[rpolin]

First mod's coming next week. I'm starting simple

I'm getting the side windows tinted to 35% (that's what's legal in CT). I'm not tinting the rear window. It's already hard enough to see out the back

I'm strongly considering the 3M Crystalline film for the windshield. It's a clear film that cuts out >50% of the heat coming through the windshield, which will keep the car cooler in the summer and reduce glare when driving at night. Little apprehensive on this one.

Lastly, going to have them try and remove the need for the e-brake when using certain functions in the Nav System and phone.

Share your experiences please, good or bad

 

[Dephcon5]

First mod's coming next week. I'm starting simple

I'm getting the side windows tinted to 35% (that's what's legal in CT). I'm not tinting the rear window. It's already hard enough to see out the back

I'm strongly considering the 3M Crystalline film for the windshield. It's a clear film that cuts out >50% of the heat coming through the windshield, which will keep the car cooler in the summer and reduce glare when driving at night. Little apprehensive on this one.

Lastly, going to have them try and remove the need for the e-brake when using certain functions in the Nav System and phone.

Share your experiences please, good or bad

I looked for 2 weeks to find someone that would do the windscreen in 3M. I finally did, though I have not got there yet, prob next weekend. I will probably have the windscreen done on all 4 cars in the house not just the Lotus. Although in Texas it is much more necessary, I would have done the same in NY. Park your car at Jones Beach for 1/2 a day in July and see how hot the dash is when you get back in the car at 2:00. Or get stuck in traffic on the Hutch mid day in Aug. No need to use the expensive 3M on all the windows but on the windscreen, the 90% is legal in TX and CT, and will improve the ride comfort on really hot days.

 

[invictusmaneo]

I did 70% crystalline on the windshield. Wasn't cheap and make sure you find a good shop as it is a tough install on our car. Took several hours.

90% was special order and only minimally lighter then 70% but if you look at 3m published performance the 70% is markedly better without any real drawbacks. It has had no negligible effect on night driving and helps to reduce glare.

Some distortion at some parts of the windshield due to the shape and the nature if the film but it is minimal. Distortion and the tint is very noticeable looking at the windshield on the side.


I had my dash replaced under warranty and wanted to minimize damage on the new one plus it helps keep the car very cool. I use the custom fo windshield sun guard too.

 

[rhoyle]

I did 70% Wincos Ceramic on my windshield and side windows of my first Evora and I loved it. Really made a dent on the heat in the cabin and helped the AC keep the car nice and comfortable. Plan to do the same with my current Evora as soon as I get the chance.

I also recommend doing the rear window (exterior) to cut down on heat enterin the engine compartment. I have no idea how much it helps, but it can't hurt, and with the 3M or the Wincos you'll probably not notice it's there.

 

[rpolin]

Thanks for the feedback on the windshield and I'll ask them about the back window. For the front window, they want $400 for the 70% crystalline.

Anybody driving with their side windows tinted? I'm curious if having the side windows darkened will make it impossible for night driving when trying to change lanes.

 

[invictusmaneo]

I have 20% 3m film on the sides and the crystalline.its darker for sure bit not a problem and I actually like it since we sit so low it reduces headlight glare from the mirrors.

I paid 450 in SoCal all in so 400 is about right.

 

[rpolin]

I have 20% 3m film on the sides and the crystalline.its darker for sure bit not a problem and I actually like it since we sit so low it reduces headlight glare from the mirrors.

I paid 450 in SoCal all in so 400 is about right.

Great feedback, thanks! As for the windshield, I need to have a sticker (don't ask) on the inside of the windshield that gets changed every year. It seems like that would be a major problem with the crystalline as i would need to scrape the windshield to get it off each year which would cut up the crystalline. I'm guessing you don't have to deal with that in Florida?

