We all know that a MINI with tints looks better than one ….without and probably many MINI owners want to get tints and wonder what it entails.
I got factory tinted glass on the rear windows and wanted to get the door windows done. I started shopping around ,seen a few questionable jobs on other cars and eventually settled for PENTAGON Autoglass -a company with a few branches around UK, one in Paris, France and one in Miami Florida.
Also, I decided to go for Supaglass film - this provides extra strength if broken, the window doesn’t shatter even if hit with a heavy object like a bat or hammer. This film is designed as a security feature and it was the only one that didn’t affect my insurance premiums. It is Thatcham approved and although it is more expensive than the standard one, you do get a lot for your money.
I had to book the car with Pentagon Bristol for 4 1/2 hr and was welcomed by Kyle who showed me around and had to physically stop him from breaking the window on his own Golf GTI to show me what Supaglass is capable of. The sample I’ve seen on the Xantia door was convincing enough - it was already broken and tried as hard as I could to push this broken window through … to no avail ….
The Supaglass film has to be applied on the whole of the window rather than on the visible part only - unlike the normal film - this somewhat reflects the higher price.
The windows are marked so they can be reposition after the film is applied, then the door trims and windows are removed.
A template made from clear film is then cut to shape and the windows are thoroughly cleaned with a special solution.
The film is also cleaned and then applied to the window, pushing the fluid out from under the film. The film is then heat shrunk and bonded to the shape of the glass.
Once molded, the film is trimmed and finished so that the edges of the film are indistinguishable from the edges of the glass.
After a last inspection for imperfections, the windows are left to cure, then re-installed in their original position.
I was quite impressed with the quality of the workmanship and the care shown in re-installing the windows - not even my dealership would have done a better job.
As we all know, a picture is worth 1000 words, hence here are some pics taken during the installation:
Before trim removal
Door trim removed
Window on work bench
A piece of clear film is cut and will be used as template
The template is used to cut the film
The window is washed using special solution
The film is ready to be applied to the glass
Applying the film
Cutting the film to shape of the window
Windows back on car
Fitting the windows
Window in place
Job well done
Looking good
Nice…
Due to the fact that the light reflects differently on tinted glass, in certain light the front windows appear slightly lighter in colour - see the picture below.
For the front windows only, the prices start from £ 110 for normal tint and £195 for the Supaglass film, but contact the local Pentagon branch for the latest price though.
They will need the car for the day if the Supaglass film is to be used on all windows.
I personally am very pleased with the job done and will certainly use them again - here is a link to their official website: http://www.pentagonglasstech.com/
By: Red Cooper.
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