear ones, but with tint darker doesn't always mean a higher percentage of UV is blocked. I had mine tinted at Tint-a-car but it is reasonably dark and has made a big difference to the effectiveness of the A/C. I would speak to one of the reputable companies and get some advice although I would recommend you remove the trim yourself if you can just in case something gets damaged.

The factory heat insulating glass on top of this film would probably be quite effective.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

raueda1

Quote from: TJ 450 on 23 January 2020, 08:57 AM
I haven't heard of these clear ones, but with tint darker doesn't always mean a higher percentage of UV is blocked. I had mine tinted at Tint-a-car but it is reasonably dark and has made a big difference to the effectiveness of the A/C. I would speak to one of the reputable companies and get some advice although I would recommend you remove the trim yourself if you can just in case something gets damaged.

The factory heat insulating glass on top of this film would probably be quite effective.

Tim
Absolutely true.  Look for film that has UV absorbers and info from the manufacturer about how much UV is being blocked.  I haven't surveyed window films, but in virtually every other application where UV blocking is an important feature (sunglasses, domestic windows, ski goggle, etc) the producer will brag about it.  If they aren't it means the don't have anything to brag about. 
[full disclosure:  I spent much of my career in the polymer stabilization business, including UV absorbers for darn near everything.]
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

mrkozzy

Further research and Blah Blah about the product. I'm still being educated about this product.



Clear Film
CoolSightâ„¢ Series
Our CoolSight Series of automotive films answers the desire to upgrade automotive glass with serious protective and comfort-enhancing benefits, without changing appearance.

SunTek's CoolSight film is engineered with our top-of-the-line ceramic technology, minus the window-darkening tint. It has optical clarity and is nearly impossible to detect once installed. These qualities make it an option for windshield coverage, in states allowing this as long as certain VLT requirements are met.*

Sophisticated ceramic technology is what makes CoolSight capable of outperforming the cooling, glare-reducing benefits of many tints, even without darkening "shade" to temper light and heat from the sun. It's also the reason vehicle owners experience no signal interference with electronic signals from GPS, satellite radio or mobile phones after installation. 

* Most U.S. States do not allow the application of window film on windshields. CoolSight 90 is marketed for use on windshields in jurisdictions where windshield film is legal. Please check local laws for tint regulations.
MrKozzy

floyd111

seems like that's going where I thought that'd be going.. ;D

UTn_boy

In the U.S. most ophthalmologists will write a prescription for having the windshield tinted.  Though, you must carry the prescription, or a copy of, in the car with you.  You'd be surprised how many law enforcement people are totally clueless about this legal process.
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

mrkozzy

Finally had the windows tinted with the "Clearfilm product".

I was not looking for the modern day Blackout Look so heres the result.

Theres about 10% color in it so its not entirely clear. (Bearing in mind my glass had the oh so light factory tint anyway.

I'm extremely pleased with the result.  Definitely less heat getting through the glass and all my MB-Tex and interior plastics are way cooler in the sun.

Most noticeable is the NON darkening look of the interior when you jump in the car. It lets most of the daylight through.

I've posted some pics to show how actually see through it is in normal conditions.
The last picture is with my wifes factory tint B200 alongside my 116. Shows how remarkable the difference is 
MrKozzy

petecon

Looks great. Did you tint the windshield also?

mrkozzy

no.

still waiting to find out the legality.

Don't think our rules have quite caught up with the product yet.

I'm seeking clarification and if its Yes, then I will.
MrKozzy