Home-done Tint??

[xjwisconsin]

Thinking of tinting the windows on my 98 (no rear defrost)... I have three kids, one being two month old, shes not too fond of lots of light. Also being a black jeep the old girl gets hot as hell sitting in the sun all day.
I know it would be best to get it pro done, but I just don't have the cash to do that at this point. Years ago i did my CRX with some walmarto crap and it turned out ok. Ive seen several ebay "kits" anyone have any experience with them? I know that Im looking to get ten pounds of crap out of a five pound box... Thought I would look to some others guidance before doing anything.

Thanks

 

[00'CherokeeXJ]

Id say save up some more and get it professionally done. It will look so much better and you will def thank yourself.

 

[FlexdXJ]

Id say save up some more and get it professionally done. It will look so much better and you will def thank yourself.

And you get a warranty! That way if it turns out all bubbly you can have it re done. IIRC most shops around here charge around 100 to do an XJ. Mine has privacy glass so I only had to tint the front windows.

 

[O-Gauge Steamer]

I have tinted more than one vehicle over the years...

To be honest, I remove the hatch from the vehicle to install the window film. Makes it easier to install the film. No, really. For me, it is easier to pull the hatch than to fight the film working upside down. With the hatch off, you can lay it flat and knock out the tint. I also use film designed for household use as it has a much better UV blocking than most automotive films. Plus better choices of tint percentage increments. Check your state's vehicle laws for maximum permissible tint.

When we were in Ohio in '91, I did my Wife's Mercurcy Marquis station wagon (Hey! we had just had a kid and needed a kid carrier...), took me a few hours but came out just fine. Take your time, make sure the glass is spotless before you start as anything inbetween the glass and the film will show big time. The Merc had a rear window sefrost and the tint held up just fine.

 

[xjwisconsin]

Ive got no problem with it ending up looking a little booty fab. Honestly with three kids in the back seat I imagine the back windows are gonna get fairly scratched up. I have time and little to do right now as I am unemployed for at least another month. Looking for low buck ways to entertain myself...

Has anyone had any experience good or bad with the precut ebay tint kits....?

 

[BIGSLVRXJ]

I have tinted a couple sets at home myself. I always get angry because I have tiny bubbles so I usually rip it off and have it professionally done. If you do it, don't buy the Wal-Mart stuff, try to atleast spend a little bit on the roll. I have used Gila brand with decent results from O'Reillys/Advance/Autozone. After several years it will turn purple, but looks good until then. The key in my experience is to just make sure you mix up the adhesion solution well and keep it VERY wet while you're positioning the tint. It's really not that tough, just takes time, practice, and a clean work area. Good luck!