Buying New Glass - How Dark of Tint Should I Go?

[Ferf]

I will be buying all new glass for my '65 Mustang coupe. The car is painted black with a two-toned black and off-white interior. Most aftermarket mustang parts houses sell smoked glass that has a 32% tint to them. However, I did find one place that sells all the glass that is smoked to a 20% level.

From the few pictures that I have seen, the 32% does not look all that dark. I am thinking that with a black paint job, the darker the windows are the better it will look. What are your thoughts and opinions on the level of tint that I should go with 32% or 20%. Also, if you guys have pictures of a classic Mustang with 32% or 20% tint then please post them so I can take a look!

Thanks!

 

[2+2GT]

Well, you have to ask, what are the state laws, and how will local law enforcement react to dark glass. If you get pulled over for speeding at 11:30 p.m., and have dark glass, I guarantee you'll get the two-patrol-car-guns-drawn treatment. If they cannot see you, they are going to be very careful.

 

[grainboy]

32 is generally legal in all 50. 20 is close enough, that you usually wont get pulled over for it. Back window can be limo, so you only need to be concerned with the sides.

 

[Ferf]

Well, you have to ask, what are the state laws, and how will local law enforcement react to dark glass. If you get pulled over for speeding at 11:30 p.m., and have dark glass, I guarantee you'll get the two-patrol-car-guns-drawn treatment. If they cannot see you, they are going to be very careful.

I also live in PA. Every site I check, it states a different law for tint in PA and I am not sure how our state troopers react to tinted windows. With the car being a classic it won't be drivin often late at night. Also the car is restored to a high level and I will probably have antique plates on the car. So I am hoping that any state trooper will cut me some slack there.

I have heard with window tint film troopers can fine you and make you remove the tinted film from the windows. However in my case the glass is smoked and the tinting is actually part of the glass. If I run antique plates, I don't need to get my car inspected so I don't have to worry about having my car pass a state inspection. If I was to but busted for the darker tint, would the courts force me to replace all the glass in car?

I have been pulled over one time late at night in my SUV. I rolled down my window and placed my hands outside the window. When the trooper arrived at my window I simply told him that I wouldn't want to be a trooper approaching a vehicle late at night and I simply placed my hands outside the window to show him that I was not up to anything. He seemed to appreciate it.

 

[2+2GT]

I also live in PA. Every site I check, it states a different law for tint in PA and I am not sure how our state troopers react to tinted windows. With the car being a classic it won't be drivin often late at night. Also the car is restored to a high level and I will probably have antique plates on the car. So I am hoping that any state trooper will cut me some slack there.

Good luck with the antique application with dark glass. PA will turn you down if you have aftermarket wheels- I know people personally who have borrowed a set of wheels just for registration. I even had to provide one guy original Ford brochure photos just to get his car approved with factory original styled steel wheels.

I have heard with window tint film troopers can fine you and make you remove the tinted film from the windows. However in my case the glass is smoked and the tinting is actually part of the glass. If I run antique plates, I don't need to get my car inspected so I don't have to worry about having my car pass a state inspection. If I was to but busted for the darker tint, would the courts force me to replace all the glass in car?

Maybe.

I have been pulled over one time late at night in my SUV. I rolled down my window and placed my hands outside the window. When the trooper arrived at my window I simply told him that I wouldn't want to be a trooper approaching a vehicle late at night and I simply placed my hands outside the window to show him that I was not up to anything. He seemed to appreciate it.

If your engine is off, interior lights on, and driver window open with hands visible on the top edge of the door with paperwork at the time the officer approaches, makes the who incident go smoother. I am convinced I went from a ticket to a friendly warning at least twice in my lifetime for doing this.

 

[tx65coupe]

I don't know what the tint laws are there. Usually 30 is legal in most areas. I like 20 though. Its not really that dark. I would think as long as you don't have limo which is 5 you should be ok. Don't quote me on that though.

 

[NasaGT]

Here in Virginia, the front side windows can only be 50%, the rear side and rear glass can be 35%. 'Limo' or 5% is outlawed on regular vehicles. I know several people who have received tickets for tint violations.

 

[NasaGT]

Ferf - FYI, PA DOT web site says 30% on side and rear. I would think that their web site would be accurate.

 

[hhead]

32 is generally legal in all 50. 20 is close enough, that you usually wont get pulled over for it. Back window can be limo, so you only need to be concerned with the sides.

Hmm...depends on the cop!
Hear in Ca. No tint is legal on side windows, period. They can let you 'slide'. But at ANY time you MAY be ticketed for tinted driver's and pass windows. A fix-it, probably $20 now a days, but then you've got to put it back on later.
I will say, I run 20 rear with a gradual to the front of 50 on driver's and passenger side.
Never been ticketed for them. But 50 is pretty light. Just depends on the cop.

Looking at the OP. I would definitely look into DMV laws. I can see an issue in CA with smoked glass and not tinted windows. The law in Ca is: Nothing can obstruct a view thru the window. Which leaves a lot to interpretation.

 

[blown65]

I have 20% on mine. Actually all my vehicles do, but the Shelby is 18%. Got a perscription from the doc for tinted windows so I really can't get in trouble. I believe it's 30 or 32% in Oregon also.

Only been pulled over in the Shelby since it looks really dark. I don't think I've ever been pulled over in my 65 in all these years.