BAD Light Refraction w/ Window Tinting - HELP!
 

I tried searching through for other people who have had this problem, but I couldn't find anything.

I got my 99 Bonneville SE tinted on Friday and I am completely happy with it (a couple of small bubbles on the front left window, but it is barely noticeable - and no, I have not rolled down my windows yet! ;)) EXCEPT for the rear window. The problem is I am getting horrible glare from headlights to the point where I can't see clearly out of the window. I don't know how else to describe it, but it's as if light is shining on all of my defroster windows.

I'm really unhappy about the glare, but I don't know if this is normal for tinting or not or if this is something that will go away if I wait a little longer. Does anyone have any help or ideas before I go back to the shop and complain?[/i]

Go to the wrecker and get an electrochromic (auto-dimming) rear view mirror from a Bonneville or Cadillac equipped with one. We'll help you install it. I did this on my SLE because I'm so addicted to this great feature in the SSEi.

Let me be a little more clear on the problem. Here is a sample picture I stole from another website which illustrates the problem. I guess it is more of a "refraction" issue than glare.

http://www.sjsuchalc.org/tint.jpg

The quality of the tint film they used sucks balls. But the mirror I mentioned will help reduce the effect.

They used Llumar.

I also went outside just know to take a closer look at the rear window. It looks like there are tiny gaps where the defroster lines are. Not hugely noticeable, but when you get real close, it is definitely visible, especially at the edges of the window. Could this be part of the problem?

From what I read, the problem is from the defroster lines themselves and "ridges" that occur there with the film. But, I don't know if I have t live with this now forever.

I would ask them to re-tint it as it looks like there is some issue with the tint itself. Here in Texas, we have every vehicle in our immediate family tinted and I have had all my vehicles tinted since 1984 and I have never seen 'distortion' or 'refraction' like that no matter what brand of tint or how light or how dark. Good luck with having that taken care of without having to go somewhere else and incur more expense.

The little lines along the defrost elements are normal, and should MOSTLY dissipate over the next week or so.

Llumar is top shelf tint. Have you tried to operate the rear window defroster to help shrink the tint around the defroster grid lines?

The problem will go away. I would take it back to the tint shop and show them the air bubbles as those can be removed.

I haven't tried to turn on the rear defroster yet, but I'll try it. I think I'll wait a little longer to make sure it dries completely (though I am parking it in the sun and it has been really sunny down here lately).

I'm gonna wipe down my windows today (using just water and some soft soap) and see if maybe I can get rid of some of the fingerprints I put on my window. ;)

So, is it normal that the tint doesn't go over the rear defroster lines? Because I just noticed that it doesn't on my car. It's almost as if the tint was put in on strips. I'll try to take pictures and post them to show you.

Plus, on the edges of the back window, where there are "dots", the guy didn't put any tint whatsoever. That's not that big of a deal for me, but I did notice it.

Urgh, why do I feel like I got taken here on this tint job? :( :(

the defroster lines are actually raised on the glass, and the tint will not stick to them....that is why it looks as it does....

and the same applies to the dots, the tint wont stick to them either

Yes, it might have been nicer if he had tinted over the dots, but then there would be copious air bubbles around the dots which is how mine is. I was alarmed at the glare caused by my tint during the first week, but either it went away or i stopped noticing it.

How much did the job cost?

So did your glare look like the picture above? I got it done last Friday, so it's almost a week now and the situation is the same.

I paid about $260 for the job. Like I said, the rest of the car looks awesome and I love it but that back window is annoying me. I'll probably bring it back on Monday and talk to the shop. I just wanted to get some information from you guys so that I could go to the shop armed with some knowledge.

I've never had professional tinting done, but I would assume there might be a bit if a "break in" time. It's basically just platic, which would need time to form itself fully to the current application.

But, taking it back and asking questions to the "pro's" is probably your best idea.

Quick update: I went back to the shop this morning. I tried to explain to the guy what the problem was and he was completely confused. He says he has never had that complaint before. I forgot to print out the picture to describe it, but oh well.

Anyways, they're going to call some people and see what they can do to fix it. They think they might have to go with a lighter film (50%). But, they also say that it could just be the angle of the glass on the 99 bonneville that is causing this problem.

