DIY Window Tint - Best approach?

[3D914]

Getting ready to refurbish the AC in my 74 - 2.0L, and it occurred to me that I should add some window tint (not too dark) to help keep the car cool in this Phoenix sun.

Haven't done this for many many years. Whats out there that works well and won't peel off in a year or two?

TIA

[rich]

I like to wash the glass a couple of times. Then using a little glass cleaner and dish soap solution I re-wet the glass and carefully slide a new razor blade over the glass removing any film or bug juice that the first two washings didn't get. Careful not to dig the blade into the glass. I've heard that you can order plastic blades from your GM parts man. I guess GM (and maybe others) have what is refered to as soft glass. This will help in getting a nice clean film.

Good luck

[toman]

I can't say much about the tinting itself, except that that there are plenty of websites out there dedicated to the subject. On cleaning the glass, however, I would say to be safe clean it with acid. This will get any water spots and other nasty junk off, stuff that a razor blade won't. (trust me, I work in a detail shop.) As far as where to get acid, thats a good question. Try a detail shop. (Aren't I helpful?)



:edit: You could also try your local drug dealer.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Or you could try your kitchen. Distilled white vinegar is a pretty good "clean" acetic acid.

--DD

[JWest]

I think you will have a hard time scratching the tempered glass on the side windows with a razor blade. The laminated glass of the windsheild is much softer, though. The plastic razor blades are for some late model (GM I think) cars that had a film of some sort on the windshield from the factory. A steel razor could quickly destroy these.

James