just a quick thought. Who here will be tinting the windows?? It is pretty evident to me that the new rx8 will be coming to the US with an almost non existant tint to all windows.
I will be considering it strongly........a nice legal tint (35 percent wher I live) to offset the light color I selected. Also does anyone know of any effect it has on the glass mounted radio antennna that I assume the rx8 is coming with?

I am also considering putting 35% tint on the side windows - darker on the rear.

I'll probably do a very light tint on the front windows. It's technically illegal in Jersey but I hate getting sunburned arms, so I'll keep it light and have a UV protectant tint on.

I won't be tinting the back though, as my radar detector's usefulness gets cut down signifigantly by doing that.

Originally posted by Hercules
I'll probably do a very light tint on the front windows. It's technically illegal in Jersey but I hate getting sunburned arms, so I'll keep it light and have a UV protectant tint on.

I won't be tinting the back though, as my radar detector's usefulness gets cut down signifigantly by doing that.
Hehehe... radar detectors are illegal in Ontario.

Originally posted by Hercules
...I won't be tinting the back though, as my radar detector's usefulness gets cut down signifigantly by doing that... That's only if the tint is metallic (regular tint does not affect radar reception), and only if you have a radar detector with a rear antennae (as in the Valentine 1).

---jps

i definitely want to tint too.

are you guys referring to the tinting that's supposedly an option in the "accessories list" that's coming out in march, or aftermarket tinting?

in either case, how much do you think it'll cost for tinting the 8's windows?

I'll definitely be tinting. I like the look of dark windows. I plan to tint the back window and rear door windows pretty dark. I'll put a light tint on the front windows (it's illegal here in CA too, but as long as it's really light, they don't usually bother you). I wasn't aware that tinting would be a dealer option. I was planning on having it done aftermarket. I would expect it to cost about $160-$200 to tint the 5 windows....

$160-200?... that's great.
does anyone know if there are big differences the *quality* of tints? i don't really know too much about how tints are achieved, but i just think tints achieved by applying those films are really horrible looking.

I would expect it to cost about $160-$200 to tint the 5 windows....

Not bad but fortunately for me I have a cousin who can do it for free. But my parents probably will force me to pay him. He tinted my last two cars for basically $50 U.S. for all five windows. And he does it well. None of those bubblely ones done by those gimpish cheap ass losers.

My first car had a very dark tint. sucks though everytime I get pulled over I always roll down all my windows. luckily I have people in the car to roll down the windows for me most of the time.

and of course I would make the back especially dark. So that I won't go blind by those SUV's. They should pass a law to make the headlights become bright to a certain point. I'm always being blinded by them on the freeway.

The GT has a auto dimming rear-view mirror remember?

Man I have a Miata now and it isn't when the big SUV's and trucks pull up on me and shine their light in my rear window, it is when they are left or right of center and one headlight is shining right in my sideview mirror. That is the biggest problem I have. Or when you get pulled over and cop shines his spot light right on your driver's side mirror, I always end up adjusting the mirror to point away from me when they do that shit.

Originally posted by rtryboi
...does anyone know if there are big differences the *quality* of tints? i don't really know too much about how tints are achieved, but i just think tints achieved by applying those films are really horrible looking. It depends on the film quality. There is stuff that lasts longer than the car, and stuff that is only guaranteed for a year (for a reason). Have you ever seen cars with windows that seem to have a purple tint? That's not a fashion statement, that was simply cheap tint that faded to purple. And just like alarms, installation is more important to the final effect than the material itself. A good installation can't make bad tint last longer, but a bad installation will make good tint look bad and fail quickly.

---jps

Originally posted by Y&Y
So that I won't go blind by those SUV's. They should pass a law to make the headlights become bright to a certain point. I'm always being blinded by them on the freeway.

Use to be, long, long ago that part of some state safety inspections was to ensure your headlights were properly aimed so as not to blind the car in front of you with your low beams. Then the trend of big wheels on little trucks started and the headlight elevation increased. Unfortunately, the new height was not taken into account with aiming alignments if they were still done. There was one truck that came up behind me that must have been 2 feet above normal height. Actually would have been better if he had his high beams on. They would have shot over the top of my car :p

And nowadays, SUVs and trucks seem to be designed to irritate the rest of us at night with their jacked up bodies and abnormally high headlights.

If I ruled the world, the headlights would be required to be no more than whatever the height is for normal cars with normal ground clearance. What, 18-24"? Like semis. Their lights stay low, though their truck be large.

Sorry; pet peeve of mine:mad:

If I ruled the world, the headlights would be required to be no more than whatever the height is for normal cars with normal ground clearance. What, 18-24"? Like semis. Their lights stay low, though their truck be large.
That's a good point! Headlights should be xx" from the ground, period, regardless of the vehicle.

Anyone else have opinions on this?

I will get the Pentagon security tint that I talked about ages ago just for a little extra security.

Originally posted by jonalan

That's a good point! Headlights should be xx" from the ground, period, regardless of the vehicle.

Anyone else have opinions on this?

Headlights are a minor concern. I'm more worried about freakin' bumpers! They're regulated on big-rigs that the bumper has to be within a certain height (I don't know the exact figures), but for trucks, there's no regulation! That's freaky when you consider that there are Ford Excursions that have bumpers that hit the middle of your rear-window. If they rear end you, they're going over the top! If you rear end them, you'll be lucky to not be decapitated!!!!

Headlights would be good too, but I'd rather have to flip my mirrors for a second than have a trucks oil pan in my back seat!

Actually I think Ford and subsidiary Volvo have been leading the charge to lower SUV/Truck bumpers to minimize risk/damage to passenger cars.

Originally posted by ZoomZoom

Hehehe... radar detectors are illegal in Ontario.

I think tinting isn't really allowed in Ont, either. ;) Heck, seems everything is illegal. They just don't want us to have fun! :mad:

Regardless of that previous statement, I will probably tint anyways. I might even get a radar detector. I have a feeling Red is going to cause me some headaches with the police. Has anyone ever done this in Ontario? Ever been caught with one?

Originally posted by Danomite


I think tinting isn't really allowed in Ont, either. ;) Heck, seems everything is illegal. They just don't want us to have fun! :mad:

Regardless of that previous statement, I will probably tint anyways. I might even get a radar detector. I have a feeling Red is going to cause me some headaches with the police. Has anyone ever done this in Ontario? Ever been caught with one?

Radar detectors are definitely illegal in Ontario, both Metro and the OPP have radar detector detectors so be very careful! As far as window tinting goes, 35% is the maximum allowed on the sides, I forget what is allowed on the rear but any tint shop will be able to tell you.

BTW, what Mazda dealership did you order your 8 from?

Originally posted by ZoomZoom


Radar detectors are definitely illegal in Ontario, both Metro and the OPP have radar detector detectors so be very careful! As far as window tinting goes, 35% is the maximum allowed on the sides, I forget what is allowed on the rear but any tint shop will be able to tell you.

BTW, what Mazda dealership did you order your 8 from?

Are there not radar detectors that beat the radar detector detectors? I could be wrong, but I thought there were really advanced ones out there that can basically go undetected.

Oh, that's right, it is 35%. I had my previous car tinted at 35%, but it was too light. I would probably go darker. I hear they don't cause you too much grief. You would think the police would have better things to do anyways.

I ordered from Dufferin Mazda. I wasn't all that impressed with the dealership (kinda rundown) and the salespeople didn't seem all that knowledgeable, but it was one of the few places left that had preorder slots. I don't plan on using that as my dealership for service after I pick up the car though. How about you? Which dealership did you order from?

There are a few radar detectors on the market that claim that they are "sealed" so that the emissions cannot be detected by the police; personally I do not know if this really works. Then there are radar "jammers" that are supposed to jam the radar guns; I am even more skeptical of these devices.

Both 73JPS and I purchased our 8's from Westowne Mazda in Etobicoke, a very friendly dealership with knowledgeable staff. On occasion 73JPS and I go out for pints here in Etobicoke, if you are interested in coming out one evening just PM me.

Originally posted by Danomite
...Are there not radar detectors that beat the radar detector detectors? I could be wrong, but I thought there were really advanced ones out there that can basically go undetected... When the first VG-2s (radar detector detectors) came out, most of the super-heterodyne radar detectors emitted oscillations in the same basic frequencies, and that's what the VG-2s listen for. Since then, manufacturers simply modified their radar detectors to emit different frequencies instead, so the VG-2 can't detect them. They aren't "sealed" or anything. Over a year ago, there has been at least one radar detector detector in testing in Canada that covers ALL frequencies, and NO radar detectors are immune to it.

In the U.S. an active radar jammer is easily detected, and is a violation of FCC rules (meaning it's a federal offense to use it, with some very very stiff fines, think 5 figures).

---jps

Originally posted by Sputnik
When the first VG-2s (radar detector detectors) came out, most of the super-heterodyne radar detectors emitted oscillations in the same basic frequencies, and that's what the VG-2s listen for. Since then, manufacturers simply modified their radar detectors to emit different frequencies instead, so the VG-2 can't detect them. They aren't "sealed" or anything. Over a year ago, there has been at least one radar detector detector in testing in Canada that covers ALL frequencies, and NO radar detectors are immune to it.

In the U.S. an active radar jammer is easily detected, and is a violation of FCC rules (meaning it's a federal offense to use it, with some very very stiff fines, think 5 figures).

