3m sucks. been there and done that. not as a consumer, but as a distributor. i used to tint cars, i know for a fact 3m sucks. just cause it costs more, don't make it better. WARNING: 3M DOES NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY!!!! use llumar. some films use dye to knock down the sun. llumar uses microscopic metal flakes similar to tin foil. therefore, it does not fade like dyed films.

 

will do..

 

20% solarguard tint on the front and a 5% solarguard 8" front strip.... matches inside and out perfectly! have used this on my last 6 vehicles never had a bubble or peel issue

 

Your experiences vary significantly from mine, it is interesting to hear your story. I've used nothing but 3M film for over 15 years and have been very satisfied, no complaints and the film has remained incredible....even on one of my cars that sits exposed to the sun a lot.
I can understand your frustration as an installer if you can't get them to warranty their product, though.

 

i used to install solar guard. its good stuff. not every shop uses it though. its not that accessible down here in houston to my knowlege. i decided years ago to use llumar since solar guard wasn't available and have been using it since. in texas, you have to watch the size of your tint over the top portion of your windshield. there is an as-1 line. texas only allows you go tint to that line which is less than 8 inches. if you go below it, you are taking a risk. i have one on mine using 5%. i don't have to use my visor now. i like them and the way they look.

 

i should have been more specific. i started installing back in 1992. one of the vehicles i tinted was my mother's 1988 f150 supercab. less than 1 yr after installation, the tint was turning purple and beginning to bubble. 3m would not pay for it. some customers had complained as well. they might have fixed it by then. i stopped using it and started using solar guard.

 

That is good info to know, thanks for sharing. I will definitely be watching this in the future.

 

Thanks for all of the info everyone, looks like I will be getting 20% and more then likely just have the garage put it on. BTW, I like the side steps a lot Beidle, they come in handy more then you think they would........

 

i think you have made the correct choice. be sure to post some pics up when you get it done, particularly the edges. watch them when they do it. its no easy task!

 

I did 18% on the sides and 35% on the entire windshield. Definitely illegal but looks awesome and matches perfectly to the rear 2 doors on my supercrew. Some may say its too dark at night but I never have a problem with my headlights on. I'll try to post some pics when I get a chance.