To tint or not to tint

tobyprivett · Oct 12, 2022

I've read lots of threads about tinting windows, so excuse me for starting another one

I have a Coast with clear glass / no tint. I'm thinking about window tints, primarily for privacy.

But I really enjoy sitting in the van with lovely sunrises / sunsets and am concerned I might miss the natural light.

Curious what others think - would you tint? Have you tinted and regretted it? Tinted and loved it?

Cheers

Hamish S · Oct 12, 2022

Mine came tinted and I still get to see the sunsets, not many sunrises though but that could be because I'm not awake!!

B J G · Oct 12, 2022

Most cars now have rear tinted windows in as dark as would be required for privacy.

Sit in one and you'll notice little darkening.
It will actually take the glare out of sunsets making them more colourful.

Kevintube1979 · Oct 12, 2022

I had the darkest available VW tint and then had extra aftermarket (arranged by dealer) tint it makes no real difference to visibility but it means nobody can see in at all which I personally wouldn't be without for security and privacy...in my opinion it also makes the van look a lot better..

edocali · Oct 12, 2022

My Ocean came with clear glass. Had it tinted professionally and it’s been a great improvement.
Never regretted. From inside the change is not strong, from the outside it is.
100% recommended

I used Global Tint and chose the Luna shade.

tobyprivett · Oct 12, 2022

Thanks, folks. I’m going to do it.

tobyprivett · Oct 12, 2022

edocali said:
I used Global Tint and chose the Luna shade.

Thanks. I was going to try them.

66tim99 · Oct 12, 2022

My ocean has the standard factory tint. I find it perfect - particularly after sitting in my mates conversion with a limo tint. You can definitely over-tint.
I think some are keen to prevent people looking in, but I never feel overlooked. Pull the blinds if you do?

Wesel · Oct 12, 2022

I would be interested to know if the tinting of the windows has a noticeable effect on the interior temperature in summer? In theory yes, but in practice have those who have had both solutions noticed the difference?

pcevanrulo · Oct 12, 2022

We had the standard factory tint, which is I believe 35%? We thought the interior was warming up pretty quick in the sun, especially for our dogs.
We now have 5% tint(=limo) on the back windows and 70% on the cockpitwindows and you definitely feel less warmth coming through. But still, you have in your head that the windows are tinted, so actually you need to do an experiment.

outside view:

View from inside on a cloudy day on Shetland this summer.

Bellcrew · Oct 13, 2022

66tim99 said:
My ocean has the standard factory tint. I find it perfect - particularly after sitting in my mates conversion with a limo tint. You can definitely over-tint.
I think some are keen to prevent people looking in, but I never feel overlooked. Pull the blinds if you do?

Some confusion about these things, most California's, certainly the T6 models, have fitted as standard the greenish heat reflecting glass, about 70% transmission all round.
Many people opt for the factory privacy glass somewhat below 50% for the three and a half windows behind the B pillar.
Some enthusiasts then fit Limo tint at less than 5% transmission and then tell us that visibility is practically perfect when looking out, plus it looks very cool.
Most Cali owners of course spend many hours with the sliding door open and/or sitting out in their spiffy standard folding chairs, totally exposed to view by any gongoozlers passing by and of course all Cali owners enjoy waving at people staring at them through their lovely, goldfish bowl like cab windows, probably.

Bellcrew · Oct 13, 2022

Bellcrew said:
Some confusion about these things, most California's, certainly the T6 models, have fitted as standard the greenish heat reflecting glass, about 70% transmission all round.
Many people opt for the factory privacy glass somewhat below 50% for the three and a half windows behind the B pillar.
Some enthusiasts then fit Limo tint at less than 5% transmission and then tell us that visibility is practically perfect when looking out, plus it looks very cool.
Most Cali owners of course spend many hours with the sliding door open and/or sitting out in their spiffy standard folding chairs, totally exposed to view by any gongoozlers passing by and of course all Cali owners enjoy waving at people staring at them through their lovely, goldfish bowl like cab windows, probably.

Four and a half windows?

66tim99 · Oct 13, 2022

Bellcrew said:
Some confusion about these things, most California's, certainly the T6 models, have fitted as standard the greenish heat reflecting glass, about 70% transmission all round.
Many people opt for the factory privacy glass somewhat below 50% for the three and a half windows behind the B pillar.
Some enthusiasts then fit Limo tint at less than 5% transmission and then tell us that visibility is practically perfect when looking out, plus it looks very cool.
Most Cali owners of course spend many hours with the sliding door open and/or sitting out in their spiffy standard folding chairs, totally exposed to view by any gongoozlers passing by and of course all Cali owners enjoy waving at people staring at them through their lovely, goldfish bowl like cab windows, probably.

There are no factory tint options on Oceans now. Just the green (I think) double glazed glass as standard, although it is referred to as privacy glass I think.
When sitting out these are highly recommended. They take 2 minutes to fit, you can see out but folks struggle to see in (see my avatar), they break the wind quite well (but let air through) and they take up next to no space.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/p...t-g2-240-x-170m-use-5102-vw-california-awning

DevillBelgium · Oct 13, 2022

66tim99 said:
There are no factory tint options on Oceans now. Just the green (I think) double glazed glass as standard, although it is referred to as privacy glass I think.
When sitting out these are highly recommended. They take 2 minutes to fit, you can see out but folks struggle to see in (see my avatar), they break the wind quite well (but let air through) and they take up next to no space.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/p...t-g2-240-x-170m-use-5102-vw-california-awning

Great tip looks neat idd.

ejmoore · Oct 14, 2022

We didn't have privacy glass on our previous van, which was great for the view out, but everything inside was very visible.
Our present van also had plain glass, but we got a privacy tint fitted, slightly lighter than standard VW. It's slightly gloomy looking out, but great to have a bit of privacy inside, really makes a difference.

ChristianR · Oct 14, 2022

edocali said:
My Ocean came with clear glass. Had it tinted professionally and it’s been a great improvement.
Never regretted. From inside the change is not strong, from the outside it is.
100% recommended

I used Global Tint and chose the Luna shade.

Hi, how do the rear double glazed side windows look with the global tint? Do they look different from the outside to the other windows?

PeteS · Oct 15, 2022

Halford sell a Limo Tint sheet for £18. It might be worth getting a sheet and trying it on a window. If you like it the get the van done professionally. A professional place also might give you a bit to try.

BeeBee · Oct 16, 2022

66tim99 said:
My ocean has the standard factory tint. I find it perfect - particularly after sitting in my mates conversion with a limo tint. You can definitely over-tint.
I think some are keen to prevent people looking in, but I never feel overlooked. Pull the blinds if you do?

Our van was rejected by its purchaser as it came with the wrong tint …the standard VW ( almost clear) tint. We were delighted that they knocked it back, our gain and we would definitely not change it. I understand it’s a subjective issue but personally we like to use the blinds if we want privacy.

SusiBus · Oct 16, 2022

I'd rather be able to look out and enjoy a view of a sunny day, not make it always look gloomy. So I'd be wary of over tinting.

To tint or not to tint

tobyprivett

Hamish S

Making up for the years spoilt by school and work

B J G

Kevintube1979

Kevpb

edocali

tobyprivett

tobyprivett

66tim99

Wesel

pcevanrulo

Bellcrew

Bellcrew

66tim99

DevillBelgium

ejmoore

2016 California Ocean 2.0 TDI

ChristianR

PeteS

BeeBee

SusiBus

2-pedal power Peppa Pig trike

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