Sunday, July 24, 2011

Window Tinting

Amazingly, this is one mod that I wasn't too keen on. In actuality my wife wanted me to do this, as there was too much sun coming into the rear seats where my daughter rides in her baby seat.

So the search was on for a place in Japan that 1) does a good job, and 2) for reasonable money. I thought briefly about doing this myself, but given dad duties my weekends aren't as free as they used to be, so in this case, if the price was right...

A quick internet search showed that some places charge nearly 80,000 yen! This covers the rear three glass windows, and some UV cutting clear film for the front side windows. I then stumbled upon RAPT, a detailing shop about 10 minutes drive from where I live!

http://www.rapt.cc/rapt-main.html


And, their pricing was the best that I found, under 36,000 yen for what others were charging 80,000 yen. Still not as cheap as I remember window tinting in the US, (like $200?) but for location, speed, and quality, I wasn't going to complain. Plus, as they are mainly a detailer, I figured I could pick up a few tricks... maybe...

Anyway, here are photos of the finished result.


I chose the sides to be as dark as legally possible - so the side rear windows are 5% (ie they only let 5% of light through).


The rear window is 15% - can you tell the difference?


I have to say it turned out better than I thought. Although the detail obsessed in me will probably require the rears to be changed to 5% in the very near future...

PS check out the RAPT demo car, one of the most spectacular FDs I've ever seen...
http://www.rapt.cc/demo.html

No comments: