The title is a bit misleading, removing your tint will be a little painful, but only the emotional kind, and only if you miss the look, want your privacy back, or hate the sun. Unfortunately, tinted front windows aren't legal in many states. [
!] If you get ticketed, this is a relatively easy way to avoid paying out to the man.
![Image]()
STEP 1a
The first, and most important step, is to go to walmart and buy a clothing steamer. The one I got is a 'commercial strength' model, and it was $30. I plan to return it after my friend uses it on his civic. Fill the steamer with water, then plug it in to make sure it's working.
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
STEP 1b (optional)
Hey, you'll already be at the store, and it'll help you get over how much you might miss your darkly tinted windows.
![Image]()
STEP 2
Run an extension cord to your car. I tried using my inverter because I'm lazy, but it wasn't strong enough (1400w steamer).
![Image]()
![Image]()
STEP 3
Roll your window down a bit so that you can get to the edge of the tint. Start at the top, and steam the whole edge for a minute or two to soften up the adhesive.
![Image]()
STEP 4
Using your fingernail or a flathead screwdriver or whatever, push the top edge of the tint down a bit. It should slide down a bit, allowing you to grab the edge and peel it down a bit. (Careful, the window will be wet and HOT.) Keep going, thoroughly steaming the area you want to do next, then slowly peeling the tint off while steaming right on the adhesive.
![Image]()
![Image]()
STEP 5a
Pretty soon you'll be done with the window. Before moving to the next one, check back over your work. You might still have a few small spots of adhesive (if you don't steam an area enough before pulling the tint off). Clean the window using your favorite surface cleaner (I used Widex Vinegar Multi-Surface that we had in the cabinet). If any adhesive is STILL there (I had a few spots on the first window I did, but I was more careful on the other side and didn't need to do this) you can wrap a washcloth around the steamer head, spray cleaner on the window, then wipe off with the hot steamer. This method is a thorough "Ass Kicking" for any residue.
![Image]()
STEP 5b (optional)
Don't forget about your beer! This is one of the rare occasions where drinking in your car will help you AVOID getting tickets. Also, if you are listening to music while you work (recommended), you'll find an annoying noise when you move to the drivers' side. Fix it with a penny. I've used ink pens in the past, but trust me, that can get really messy if you forget about it and close the door [xx(] !
![Image]()
STEP 6
Take pictures of your finished work, and die a little inside when you look at them. I'm not really too upset anymore, the car still looks good IMO, I'm just annoyed that I had to do it.
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Suggestions for recovering:
Daydream about how much more awesome your car is going to be in a week-and-a-day when you install your new lightweight aluminum flywheel, southbend rally clutch, torsen t2 atb diff, and an OEM headgasket so you can get your c/r back to 10.2:1 (and finally see what potential that eaton m62 really has [woot] [driving] ).
!] If you get ticketed, this is a relatively easy way to avoid paying out to the man.
STEP 1a
The first, and most important step, is to go to walmart and buy a clothing steamer. The one I got is a 'commercial strength' model, and it was $30. I plan to return it after my friend uses it on his civic. Fill the steamer with water, then plug it in to make sure it's working.
STEP 1b (optional)
Hey, you'll already be at the store, and it'll help you get over how much you might miss your darkly tinted windows.
STEP 2
Run an extension cord to your car. I tried using my inverter because I'm lazy, but it wasn't strong enough (1400w steamer).
STEP 3
Roll your window down a bit so that you can get to the edge of the tint. Start at the top, and steam the whole edge for a minute or two to soften up the adhesive.
STEP 4
Using your fingernail or a flathead screwdriver or whatever, push the top edge of the tint down a bit. It should slide down a bit, allowing you to grab the edge and peel it down a bit. (Careful, the window will be wet and HOT.) Keep going, thoroughly steaming the area you want to do next, then slowly peeling the tint off while steaming right on the adhesive.
STEP 5a
Pretty soon you'll be done with the window. Before moving to the next one, check back over your work. You might still have a few small spots of adhesive (if you don't steam an area enough before pulling the tint off). Clean the window using your favorite surface cleaner (I used Widex Vinegar Multi-Surface that we had in the cabinet). If any adhesive is STILL there (I had a few spots on the first window I did, but I was more careful on the other side and didn't need to do this) you can wrap a washcloth around the steamer head, spray cleaner on the window, then wipe off with the hot steamer. This method is a thorough "Ass Kicking" for any residue.
STEP 5b (optional)
Don't forget about your beer! This is one of the rare occasions where drinking in your car will help you AVOID getting tickets. Also, if you are listening to music while you work (recommended), you'll find an annoying noise when you move to the drivers' side. Fix it with a penny. I've used ink pens in the past, but trust me, that can get really messy if you forget about it and close the door [xx(] !
STEP 6
Take pictures of your finished work, and die a little inside when you look at them. I'm not really too upset anymore, the car still looks good IMO, I'm just annoyed that I had to do it.
Suggestions for recovering:
Daydream about how much more awesome your car is going to be in a week-and-a-day when you install your new lightweight aluminum flywheel, southbend rally clutch, torsen t2 atb diff, and an OEM headgasket so you can get your c/r back to 10.2:1 (and finally see what potential that eaton m62 really has [woot] [driving] ).