---jps

Man, this is a downer. :(

I guess I'm going to have to just drive slowly. Apparently, the OPP has added a whole bunch of full-time Highway Rangers to monitor the 400 series 24/7. They want to slow everyone down under 120 km/hr.

Originally posted by ZoomZoom


Both 73JPS and I purchased our 8's from Westowne Mazda in Etobicoke, a very friendly dealership with knowledgeable staff. On occasion 73JPS and I go out for pints here in Etobicoke, if you are interested in coming out one evening just PM me.

Thanks for the offer ZoomZoom, but I'm a ways from Etobicoke. I'm closer to the East side ... and with no car ... yet ... :D

Actaully, radar jammers are legal in the US if the signal they emit is within a specified frequency range and does not exceed certain output wattage. I don't have the specific details handy, but they are easy to find.

I am sure there is a company in Colorado that has made good equipment in the past.

I do remember reading an article several years ago (possibly Popular Mechanics) about an Airforce pilot who painted his car using some paint meant for a F-117 stealth fighter. The flat black paint dries as a matrix that absorbs radar signals instead of reflecting them. They tested him as invisible to conventional speed radar. Not sure how it would work today.

Originally posted by red_base 95
Actaully, radar jammers are legal in the US if the signal they emit is within a specified frequency range and does not exceed certain output wattage. I don't have the specific details handy, but they are easy to find.

Serious? We're getting a raw deal here in Ontario. :mad:


I do remember reading an article several years ago (possibly Popular Mechanics) about an Airforce pilot who painted his car using some paint meant for a F-117 stealth fighter. The flat black paint dries as a matrix that absorbs radar signals instead of reflecting them. They tested him as invisible to conventional speed radar. Not sure how it would work today.

This would be sweet!!

Originally posted by red_base 95
Actaully, radar jammers are legal in the US if the signal they emit is within a specified frequency range and does not exceed certain output wattage... The catch is that it has to be below a certain output wattage to be legal. And below that wattage level, it's worthless as a jammer. Even police organizations have to have FCC licenses to operate radar units.

As far as the radar paint, the last time I heard that "urban legend", it was his truck that he painted. It doesn't even take into account radar reflections from behind unpainted areas like the grille and windshield, or how the paint will be less effective when it's dirty.

---jps

This is for anyone in NJ with an 8. What % tint did you do for your car? I know we're not due for inspection for atleast 4 years, but what after that? I would just hate to rip the tints off if inspection doesn't like it. Is there like a % tint that they might tolerate?

Jeff

My car has an appointment to be tinted on saturday. I'm doing 5% on the rear windows and 35% up front. It should be plenty dark.

They said I'll probably lose my AM reception though because it's a titanium based film and it'll interfere with the antenna in the rear window.

mine is 30%tint both side window's and one piece on the back glass $140 in n.c should not very to much from state to state .no problem with the radio or radar

If you have a navigation system in your RX-8 do NOT use a metallic film on the rear window. It will adversely affect the sattelite reception for the GPS.

i have 35% on the sides and back... 50% on front windshield... it looks real nice... cost me $175

i've got 20% on the rear and back windows, with 35% on the fronts, none on the windshield for me cost me 180

20% all around, with no front windshield strip. I got hooked up for 120.

5% Limo Black on the back window and back doors
15% on the front doors
But hey, I live in AZ and the sun is murder here
we're talking "black out" $130

i just got mine done today. 35% all around, no front windshield. costed me $100. im scared that the anal cops mite pull me over here in los angeles, ca. :(

35% is legal here in Cali. My friend had a 5% tint front and rear, and he too was so scared of cops pulling him over. So when ever he would see a cop he would roll down the front windows so you couldn't see the front tint, even if it was freezing out side! :lol:

35% on front isn't legal in california. the front needs to remain untinted basically. California law is 70% front tint.

yeah people are telling me it's illegal, but is unlikely to get caught with a 35%. i was hoping to pull down my windows and cops were around, but i just remembered i can't use the windows for 48 hours +_+!!

my car is tinted 35% all around except wind shield( 35% is legal in MD). the tint makes the car look nicer and keeps out the sunlight. only thing that is bad about window tint to me is at night it is hard to see out the back window where there is surrounding lights. as for reception from AM and FM nothing seems to change and i really dont notice my radar detector weakening. cops usually gun u from the front anyways.

I have 5% on the back 3 and 20% on the front 2. Ive always had that on all of my cars and havent been pulled over for it yet. (Knock on wood)

i always wanted tints but being in california 70% is too light..arghh!! anyways can i see pictures of tints with different %'s....

I have 20% on the back window and 30% on the sides and it looks good and is plenty dark enough.

