Mazda 3s Hatch tint

[Guest M3tint]

I have a 2005 Mazda 3s hatch. I love the car, but unless you're running at highway speeds the AC is a little weak and takes awhile to cool down the interior. I'm hoping tinting will make VA summers easier to live with. The car is a medium gray with a dark (mostly black) cloth interior. I've contacted a couple of tinters in my area. One sells Llumar, the other Suntek. VA only allows 50%35%35%. I'd prefer to stick with one tint % on the side windows, but since heat reduction is a primary objective, I'll probably go with what the law allows. I'm also concerned and curious about what I've read about metal films and cell phone reception, is the effect that bad? At the same time, I can't really afford to pay the price I was quoted for a ceramic job. From what I saw, both installers do good work. I'd very much appreciate any advice anyone cares to supply. I'm about 50 miles from the DC area and could be swayed into making a trip downtown if the advice is compelling enough.

Thanks in advance

[Guest chris8091]

I have used Action Tint in Fredericksburg and had Llumar installed on two cars there. The second job wasnt as good as the first one and was kinda pricey compared to the workmanship. The films I used were plat plus on the first care (great install and good heat rejection) and stealth on the 2nd car (ok install, not great and good heat rejection).

I havent noticed any drop in signal in these two cars.

I know the guys here wont like it, but I did get 35% all the way around. I didnt want to have 35 on the back and 50 on the front. I have never been bothered about my tint, but then again, I drive normal cars, not modded and am not an obnoxious driver.

I am talking to a mobile guy (who also has shop) in richmond who appears to do pretty good work, he is getting some Formula One Pinnacle in to install in my new car. I also plan to do 35 all the way around. I picked Pinnacle b/c I dont want the tint to interfere with AM/FM radio or navigation. If you want his name or want to know how it turns out, let me know.

[micro-edge]

Either film should be fine like llu atr or suntek hp or carbon. The metal shouldn't affect you cell phone. Go with which ever company you got the best vibe from and a written manufacures warranty and you'll be fine. I know I'll get razzed by the guys for this but I wouldn't mess with F1 even though it's another branch of cpfilms.

[Guest M3tint]

Thanks to both of you for sharing your advice and experience. I spend a fair amount of time in the car and rely on my cell phone alot so I'd hate to compromise it with the wrong tint job.

Chris, if decide to go with the Richmond installer, I would appreciate it if you'd share the outcome in your post or mine. Richmond isn't to far away to consider.

Cheers

[VIP tint + glass]

the llumar atr, stealth, pp, and atx all have great heat rejections. the stealth I believe has been discontinued though. the atx is the one that can state it wont interfere with cell phone reception, however I have never noticed any reception loss in the past 10 years ive been using llumar. the ceramic films are more efficient though, meaning you will get more heat rejection with such a light film. all of llumar films that I listed are manu. lifetime warranty so you'll be good there. but I think the atr would look the best because the stealth, atx, and pp in 35% are all a little shiny.

IMHO I would take the advice from chris and go 35 all around. will look better but you are risking it. anything will look pretty dark on your car cuz its dark interior and light color.