Rear Window Tint Bubbling- Professionals saying different things?

iNeed2Pee on 21/12/2021 - 14:18
Last edited 21/12/2021 - 14:20

Hi Team,

Rear window tint is now bubbling.
Unfortunately the lifetime warranty on it was non transferrable so I have been calling around getting quotes regarding this.

Roughly all around $200 to remove and replace. However, some businesses have told me no issue at all with removing old film and adhesive whilst some have spooked me by saying it may be an issue and the demister lines and or antenna can be damaged. (Saying they might need to scrap off the demister lines rendering that part of the car useless).

They basically told me they would not know if its going to be an issue until work has began.

So a simple call around today has left me confused. Where the hell is my antenna on my car? (2012 Toyota Aurion).

What is the best way to go with this? Just risk it I assume?

I was wondering if maybe I could remove the tint and adhesive myself and just use the retractable screen in the upright position….(using this method to remove https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/594544)

Automotive

Comments

  • JimB on 21/12/2021 - 14:30
    +6

    I think what some installers are saying is that if they remove the tint and it damages the demister lines and or antenna, they cannot be held responsible.

    I think the risk is low but for the installers to state it can be an issue, it must occur occasionally.

  • askme69 on 21/12/2021 - 14:53

    Can turn into an EFFing Nightmare.

    • iNeed2Pee on 21/12/2021 - 16:08

      Oh its a conundrum. 🤣

  • Richardc on 21/12/2021 - 15:15
    +1

    I just pinch the bubble.

  • chcse on 21/12/2021 - 15:35
    +3

    Does your car have a shark fin antenna? If not, the antenna is with the demisters on the rear window. As the installer would be trying to remove the remaining glue (I think?) of the old tint, it may damage the antenna / demister, so that is definitely a risk.

    If the bubbling tint is obscuring your vision really badly, then you would just have to risk it as it would be dangerous to not be able to see properly behind you through the rear window. Unless you're confident, I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself as you're more likely than a professional to damage the demisters.

    • iNeed2Pee on 21/12/2021 - 18:18

      Nope no shark fin.

      Yeah will get a pro to do it! Will wait for it to get a little worse. So far can still easily see out of the window!

  • Transient on 21/12/2021 - 17:09
    +2

    I have a SUV where the factory tint faded after warranty. Obtained a few quotes around November 2016 when businesses were less busy (before summer). Solartint quoted $120 to steam remove the old tint, but they had a promo where they could do it for free. Finally went with Tint-a-car as the tints were cheaper and they could price match the promo and remove the old tint free. I think there is always the risk that the rear demister lines could come way with the old tint, especially if brittle and old. Mine were fine (12 year old SUV). YMMV. The new tint did have a few bubbles, but they said they would go away after a few hot days in the sun, and they did. Be careful with some of the metal tints as was told they could interfere with mobile phone reception in the car. Tint still ok. I actually tried to DIY tint but could never get it below the window seal.

    • iNeed2Pee on 21/12/2021 - 18:17
      +1

      Thanks for that, yeah I think I've come to the realisation that if it is that bad then so be it.

      Appreciate the response:)

  • Transient on 21/12/2021 - 19:16

    No prob. Good luck!

  • photonbuddy on 22/12/2021 - 16:31

    I had rear tint removed years ago, and it ruined the demister. Fortunately, it was the bottom half of the window in my Prelude, as they reckoned to do it in 1 piece would mean removing the window.

    This was back in 2000, and couldn't find any way to replace the demister. Honda advised a replacement window was required.

  • mini2 on 23/12/2021 - 15:37

    Yep, can confirm removing tints off the rear demister can potentially (profanity) up your demister.

    Some dumb kent in Thornleigh did it for me (FB/Google review says they're good…supposedly) and now 90% of the demister is dead.

    • iNeed2Pee on 23/12/2021 - 15:42

      The question I have is, would you have kept it bubbling knowing now the issue it has caused?

      • mini2 on 23/12/2021 - 16:45

        If I was warned about it beforehand then yes, I would've kept it until it becomes a roadworthy issue.

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