 

[invictusmaneo]

nope don't have to deal with it. and I would definitely try to have an appropriately sied cutout made in the crystalline or something the film is very easily damaged

 

[rpolin]

Just made the appointment for next week with AfterFXCustoms

- 35% tint for the side windows
- Crystalline (70%) for the front
- E-brake override for the Nav & Phone system (Pioneer head unit)
- Change roof light from regular bulb to LED

I'll be sure to post pic's of the windows once completed

PS - As for the stickers on the windshield afterwards, they laminate the stickers so they go and off the windshield with ease. No risk for damage to the windshield as they guarantee it.

 

[rhoyle]

I'm confident you can handle the light bulb change on your own!

 

[rpolin]

I'm confident you can handle the light bulb change on your own!

yeah but there already going to be in there having fun so why not just let them just deal with it. Knowing me, I'll blow another fuse and that ain't fun, especially when its the fuse that controls the central locking system.

 

[rhoyle]

It's your money my friend, but it's literally a 15 second swap and doesn't even require tools if you have a fingernail or credit card handy.

 

[rpolin]

picking up my car on Tuesday when I get back from vacation and I'll try and get a pic of the windows (sides & front) as soon as I can but we are dealing with more snow in the north east (UGH).

Interesting piece of information though for all of you, which you may have known already and I'm just a little slow on the uptake.

I was changing the roof overhead light to an LED bulb that way if I ever accidentley left it on (experienced that one before!), it wouldn't drain the battery. I have just been told that the battery will still drain just as fast as there's still 12 volts going to the light so there will be no energy savings benefit.

 

[Julian73]

12v yes but less energy because the amperage is much less. Energy is volts x amps

 

[rhoyle]

An easy way to think of it is this: volts are how much energy there is, Amps are how fast it goes. More amps = faster drain.

 

[axm]

nope don't have to deal with it. and I would definitely try to have an appropriately sied cutout made in the crystalline or something the film is very easily damaged

I have 3M 90% on the front - it is amazing, barely noticeable - and have a side cut out for the two texas stickers needed. If you need space for two, you can stick them side by side, than on top of each other.

On the side windows I have 3m Crystalline 70%. I am not a dark tint fan for my color. The 3M lighter tints are pretty effective keeping the heat out and shows off the contrasting paprika interior.

 

[Julian73]

Volt are potential energy difference between two points. Closest physical analogy would be pressure. Where as amps are current flow. Think in terms of water flow height difference of entrance to exit determines pressure and size of pipe the amount that flows. Lay pipe horizontal assuming pipe can stay full... lots of amps but no pressure delta to move thus no power used. no place pipe on end.. big drop lots of power

 

[rpolin]

Sorry for the delayed response, work has been insane and is not letting up anytime soon.

The Nav/Phone over-ride was well worth it. They charged me an hours labor but it was worth every penny to have full functionality over the system regardless of speed or e-brake.

The 3M Crystalline on the windshield is nothing short of amazing. Obviously, the primary benefit is to save the dashboard and keep the car cooler in the summer but what I love about it most is that it basically eliminates glare from oncoming cars when driving at night. That alone makes it worth the money.

Window Tinting. I put 35% on the sides and ended up putting 20% on the rear. The benefit of the rear is that I no longer have to adjust the mirror for a*holes driving behind me with their brights on. As for the side windows, they have run into a major problem with the drivers side window. They have tinted the drivers side window twice now and both times it has caught inside the door frame and pulled up. I'm dropping it off again next week for a 2 1/2 day stay. They are going to pull off the door panel so they can get the tint down even further on the glass and then let it cure for two full days. Hopefully this will do the trick as it looks AWESOME with the windows tinted. The passenger window had no problems at all. Figures. Go figure?

 

[phaphaphooey]

Show them the thread linked below when you take it back in. I found it while searching for a diy door panel removal during my mirror switch debacle. Apparently it is a hard car to tint properly.

Lotus Evora panel removal - Lotus - TintDude Forum

 

[rpolin]

Show them the thread linked below when you take it back in. I found it while searching for a diy door panel removal during my mirror switch debacle. Apparently it is a hard car to tint properly.

Lotus Evora panel removal - Lotus - TintDude Forum

thanks and will do