A4NCAR

I haven't looked into window tint for a while, but I just discovered "ceramic tint". Sure looks intriguing. I stopped by my tint shop yesterday, looking to get new tint, because I'm not totally satisfied with the "green" cast that mine has. I'm also kind of burned out on "dark" tint and want a lighter looking one, which will still yeild good protection from heat, glare, UV,.. etc., but also look more neutral, or charcoal, like traditional dye tints (or Classic Series).

I've heard that Audi glass is pretty green and in combination with the FormulaOne "Premier Series" tint, because of its high reflectivity, the green color became more apparent once it was installed. I was looking to get the "Ultimate Series" instead, but after looking at it again and talking with the tint dealer, I realized that it actually has a "green" cast to it on it's own (more so then the Premier). Thing is, it is not as reflective though, so it's hard to say whether it would have that "green" look to it once installed. He then mentioned a new "ceramic" tint which had more of the classic "charcoal tint" look to it and no color. Also that it has much better properties for heat, glare, IR, UV,.. reduction, doesn't interfere with electronics reception (cell, stereo, GPS,..) and looks good. It's not reflective like the other metal tint (more like the dyed tints) and yet still has a range of semi dark to lighter tinting affects.

Downside...(and a big one at that) is cost. Very expensive. I can get a deal at my shop because I'm a repeat customer (too many years), but it's still more then the metal tint. It's sort of promotional too, since FormulaOne has just released it recently. They also have to remove all my tint (which could run $80-$100). I like it though and it will give me what I want. Thinking to do their 35% all around. I called Auto Mall Tint Factory for a quote; $510!! <thud! - falling on the floor>. I don't mind paying the slightly higher prices for tint being done at my shop because they take care of me and my car (replacing it for any reason). But $510?!? Whoa. That's getting high. Still, since it will last a decade or more, that makes it more reasonable - somewhat. The "new" good stuff always costs more.

Ceramic Tints:

Llumar "FormulaOne" Pinnacle Series
Huper Optik <a href="http://www.huperoptikusa.com/products_ceramic.cfm">Ceramic Series</a>

A couple installers of interest:

<a href="http://www.tintplus.com/">Tint Plus</a> in SoCal
<a href="http://www.automalltintfactory.com/270511.html">Auto Mall Tint Factory</a> in Fremont, MidCal




'04 S4 Avant from Auto Mall Factory;

<img src="http://www.automalltintfactory.com/files//2168964.JPG">

OC SoCal Agent Farva

I used Tint Plus for my old car (97 Camaro) Do you think they would give us a break if we both went in on a purchase? Like a small group buy? My quote was $310 for the ceramic but I have an A4 Sedan. Also what are some of the better tint options for a Dolphin A4?

OC SoCal Agent Farva

I just got off the phone with Tint Plus and Scott was saying that if you get a fully metallic tint it will screw up your AM radio reception? Anyone have the Forumla 1 Premiere or Ultimate series tint already on their car? If so do you notice any reception qulaity differences? Thanks!

2tu®bos1mission

If you go through with it, remove the old tint yourself.

ric714

I just went there, got the Titanium Tint, medium all the way around, and they did a great job, and was very inexpensive. They guys there were super friendly too.

A4QS

Off topic - xcellent quality pic, what camera did you use?

fourwheelslide

Yeah! I can't get AM reception at all!

A4NCAR

Only listen to FM or CD's. Can't tell if it causes problems as I think FM reception sucks anyways.

There's a few here who got the Ultimate Series.

A4NCAR

Matt migh tbe willing to offer a little deal if you mention I referred you to him an dseeing that you are a repeat customer.

I wouldn't go dark on the Dolphin. I think 35-38% or the 30.40% ceramic would look good.

A4NCAR

Not my pic. From Auto Mall Tint Factory...