I'll keep you guys further updated, and in the meantime, if any other 99 bonne (or similar bonnes with the same glass) have had their back windows tinted, please post or PM me and let me know if you have had any problems. Then I can try to relay it to the tint shop guy.

I noticed similar when I first had mine tinted. It did disapate for the most part...however it's like Pat mentions..it's the defroster lines.

I have Onyx 50% and my tint guy is top notch plus a little.

Try the defroster etc..it does get much better.

Yes the defroster line glare is what i had and it should get better with time. Going to 50% won't help you any. Like Billboost said, its the defroster lines on the car that are causing it all.

as the film cures, it should get better. let the fim dry out and shrink up to the glass. They use a lot of liquid when applying film. It need to evaporate

We need an update! What'd they say? How's it look now??

Sorry that I have not posted an update. Lots of things going on.

Unfortunately, things have not changed much. I have had the tint for almost 3 weeks now, but the rear window is still having the same problem. I did go back to the tint shop and (a) got the warranty (finally) and (b) talked with the tint guy. He basically told me what I already knew: the problem occurs from the light hitting the defroster lines. And essentially, he admitted there is nothing that he could do about it.

So, now I have to think about doing one (or some) of the following:

(1) Wait longer and see if the problem gets better, but I'm not sure if I have already waited long enough.

(2) Clean the window (well this is something I should anyways) and at the same time try to press the film firmer against the lines.

(3) Remove the tint. This I have been thinking about a bit, but I was thinking about just removing the rear window tint, as the rest of it is perfect. I know - the rear window is a big part of the car. Do you think it'll look really dumb to have the 4 side windows tinted and not the back window?

(4) Try to get an autodimming mirror (which I am in the process of trying to get) and see if that makes things better.

(5) Deal with it for the next 4 years... :-\

Any suggestions?

1993 sle has an autodim sitting around....

I don't notice it anymore...not sure why...I know it's still there.

Just seeing this thread and would like to add my experience.

I had my '97 tinted last December with Llumar 20% tint all around. I really do not have the problem your having and am of the opinion that your tint install was not the best. All my windows, including the rear are completely tinted with absolutely no gaps or seam lines and NO lines at the defroster wires.

I know for a fact that the installer, who is an artist at this, used a heat gun to completely dry the tint before I got it back. No dry time, no bubbles, no little gapped lines on the rear, a single piece rear window tint with no cuts and complete including where the third brake light is. Looks factory and I could roll the windows down immediately afterwards, per his instructions.

I would be unhappy were I you. You probably have no recourse at this point, but, this install was not a high quality install IMO.

Well, my recourse is to go somewhere else and try to have the rear window retinted. I could give that a whirl first. I assume the 1997 Bonneville SE has the same back window as the 99?

Sad part is..I know my guy is a quality installer...

But I have some lines..

92-99 are exatly the same

OK, another quick update.

I called another tint shop in Atlanta. The guy was SUPER nice. He took down my information and called Llumar. Basically, they're confused about this problem as well. They think that it is a bad batch of film, which I doubt it is. Regardless, Llumar has agreed to have the car re-tinted (covered under warranty) with another batch of film. I asked if ATR vs. AT mattered, and they didn't seem to think so.

I also have the option of going back to the original shop or using this new shop to do it. I was definitely thinking about just going with this new shop. That way, I will get different installation and then, if the same problem occurs, I can't blame the original shop. I hate doing all this...

What do you guys think?

I'd do it at the new shop, and quickly before anyone has a chance to change their mind. You already have reason to suspect the install quality from the first shop.....

I agree. Especially since it sounds from your description like the new shop was willing to help even tho you hadn't been there yet.

Hmmm possible bad batch eh?

(calls his installer)

My bet would be on the installation, but I'm not 100% sure on that. The second guy said that he noticed that the defroster lines are a little thicker than on other back windows. But again, it just baffles me that other people on this board have either (a) has a similar but much less drastic effect or (b) no problem whatsoever.

I'll keep everyone updated on this. I appreciate the efforts everyone has made here though. I've been getting a headache over this!

Well, pursue it, but don't lose sleep over it.

The worst that can happen is you won't notice when the mothership comes behind you to take you back to your home planet....j/k.

Another quick update:

I am moving into a new place these next two weeks, so I won't be pursuing this for a little while. But, now I am noticing that lots of bubbles are showing up on the rear window. Some small, others a little bigger. It's not good...

Bad Install....... :x