I'm planning on ordering an astro black mini next week and I think I'm going to get the windows tinted. Does anyone know of a good place in the Houston area and about how much it costs to get this done...also, what percentage can you go to before it becomes illegal

 

Here in MA, the darkest you can go is 35%. Shops around here are charging between $150-$200. Make sure the shop use either metallic or ceramic tints because dyed tints just absorb heat and change colors.

 

Texas laws allow you to go a bit darker.

Basically, 25% transmittance minimum and 25% reflectance maximum. This is supposed to be checked in the annual state inspection.

If you've got dual rear mirrors, there is no minimum on the rear window. You can black it out if you want. Otherwise it's also 25%.

From the mouth of the horse:

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/Misc/faq/tint.htm

Metallic isn't a bad idea, but you've got to watch the reflectance. The shop should be able to guide you as to what's legal, as in Texas they have to affix a sticker between the film and the glass on the side windows asserting legal compliance.

Can't recommend a place in Houston, though Alta Mere probably has a franchise there, I've had work done by them before in Fort Worth and Austin. I'm taking mine Saturday to Sun Tint in Austin, they've been around for 25 years, so they must be doing something right. Had a Honda tinted there 10 years ago, and the tint hasn't had a problem. No purple, no bubbling.

 

yes yes yes.
A terrific guy to go to is
Gary Smith
GMS Auto Tint
16920 Kuykendahl
Ste. 127
Houston, TX 77068
713-705-3651

I found him through the Cooper Flags site but he works out of the Mini of the Woodlands dealership. (he rents space from them I think) I can't remember exactly what it cost me, around $125 - $150? He will only do legal tint, but that is plenty dark enough for me. He specializes in Minis but does other cars also.

In fact he's doing our Altima on Friday. He's charging us $125 for the Altima (it's a '96 and has smaller windows than the newer ones)

I have been very satisfied with his work and the tint he used.

 

Here's a PDF that summarizes things.

http://www.hptruegrey.com/Assets/PDF...nting_Laws.pdf

I'm probably going to stick with 35% T and < 20% R all around as that'll get me into most states without problems.

Remember if you travel to states where the tinting laws are stricter, you can be ticketed. Georgia can put you in jail if you drive around there with too-dark windows.

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/16/1602.asp

 

Wow, that's insane.

 

I just had new tints added to my '05 R53 on Sunday. Basically I got Llumar auto window tint 30% fronts (legal in Florida) and 15% out in the back windows. It looks fantastic on my CR/W MCS and provides great protection against UV rays. Now my 4 month old baby boy can ride back there comfortably without the sun hitting him on his face.

I haven't taken any pics yet but will do later today. You can't tell the transition from 35% fronts and 15% out in the back.

Night visibility is very good with 15%. Anything lower than 15-20% light transmission is going to make night driving an absolute chore.

 

Thanks very much for the replies especially pottermom. I plan on going to mini of the woodlands to order, so I guess I shouldn't have a problem.

 

Glad to help.
when you going to order?
They have a LOT of MINI's on the lot right now. Probably twenty or so, all different packages and colors. I spent my hour today (while getting my oil changed) wandering around. The service advisor said I looked "hungry" I told him with only 12,000 miles on my baby I was still being fed quite well.

 

I'm going to put the order in on Monday. Astro black mini with rooster red/piano black interior, lots of chrome, and dark tinted windows

I'm not sure whether or not to get a dark silver swoop on the front or 2 bonnets.

Do you know Aka, he's the one whose been helping me and he's very friendly

 

Got my tint today. Solar Gard High Performance Charcoal 32 (35% T, 8% R) all around. No sunroof tint.

It strikes a good balance between the black top and the DS body, and it's not too much darker than the black surrounds on the window. Any darker and there'd be too much contrast there, IMO. It's also the best heat rejection in the legal range, with tht exception of the Quantum 28, which is too shiny-looking. (I geeked it before going to the tint place.)

Cost around $160.

Pics maybe tomorrow.