LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: Window Tint Modifications

Window tint looks great, keeps your interior cooler, and protects it from the harsh rays of the sun. But which tint is best for you?

By Brett Foote - February 18, 2016

This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1990-2015).

Window tint is one of the most popular modifications on any car, and for good reason. It's relatively cheap, looks great, protects your interior from the harsh rays of the sun, and keeps the inside cooler in the harsh heat of the summer. While a lot of people go the DIY route and install their own tint, having it done by a professional isn't very expensive and their expertise can save you a giant headache (and some money if you screw it up). There are quite a few different types of tint, and you must consider you local laws when choosing one. So before you drop some cash on a limo tint, check to make sure it's legal in your area.

Window Tint Modifications

While most choose to tint the rear hatch and the side windows, some opt to do the top part of the windshield, and in some cases, even the entire windshield. Keep in mind that tinting the windshield isn't legal everywhere, and it can severely reduce visibility while driving at night. Much also hinges on what percentage of tint you choose. The percentage tells you how much light transmits through the tint – the smaller the percentage, the darker the tint.

Tinted side windows
Figure 1. Tinted side windows and hatch.

Hatch Tint

DIY Cost – $10-$30

Professional Cost – $30-$50

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires few tools and basic skills but a ton of patience.

Tinting the hatch of your Camaro or Firebird is almost a no-brainer, especially if you keep valuable things in the hatch or have some subwoofers and an amp back there. You can also use a darker tint in the hatch in pretty much every state, with a lot of folks going as dark as 5% back there. Just be sure you can see OK, and think about going lighter if you drive a lot at night. If you have a rear defroster, keep in mind that this job will be much more difficult as well.

Side Window Tint

DIY Cost – $10-$30

Professional Cost – $30-$75

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires a steady hand and lots of patience.

Next to tinting the hatch area, tinting the side windows is just as popular, and both jobs are generally done in tandem. Side window tint helps keep the sun out of your eye and your interior, helping to cool things down as well. It also helps to hide what you keep inside, like expensive stereo head units. 35% is the most popular (and generally legal) darkness for side tint, though some like to go darker.

Windshield Tint

DIY Cost – $10-$30

Professional Cost – $30-$75

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires patience and a steady hand.

Windshield tint isn't legal in a lot of places, for obvious reasons. Depending on how dark you go, it can severely reduce visibility, especially at night. But it certainly looks great. If you decide to tint your windshield, you probably don't want to go darker than 35% unless your ride is strictly a show car, or if you only drive it when the sun's shining.

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