I purchased my 05 roadster about a month ago, and used the bad weather and paperwork delays to get the nits taken care of. When I finally drove it to get it inspected (Mississippi), it wouldn't pass due to the tinting. I had a Florida sticker indicating 20%, and the inspection stations "gun" read 20% - accurate at least.

The most common recommendation when I googled this topic was to use a cheap clothing steamer. I did not see this anywhere within the forum, so thought I'd pass it along. The tint is nice, but no so useful if I can't drive the car.

Today I spent about two hours on the driver's window, and about an hour on the passenger window (practice helps). Both tint films came off in one piece, with nearly no residue on the driver's side, and absolutely no residue on the passenger window.

It works, it's easy, and the steamer cost me $20. My wife plans to throw away the iron, if she can find it.

Oh, the car is inspected, and it was sunny and 65 today!! The grin really is still there.

Michael
black 05 roadster Limited

 

Very kool with the steamer fix.

The iron can go, but don't throw away the steamer just yet, I was just reading in another post that it comes in handy when you decide to detail under the hood.

I would have never thought to use it on some engine parts for detailing, but the more it sinks in, the better it sounds...lol...

 

I bought a steamer a few years ago to do one of my cars and it's done about a half a dozen cars now!

Agreed that it takes a little patience, but once you get it, it's the easiest/cleanest/quickest method I've read about and/or tried.

 

~ it's nice to know the steam trick...

i use to heat the outside of the glass with a heat gun and remove the film in hopes the adhesive would come with it... most of the time not the case and a razor blade would aid with some time consuming physical labor.

 

Please tell me details about the steamer. Model, place to purchase, etc.?

 

never understood how some states can be so against something so innocent as window tint! Sure I know for officer safety and thats cool, Limo tint shouldnt be allowed at all if that was the case.

Ive lived in CA and las vegas and tint is legal there but here in Live free or die NH it isnt! You'd think with a state that has no helmet or seatbelt laws (for anyone over 18) would be more tolerant of window tinting.

I beat the system by getting a letter from our doctor (wife has migrains) and sending it to DMV for a waiver

 

I replied to a private message, but to be sure -

I followed the directions I found in a fairly specific note online. Bought a Conair GS33W clothing steamer at Wal-Mart. There were more expensive units, but it would have been a waste of money. Cost was about $20. Money well spent!

In Mississippi, I am pretty sure the Highway Patrol fears being shot without warning if the windows are too dark. Based on conduct of those troopers I've met, it is not an unreasonable concern.

Actually, mine were too dark to suit me or the state.

Good luck.

Michael

 

Probably the same website that gave me the idea as well. I also bought my steamer at Walmart, but I got the Conair GS5RWR model. It was the cheapest one they had, but if I recall correctly it was like $29.

 

spray it with water, tape a black trash bag to it, let it sit for 1/2 hour, will come right off