Suggestions needed for Rabbit/GTI/R32

January 1, 2008

I had my 2008 VW R32 (same body shape as the rabbit and GTI) tinted 2 months ago with the Sungard Shadow 32% film and it has developed a lot of distortion on the rear hatch along the defroster line. I searched and came across this thread that has a picture showing what I am talking about: http://www.tintdude.com/forum/lofiversion/...php/t27172.html

I understand that it is normal for this to happen but I talked to some tinters that said although they can't guarantee anything but using a different kind of film may help, but they don't know which is the right one. I know couple other people that have the same type of car as I do, and although they have some distortion on their rear hatch as well, it's a lot less than what I have on mine.

The question is what kind of film do you guys suggest to use if I want to re-tint the rear hatch considering the situation. I am looking for a film that'll have minimal distortion and matches what I have on the side with the Sungard film. Also, I know there are some films that are great, but really tricky for the installers to install, because I am not familiar with the tinter's skill, I wish to avoid those options as well.

Here's couple options that I have right now

1. Go back to the original tinter and re-tint with Sungard Shadow film, the other tinters said the original work done was pretty good so they think maybe the problem is within the film so yeah..

2. 3M CS film...the only carrier around this area only has 3M CS 20% so there might be a big difference in the darkness..plus I've heard even though they are good film, but it's a little tricky to put on

3. Llumar ATR 35% or 20%, I know Llumar carries 30%, but the shop I went to doesn't have it.

4. Formula one ceremic film 35% or 20%

5. Anyone that has worked with this type of car that knows a good film to use for my problem, throw out as many suggestions as you can, the distortions make it really hard to drive at night so I would really appreciate it if I can get some input on this. Thanks

BTW.. I am located in the Seattle/Puyallup WA area, so if there's anyone out there that can help me out, let me know too!!

BIG E · January 1, 2008

A thinner film (one ply) is generally less quality but will help slightly! :rollin

January 1, 2008

Even with a 1 mil dyed film there's no guarantee it will go away.

autoez22 · January 1, 2008

I would say learn to like it.....or have it removed....like they said its kinda just one of those things. I have had people call back in a few months and question it. They eventully just got used to it.

January 1, 2008

I had a older lady with a camero/firebird late 90's, she had the same problem, I wound up removing the film from the back window completly for her, as it was too "distracting" to look out of at night. that is an option (I tinted it with a 20% then R&R'd and put on a 35%) darkness didn't matter, same problem.

My :rollin film brand isn't going to matter, it is caused by the light refracting between the defrost lines, ALL film mfg. are going to do it :spit so don't get caught up in "brand 'a' sux, used brand 'b' because it won't do it

Like others have said, learn to live with it, or have it removed completly.

Good Luck, Happy New Year and :poke to the board

:spit :lol2

January 1, 2008

I don't expect it to go away completely, just want it to lessen the effect..cause right now if the headlight is aiming at the dead center...I'll see light refraction along the defogger up to 4-5 rows above and below where the actually headlight is. If I can lessen it to 1-2 rows or somethign that'll be very nice.

Thanks for the input guys....but any suggetions on the specific brand/kind of film if you guys have worked with these cars before? Or maybe just inputs on the options that I listed out.

Thanks

January 1, 2008

Adjust your rear view mirror. This has help some of my customers. Tilting it just down or up can help.

Roach · January 1, 2008

Sorry to get off topic, but since you're new you can't PM yet...

How do you like the car?? Have you ever driven the first R32 to be able to compare the two??

-R

January 1, 2008

It's ok about getting off the topic, I love talking about R32s. It's been a mixed feeling about the car since the 2 months ownership. The mechanical stuff (engine, transmission, 4-wheel drive) is absolutely fantastic, but there are some reliability issues. Nothing too big, just some rattling and trim pieces falling apart, not a big deal but it can be a little annoying since the car is brand new. However, all those issues aside, once you get in the car and start driving it, you forget about all that.

The DSG is fantastic with the sports mode and launch control, the seats are well supported on the side, has lots of standard features such as sunroof, 6-disk changer with MP3 capability, 10 speakers with an amp, auxilary input, heated leather seats, on board computer,hydrolic brake assist etc etc.

I did not own the 04 R32, but I've driven it couple times, and it's fantastic as well. It all depends on what you are looking for, I do miss having a manual car, but the DSG in the 08 are worth giving it a try nontheless. To me, the 04 is more of a driver's car, it's more edgy and raw, and the 08 is more luxurious and refined so there's is a trade off between the two. Both are great car and I was gonna get the 04 when it came out couple years ago but the dealer screwed up my deal so I have love and respect for both.

Now that we are finished with the R32....suggestions are still needed for my tint problem...besides just getting used to it or remove it lol.

January 1, 2008

Forgot to point out in the previous post...

the 04 R32's seats are simply FANTASTIC, better than the already above average seats in the 08s in my opinion and it's exclusive to the R32. In the 08, they just use the top of the line GTI seats with R stichings, but you do get a limited edition number plaque of XXXX/5000 produced on the steering wheel on the 08, reminds you how special the car is everytime you look at it!!