Remove window tint?

[One Awesome Inch]

This is a two part question:

1. My rear windows are tinted but I want to remove the tint as it blocks out too much light. During the daytime the rear windows will *hopefully* provide the majority of light to the inside of my van. I have no other windows and the front will be completely walled off (with a door though).

I am guessing that a heat gun is the best way to remove the tint, but unfortunately I have no way to get electricity to the van at this time. I was thinking perhaps there is some sort of chemical compound, like Goof Off for example, that might enable me to get off the tint. Any ideas what chemical I should buy to do this job?

2. The second thing is that to ensure privacy with clear, untinted windows during the daytime, I was going to buy some sheer curtain material at the thrift store and place it over the windows. During the night I will block them completely with something else that does not allow any light to get thru. My question is will the sheer curtains give enough privacy? Are people going to be able to look in?

 

[Almost There]

Sheers aren't your answer.

They're called 'sheers' for a reason. As in 'sheer lingerie'... :angel:

Any fabric that I can think of that will block the vision will also block sunlight.

The only thing I can think of that you might take a look at is a one way mirror film like this stuff:

http://www.decorativefilm.com/category/16-one-way.aspx

 

[SternWake]

I found a Denatured alcohol soaked rag and a razor blade scraper was good for removing the tint adhesive. It is a messy job though. Wear gloves and have a method to wipe the razor blade easily, and protect plastics from drips.

IPA alcohol works too. I guess it depends on the tint manufacturer too as i've had some in the past resist all solvent measures, even acetone.


I have cardboard cutouts I place in my windows. Dual layered, 1/2 inch thick. Black on the outside, with my former curtain material facing inwards/ I remove the sections for more light and return them at night to let no light escape.

I also have reflectix covered cardboard that is a friction fit into my pop out door windows. I kind of wish these had a nice black fabric on them instead, but no doubt the reflectix reflects more heat in summertime. but relfectix next to even a tinted window screams occupant.

Thats my method for skinning this particular cat, by no means the only way of skinning said cat.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Are you sure the rear windows didn't come tinted from the factory?

Factory tinted glass is dark glass, there's nothing to remove, you would have to replace it with clear glass.

Regards
John

 

[flying kurbmaster]

if it is applied solar film not tinted glass from the factory, the easiest way to remove it is wait for a sunny hot day, get yourself a green garbage bag, a spray bottle with soapy water, park the van with windows in the sun, spray the film generously with the soapy water, take your green garbage bag, tape it to the inside so it ends up covering the entire window, and sticking to the soapy water, the sun will heat this up the film will suck up the soapy water between the glass and the film, after a couple of hours or less, you may have to lift the garbage bag and spray it again a few times during this time, with a one sided razor blade work away at an edge and it should pull right off you will likely have to scrape some glue residue make sure you lubricate the glass when doing this with lots of soapy water, so you don't scratch the glass, dish soap will do.
re shears I think they will work given that you don't have any other windows as long as you are a few feet away from them, it is worth a try for the price of them considering the small piece you are using, I prefer blinds myself or both that way they can be adjusted, to cut the sun or peeping eyes and still let in light, I got all my blinds so far for nothing as people change these things a lot and throw old ones out, the alluminium ones are easy to cut down with a little blind cutting tool that sells for around 10.00 or you can order a brand new custom fitted blind for a reasonable price.

 

[Reno]

I paid $130 to have a window shop remove the tint. Worth every penny not to have to do the job myself.

 

[TravelDerby]

 Warm soapy water and NEW razor blades.  As mentioned it helps if the car has been in the sun. Normally the longer the tint has been on the car the tougher it will be to remove.

 

[highdesertranger]

well everybody pretty much said it. warm soapy water and razor blades. a blade holder helps a lot. like this one http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-28-50...id=1422229814&sr=8-11&keywords=scraper+holder . highdesertranger

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Thanks for the replies.

Its definitely not factory tinted windows. There are lots small scrapes and gouges. It does seem to be very well applied though. No chance of getting a thumbnail under.

Problem is in my area PNW its not often sunny at this time of year and definitely not warm enough to have any effect on the tint. I may try the warm, soapy water trick, then de-natured alcohol if that doesnt work. Heck I might just call up the local junk yard and see how much it is for a set of windows... might be a good idea to get the ones that pop open too.

 

[Almost There]

Let me know the price on the replacement opening windows from the wreckers please.

I've gotten the price for them from the auto glass place and they went to the bottom of the 'to do' list after that...gag.

The auto glass place wouldn't do the re and re on them, just supply the whole assembly. I'd have to pay the body shop to do the install. Made me wonder for a few moments if I should just find new doors that already had the opening windows but then I added in the cost of probable body work to them and paint job and went back to square one.

 

[LeeRevell]

I will be tackling this task soon myself. My right front passenger door window tint is badly scratched and torn. Really needs to be replaced.

 

[Stargazer]

There is a product generically called solar screen. Many people use it mounted with snaps on the outside of their RV windows. I used it once on the windshield of a motorhome and it greatly reduces the heat entering from the sun and it gives great privacy during the day while allowing filtered light in. You can see out but nobody can see in. I've never seen it used on the inside but see no reason why not.

There are companies who will come to you and custom make them on site. Might be worth checking.

My van is a passenger van. I spent way too much time and money designing and making window coverings that could be removed to allow light in. It didn't take me long to realize that opening them every morning and closing them every night was a PITA. It also didn't take long to realize covered windows were essential to comfort on sunny days and cold days alike. All those windows are anathema to comfort. You can bet my next van will be without them. I just got used to the dark.

To each their own but if I had it to do over again, it would be a windowless cargo van with a high top!