Tint - More Confused Than Ever!

[Guest Xr6Tas]

Sorry for yet another tint thread, but after discussing this issue with members here in the past I'm now more confused than ever!

Just when I was about to opt for metallic tint on sides and dye based on the rear window, Craig Waller from Westpoint sent me this memo from Ford

It states very clearly that metallic must not be used on any of the windows if you don’t wish to effect radio reception (both AM and FM).

This goes against what I’ve heard from other members here who have opted for metallic tint on the sides, and only dye based on the rear for better heat protection, and to reduce fading/discolouration of tint over time.

I have to make a decision on this soon and I really dont know which way to go. Radio is important to me so I’d prefer not effect reception, but on the other hand I want excellent heat protection and tint that doesn’t fade or discolour over time.

Please let me know which way you think I should go and/or post your experiences below.

Tint is done through ‘Tint a Car’ with Westpoint, so if I should ask for a particular type of tint available from them, that doesn’t effect reception and/or discolour, please let me know.

Thanks for your help.

[Cam]

Speak directly to Tint-A-Car they will be able to tell you what they have doen for BAs already.

The people I spoke to at tint a car said that it depends on the type of metal tint used and that the stuff they use does not effect radio reception (they also said that even the film that does only effects AM)

I am getting all round Metal time from tint a car

Keep in mind that this typ of technology isnt new BMW has been using it for many years, even camrys use it now.

[Cam]

I just read the memo (should have read it before my first reply)

They say the metallic film will 'short out' the antenna - this would only be the casre for films that do not have a polyester layer either side of the metal layers.

If you had a film that had a metal layer directly up against the windows then it could be a problem, but if the film used has polyester againg the window then it would not 'short out'

[CJF077]

Ive went dye based all around as recommended by Ford. It has a lifetime warranty on fading and its decent. Have no issues with radio reception or anything..

[BAXR6T]

I also went for the Dye based tint recommended by Ford. Apparently it's a new type of Dye that doesn't turn purple and has a lifetime warranty. Also apparantly not many places have the so called BA tint yet and are telling people to use Metallic tint. I don't know if this is true or not just what I have been told. Better to be safe than sorry in my case but there are people here who do have Metallic tint and it's fine.

Who knows what's right. If it does end up shorting out the antenna and it needs to be replaced are you covered by warranty when they use a disclaimer not to use metallic tint. Food for thought.

[Cam]

Who knows what's right. If it does end up shorting out the antenna and it needs to be replaced are you covered by warranty when they use a disclaimer not to use metallic tint. Food for thought.

If the antenna is shorted out it will not cause any damage to the car, radio or in fact the antenna at all. If it is shorted and you get sub-standard reception, then simply removing the window tint film will remove the short circuit and reception will return to normal.

Obviously this would still cost something (to replace the film) but it will not effect warrenty at all and the rear window wont need replacing.

[Guest UNB-10]

I got a quote from Super Tint, $275 (20%) 3M metalic Film on side windows and non-metalic on rear!

[Mondie]

Novus in town here did ours, metallic on the sides, dye on the rear window. Product is Sun Gard, lifetime warranty.

l often driving between Sale & Melb in the XR6T and sometimes in hired Commodores and l can tell you the reception in the Ford is MUCH better than the Holden. l didnt notice any loss of reception after tinting. l would lve to know why Ford say not to use metallic on the car at all.

The reason metallic tints are preffered over dye is because they are better at reflecting heat. For this reason l would go for metallic on the sides and dye on the rear window.

[PURSUTE]

I agree with cam here.

After reading previous threads on this subject, I went to the dealer and asked them about it.

They assured me that the tint (metalic all round on a ute) was tested and approved on the BA's. They even showed me some advertising material stating this.

As I have this assurance from both the dealer and the tint company I am going to let them go ahead.

Hopefully it will be fine, but even if it does *beep* up the reception, at least I have some evidence to suggest that I researched the product and was assured that it would be OK. Therefore either Ford or the tint place should cover it under warranty.

[Guest Xr6Tas]

I don't think this thread has helped much! I think I'll just have to accept that XR6T owners are divided over this issue and make up my own mind.

If I can get the metallic tint all round that doesn’t effect radio reception then that sounds like the best option. Otherwise I think I'll stick to dye based all round for consistency.

Thanks for the input guys.