I've got 30% and 15% and I wish I had gotten darker in the front but I heard stories of cops making people remove tint.
Also, as a tortured law student I have done a little research and there are some laws on the books that make it negligence per se to have illegal tint. In other words, if the accident can reasonably be attributable to the tint you will be a least contributorily negligent and at worst completely liable without proof of negligent acts on your part.
In other words, you get into an accident and the other side has a lawyer with half a brain you could very easily end up losing a case.

P.S. This is not legal advice to be relied upon by anyone in any situation, but instead just a heads up.

This site lists window tint laws. Comes in handy :)

http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/

I got pulled over in my subaru yesterday.. had 20 all around and the legal limit is 35 on the front. He told me he was going to go grab his tint meter and i told him not to bother and that i knew the front was illegal and i had no excuse. He said thats cool just get it changed before too long. Also said my front windshield strip was too low. Aparently it cant be any lower than where your sunvisor would hit the glass.. i think that sort of negates the point but oh well. Also got a 36 in a 30 when it was really a 45 in the 30 so he's a cool guy (although he also gave me a breathalyser at 1:50pm ?!? lol)

Got my windows tinted today and only paid $140 USD out the door.
The installer did a fairly nice job but the car was filthy after... I washed and Iced it last night
and when I picked it up, it had all kinds of soap film on the outside of the car.
The guy felt kind of bad and started to wipe it down with paper towels...
"STOP I said"... I kind of startled him! My BB color is so easy to scratch...

I wanted to keep it legal so I opted for 35%. I must say it's much lighter then expected.
Factory SUV's and Pick-ups come with an OEM limo tint (almost). I wonder why that's legal?
At least it's one piece in the rear window so I didn't have the horizontal lines.
It'll be interesting to see if my auto-dimming feature mirror works now.

I got pulled over in my subaru yesterday.. had 20 all around and the legal limit is 35 on the front. He told me he was going to go grab his tint meter and i told him not to bother and that i knew the front was illegal and i had no excuse. He said thats cool just get it changed before too long. Also said my front windshield strip was too low. Aparently it cant be any lower than where your sunvisor would hit the glass.. i think that sort of negates the point but oh well. Also got a 36 in a 30 when it was really a 45 in the 30 so he's a cool guy (although he also gave me a breathalyser at 1:50pm ?!? lol)

telling the truth would make me think you're drunk too. i run 5% all the way around. =/ only a matter of time before i get the blue and whites.

telling the truth would make me think you're drunk too. i run 5% all the way around. =/ only a matter of time before i get the blue and whites.
With 5% you wouldn't see the blue and whites anyway... :rolleyes:

seeing out is easy, seeing in.... now thats a different story. My girl said all i see is a white mazdaspeed hat. =)

Got my windows tinted today and only paid $140 USD out the door.
The installer did a fairly nice job but the car was filthy after... I washed and Iced it last night
and when I picked it up, it had all kinds of soap film on the outside of the car.
The guy felt kind of bad and started to wipe it down with paper towels...
"STOP I said"... I kind of startled him! My BB color is so easy to scratch...

I wanted to keep it legal so I opted for 35%. I must say it's much lighter then expected.
Factory SUV's and Pick-ups come with an OEM limo tint (almost). I wonder why that's legal?
At least it's one piece in the rear window so I didn't have the horizontal lines.
It'll be interesting to see if my auto-dimming feature mirror works now.
It is legal OEM for SUV's because they do not tint the front windows. It is only the front windows that are important to cops (obviously the windshield as well). Sorry to hear you think 35% is light. Also sorry to tell you this but if you think it's light now... wait 'till it clears up. Mine was so dark when I first got it and now you can see in it easily even in overcast weather and I have 20%. I have a hard time believing that even though my tint is illegal... a cop would get mad even if he could still see in it.

Also, my mirror works like a champ.

Mine looks much lighter in the daytime when the sunroof shade is open. Just something to remember for those who have the sunroof ;) . For awhile after I got the tint done I would open it up when pulling up next to a cop,if it wasn't already open. Or if they were behind me. I was more worried about getting a fix-it ticket and having to remove it. Now I just don't give a crap about it, they don't give me a second look.

:hahano:

Uh oh! The tint police are here. :uhh:

:mad: :mad: LOVELY.........

start vent:
I threw on some 35% tint, all around, four days ago. Last night on my way back from the grocery store (which is 1 mile away from home) I get pulled over for tint. Talk about luck... obviously, with a legal limit of 50% I figured there was always a chance it could happen. Honestly though, 35 is not that dark, and I see people everyday with 10-20%....... $130 fine......... that is a lot of beer......
:end vent

My question is, does anyone know how this affects your record? Having tint is not a moving violation, so it wouldn't impact your insurance or anything, but would it go on your criminal record? Vehicle record? If I do not remove the tint and (hypothetically) got pulled over again, would that officer see that I had been tagged before?