Rear Window tint problems on All Corvettes
07-09-2011, 11:09 PM
#23
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Rear Window tint problems on All Corvettes
The best way to deal with the dot matrix is to cover it with vinyl. I purchased my ’08 all ready tinted with a great tint job. The tint installer used one piece to cover the rear window. The tint film started to raise a little around the larger dots after a couple of years. A few shops I checked out recommended to use the vinyl, so a choose a shop and went with vinyl. They were able to keep my old tint and just cut out around the dot matrix, and apply a piece if vinyl over the dots, and matched up the vinyl to the existing tint film. It looks great!
The point I want to make is that I have had two great installations with both full tint and tint with vinyl, and vinyl looks so much better. This is because we have the dark back (whatever it is) around the window perimeter from the factory, and when you add the black vinyl it looks like a continuation of this factory look. It also enhances the “look” of the back window.
All this to say, I would recommend that you call around to various tint shops and asked if they have done corvettes, and if they say yes, then ask they how they do the rear window. If they explain to you that they recommend using the vinyl because it sticks better and looks better, then they probably know what they are talking about. Also, all the tint shops experienced with corvettes, all told me they sand the dots prior to application.
Hope this helps you. Good luck!
The point I want to make is that I have had two great installations with both full tint and tint with vinyl, and vinyl looks so much better. This is because we have the dark back (whatever it is) around the window perimeter from the factory, and when you add the black vinyl it looks like a continuation of this factory look. It also enhances the “look” of the back window.
All this to say, I would recommend that you call around to various tint shops and asked if they have done corvettes, and if they say yes, then ask they how they do the rear window. If they explain to you that they recommend using the vinyl because it sticks better and looks better, then they probably know what they are talking about. Also, all the tint shops experienced with corvettes, all told me they sand the dots prior to application.
Hope this helps you. Good luck!
What are those bloomin dots for anyway?
07-10-2011, 02:59 AM
#28
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07-10-2011, 07:15 AM
#29
Le Mans Master
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Here ya go... 
Windshield glass contains a black enamel band (called the frit) around the periphery that is baked into the glass. This black band includes a border of dots. The band has an etched surface to enable adhesive to bond to the glass, says a sales manager at Able Auto Glass. When car manufacturers install the windshield, they bond the windshield to the vehicle with adhesive placed on the etched part of the black enamel glass area (inside surface). The outside of the enamel band shades the adhesive from the Sun and protects it from ultraviolet radiation. The band also serves a cosmetic purpose by covering up the adhesive and gives the windshield edge "a more finished look."
07-10-2011, 10:28 AM
#30
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If perfection is your thing have the dot matrix painted or covered with vinyl. I didn't want to go that route. I used a local tint shop that handles tinting for the dealership....they were experienced doing Corvette glass. I felt sorry for the guy....after spending hours on the hatch glass he wasn't happy with it so he ripped it out and started over. When finished, there were a couple very small areas of imperfection on the dot matrix. For the next couple of days I parked the car in the Arizona sunshine and then I'd 'massage' the problem areas so the film would conform to the dots. I fixed most all of the small problem area. To find the little spot where the film isn't lying perfect you really have to get up close and personal. There is nothing IMO that detracts from the overall appearance of the car. I don't enter my car in beauty pageants. I'm satisfied with how it turned out.
07-13-2011, 08:55 PM
#31
Heel & Toe
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If perfection is your thing have the dot matrix painted or covered with vinyl. I didn't want to go that route. I used a local tint shop that handles tinting for the dealership....they were experienced doing Corvette glass. I felt sorry for the guy....after spending hours on the hatch glass he wasn't happy with it so he ripped it out and started over. When finished, there were a couple very small areas of imperfection on the dot matrix. For the next couple of days I parked the car in the Arizona sunshine and then I'd 'massage' the problem areas so the film would conform to the dots. I fixed most all of the small problem area. To find the little spot where the film isn't lying perfect you really have to get up close and personal. There is nothing IMO that detracts from the overall appearance of the car. I don't enter my car in beauty pageants. I'm satisfied with how it turned out.
07-13-2011, 11:10 PM
#34
Melting Slicks
07-14-2011, 12:30 PM
#35
Melting Slicks
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Here ya go...
Quote:
Windshield glass contains a black enamel band (called the frit) around the periphery that is baked into the glass. This black band includes a border of dots. The band has an etched surface to enable adhesive to bond to the glass, says a sales manager at Able Auto Glass. When car manufacturers install the windshield, they bond the windshield to the vehicle with adhesive placed on the etched part of the black enamel glass area (inside surface). The outside of the enamel band shades the adhesive from the Sun and protects it from ultraviolet radiation. The band also serves a cosmetic purpose by covering up the adhesive and gives the windshield edge "a more finished look."
07-14-2011, 12:38 PM
#36
Race Director
That's how we did ours. 
Actually, you can tint over the dot matrix if you really lightly scuff over the matrix with a Scotch Brite pad dipped in a water diluted liquid dishwasher detergent solution which helps "lube" the surface so the pad won't grab and cut the glass.
