tinted convertible window?

[dizman7]

Anyone know where I can get a tinted, or darker colored plastic window for a 99 M3 Convertible?

I assume since it's plastic it can be tinted the same as normal windows.

Any help or pointers in the right direct would be great.

Thanks

[RsKeyz]

http://www.emiata.com/E36Window.asp
There ya go bud. Scroll down to the bottom.

[dizman7]

How repeatable is this place? Anyone know what % tinted it is? How big of a pain is that to DIY? I'm somewhat of a noob, but willing to learn.

[///Mposter]

If you go to a good upholstery shop like I did they should have a catalog they otder stuff from. i got a tinted window and installed for $500. I had an option between a light green tint clear semi smoked or basically limo tint. I went with the semi smoked and I'm happy.

[fun2drive]

Emiata has been around for a long time and has a very good rep.

[swtyphoon]

I just put the Emiata tinted windo into my '98 and it was fairly easy with two people. We got it zipped in to the perfect spot on the first try. I only paid about $135.00 for everything I needed, including contact cement and a curved sewing needle for sewing up the zipper when I finished.

[Vitaliy]

can someone post their tinted rear conv. window pics? thanks in advance.

[swtyphoon]

Send me a pm to remind me please....I am about to hit the sack and might not remember tomorrow.

[azmp1]

on the similar note... is there such a thing as a "spray on tint"?
i asked the tint shop about the possibility of tinting the rear window ans they said no. asked about the cling tint (was discussed here before) and they said they do not recommend that either. he suggested looking into this "spray on tint"...
anyone done/heard about it?

[Brashland]

I've heard of spray tint for smoking your tail lights: Nite Shades

Doesn't sound like a good idea for a window though.

[azmp1]

yes i've seen that spray tint as well. i was wondering if there was maybe something designed specifically for the plastic windows...

[Vitaliy]

[brian325ic]

Just ordered one from eMiata for $151

I'll post here once I get it in...

[Vitaliy]

Just ordered one from eMiata for $151

I'll post here once I get it in...

thanks

[brian325ic]

Got it in today, first impressions are good quality, looks nice. Came with glue and sewing needle/thread.

I'll put in next day or two, will post pics and how it went.

[Vitaliy]

thanks a lot for the pics brian. you def have to get more pics when its all done and installed.

btw, whats the glue, thread and needle for? i thought all you needed to do was zipper the new window in.

[Brashland]

btw, whats the glue, thread and needle for? i thought all you needed to do was zipper the new window in.

Glue is for the overlap of the window and the top. I have (somewhere in this section) posted pictures where the glue squeezed out of my overlap onto the top.

The thread and needle is for the end of the zipper. There is no zipper stop so you need to sew the ends down when completed.

Here is the post with pictures.

[swtyphoon]

A curved sewing needle is needed to finish off the job. When the window is zipped in and you try to finish off the sewing from the inside, there isn't quite enough room to maneuver around a regular needle. Sorry I haven't posted pics...too much other stuff going on.

[Vitaliy]

BUMP!! Any updates or pics?

[M3rocket]

^^^^ +1 ^^^^

Yeah, I'd like to see the results -- with intense CA sun, I may follow your lead to help protect my interior from UV rays. I've got a small crack developing in the fold of my window, so may have to do this DIY soon....

[brian325ic]

Haven't done yet, but plan too by the weekend. Had to replace my door handle first ;(

Plus, its 116 here, so getting someone to help is tough

Prob by Sat I'll get some pics up.

[Vitaliy]

Haven't done yet, but plan too by the weekend. Had to replace my door handle first ;(

Plus, its 116 here, so getting someone to help is tough

Prob by Sat I'll get some pics up.

We're counting on you man. haha

[UGAfanz]

http://www.emiata.com/E36Window.asp
There ya go bud. Scroll down to the bottom.

Man i wish they had pics of the darker version !

[brian325ic]

Ok, window is in

With a friend to hold it, took about 20 min to zip in. I had to do it 3 times. first attempt was a guess, then move left 1/4 inch, then move left 1/4 inch more and that was it. Zipping in was super easy, once you get the fist one started and the zipper clean its no problem.

My comments:
- I'm glad I got the tinted one. It has a sort of purplish tint it, but I think next to my 20% tinted glass windows it looks better then the clear. Its not very dark, but good enough.

- window quality/fit was good. The lower fabric corners did not lay flat like the top ones did, you can see in the pics that I had to glue them up a little. Who knows, maybe its my top, but wasnt thrilled that they dont look as good as the top ones. Not a deal breaker though.

- There is a bump in the bottom center where the seem is. I suspect this will go away as the window heat up and cools. If not, no biggie.

- the glue he shipped was only half the bottle and dries yellow. I chose not to use this and bought "Amazing Goop contact cement" from Autozone. It dries clear, and if you have over use you can roll most of it off with your finger. I used a black sharpie to color the rest.

My final though... I'm thrilled and the window look great. I don't even want to put the top down now to keep it shiny
If I had a new top or one in perfect condition I would get the OEM window. But since my top is kinda old and has some issues here and there this was slam dunk for me.

On to the pics:

[Vitaliy]

looks nice. any pictures from far away, looking at the rear of the car?