**Window Tinting Questions**

In two weeks I am going to have the windows on my SC Targa tinted.
My question is simple: Has anyone had any bad experiences with tinting the targa glass. I have been getting somewhat of a runaround from about half a dozen Tint shops in the area. Some places claim that they can tint the rear glass with one piece while others claim that to be imposible (due to warpage). Anyway I was hoping that someone might have some imput from past experiences or problems.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Leland

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Leland,

The unfortunate reality is that tinting a rear Targa glass correctly usually requires removal of the rear glass(mucho hours). Many can do it without but it is a difficult task. Ask them specifically to reference a customer they've done it for and check out the quality of the job. Professional standards are few and far between in the window tinting world. The old fashioned reference may be your most valuable tool. Good luck

Rich

Without commenting on the concept of tinting windows on a Porsche (well, maybe one comment, UGH!), unless there has been some significant advances in tinting film in the last few years (which I doubt), I really can't see how you could even come close to tinting the rear targa window with one piece of film. It just does not bend enough. In fact, you usually need many, many separate pieces of film to do it. Unfortunately, this usually leads to a far less than perfect job (they will cut the film and make the joints along the heater wires, but you usually can tell). Are they planning on spray painting the rear window or using other than film?!?

I don't really like tinting for a few reasons. First, its very hard for a perfectionist to have tinted windows, because no matter what you do, you are going to have imperfections, even on a professionally done, brand new job. And, over time, the film tends to pick up more nicks and scratches. After all, its basically just a giant sticker on your window. Those little imperfections drive me nuts. Second, it is very hard to remove the tint if it gets damaged or you get tired of it, particularly the tint film on rear windows that have heater wires in them. There is so much goop and sticky stuff that is it almost impossible to really get the rear window back to "clean" again without damaging the heater wires.

On the other hand, I suppose it does have some practical benefits. I like buying used cars with tinted windows because while it is some work getting the film off, the interior is usually in great shape because of the sun protection the film gave!

My car has black interior and no A/C.


Plus I like tinted windows.
So there. . .

I once read an article somewhere, possibly the Bruce Anderson book
(first edition, I think) about tinting the back window on a targa. It takes something like five pieces to match the curve, and make it last. Don't let them try to sell you on a one piece job.

I had my 83 targa done some years ago, it came out great. They just put the seams on the def. lines. I am looking into having my 73T done now.

The quality of the job rests with installer. Do your homework and find the tinting guru in your area. I've had all my cars tinted by the local expert and they all have turned out incredible. You cannot see a seam anywhere. The first job this person did for me was on my S10 back 15 years ago. I stripped that tint off last year because it had finally accumulated enough damage and fading. It would be difficult not to damage heating wires unless you really took your time. I had my targa done (in the car) but it was sold so I won't have to remove the tint in 15 years. By the way - the quality of the tint is very impotant. Some of it can fade or turn purple with age. Check it out and good luck.

Serge,

Bruce Anderson "Porsche 911 Performance Handbook" Second Edition,page 250. There is a brief note about tinting the rear window. They say to remove the window and use 8pcs of tint.