DIY Tint Thread

[trd_st184]

I'm wanting to tint the Celica myself (willing to give it a go)

Is there anyone in Melbourne where I could source out some good quality window tint in say 4 metre length?

[Cuzzo]

if your really keen yeah do it,

if you learning + materials is worth less than the price of the job = go for it!

theres a couple of tinters on here that can help, you'll just have to search.

[trd_st184]

Thanks for your optimism mate,
In the end i'll be happy with the job either way. I might get a top job from paying someone but its something I am strongly believing its doable.

[YLD-16L]

Thanks for your optimism mate,
In the end i'll be happy with the job either way.

Not if one of those ways turns out to be bubble tint

Keep us posted on how it goes, pics are mandatory when finished of course

[eeeyan]

It may look easy, but its actually quite tricky if you've never done it before give it a go but honestly i would pay for a professional job. If u bugger it up its a pain to peel/clean off and start again as well.

[trd_st184]

The only reasons for bubbling tint are cheap quality tint and bad preparation on the surface (and making sure all air bubbles are out lol)

But pics will be mandatory for sure

[MWP]

On this topic, i want to redo my tinting as well.

Whats the best way to remove tint?
Is there a way it can be removed without destroying the rear window demister?

[trd_st184]

There are quite a few tutorials online

You need a really hot day to do the back window

You cover the outside of the back window with a garbage bag. After a while you then apply the garbage bag to the inside and wait a while.

It should just peel off eventually without having to use a scrapper.

Heres another link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xokv...eature=related

[trd_st184]

So far this company in croydon hills looks like the place to go
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PREMIUM-BLACK...#ht_8531wt_939

Also they sell tool kits for about $25

[tooch]

I'm always up for DIY nearly everything when it comes to cars, but tinting is one of those things I'd never bother to try. I've never seen a good DIY tint job. Such a headfuck of a job cutting the film precisely so it goes right to the edges of the panels, getting a proper edge so it doesn't peel, and shrinking the tint film to fit curved glass.
I reckon the ST18x back window would have to be one of the worst to do as it's so curved. It's not just a matter of cut and stick, you have to shrink it in the right places to make it contour properly. Also being pillarless windows on the doors, you'll have to be pretty precise and go right to the edges or it'll look shite.

Sorry Adrian, not trying to put a downer on you at all, I hope you succeed with it! I just personally wouldn't go spending $100-200 on film, and possibly rooting it up, when you can get it done by a pro with a lifetime warranty for a little over $200

EDIT: Just saw how cheap the film is, so disregard my comments on price

[trd_st184]

Yeah totally understand tooch.

Thanks for the heads up. Its only gonna cost me about $35 for the tint.

The back window isn't too bad, i've been reading up a lot of tutorials with regards to shrinking it first.

The edges aren't hard to do at all, you trim it once the tint is on the window, and you use the razor blade against the edge of the window to get the trim right to the edge.

Hey tooch how have you been made? Long time no speak we'll have to go for a cruise one day again.

[tooch]

Meh $35 give it a go if you have the spare time I say!
I suppose if you take your time doing it and make sure everything is prepped 100% then you might end up ok.

Yeah I've been good mate, haven't been around the Toyota boards much lately. Gotta start prepping the Group A and maybe AW11 to sell them, they've been sitting all lifeless in my carport for months now

[trd_st184]

What are those awesome rims your riding on mate? They are similar to what i'm looking at for the celica. Red and White is what i'm trying to go for

[tooch]

They're Advanti Rally Tech's. Just cheapo rims really but they look good and I got them dirt cheap at the time! I think they suit the Celica's well with the rally themed styling

[trd_st184]

offtopic - I can't seem to find your members ride