Markn455 Posted July 2, 2013 at 01:55 AM Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 at 01:55 AM Meyersonle, if the car comes with 70% on the front windshield what is the benefit of putting on another layer of 70% film? I did put 35% on the top 5 inches of the windshield and that helps keep the sun off of me and out of my eyes but the dash still gets smoking hot, if I don't put up the sun screen.I have had it put on the windshield of my last three vehicles. There is a tremendous amount of heat and damaging rays that come through. Factory tint, even dark tent like they put on the side and rear windows on SUVs doesn't do all that much to block heat. So, while you can't darken the tint on the windshield you can put film that blocks these rays. Also, putting tint on the sunroof would often cause the glass to crack or shatter on a hot day. That was before they put tempered glass in them. In recent years manufacturers started using tempered glass in the sunroof. So check for tempered glass in the sunroof and you will be good to go. How often do you keep the shade closed on you sunroof because its just too hot? Install the 3m crystalline and you will be able to leave it open even on the hottest of days. If you have ever noticed how much running the A/C cuts down on the EV range as compared to turning it off. I believe installing the 3M Crystaline, which specs out to block out more heat than the nearest competitor's ceramic tint, puts less heat load on the a/c which will improve your EV range. All you have to do is drive around a week or so in this hot weather, then have the Crystaline installed. I promise you will kick yourself for having not used this tint on every car you've owned through the years. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted July 2, 2013 at 04:04 AM Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 at 04:04 AM Meyersonle, if the car comes with 70% on the front windshield what is the benefit of putting on another layer of 70% film? I did put 35% on the top 5 inches of the windshield and that helps keep the sun off of me and out of my eyes but the dash still gets smoking hot, if I don't put up the sun screen. I also asked the shop that installed my tint to put additional tint on my sunroof but they would not do so. Said it's not a good idea in AZ? About a week ago I parked the car and decided I would roll the driver side window down so the car would be cooler when I got back in it. Bad idea! The sun was shining on the driver side and my black leather seat gave me quite a surprise when I sat down on it in my cut off shorts...ouch! The tinted windows DO keep the seats from getting too hot to sit on, if not the interior. Lesson learned.I am pretty sure you were addressing Mark, even though you addressed the post to me. The only thing that I would add to Mark's post is to ensure that you understand your local regulations on tinting, especially the front window. Some states will allow you to tint as long as you allow enough light to penetrate, but many states like mine, North Carolina, will not allow tinting below the DOT ASA line. Even if its legal to put tint on the front window, you would not want to put 70%, that in addition to the tint that is there would make it difficult to see at night. I think the recommendation is 90% if you are going to do it. For the best heat reduction on the sun roof, you should close the shade anyway so not sure what tint would do for you there. One thing I would echo from Mark's post... a good tint will significantly reduce the heat. It is worth the investment. (When shopping for films, looks at the numbers). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pluggedin Posted July 2, 2013 at 01:33 PM Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 at 01:33 PM I am pretty sure you were addressing Mark, even though you addressed the post to me. The only thing that I would add to Mark's post is to ensure that you understand your local regulations on tinting, especially the front window. Some states will allow you to tint as long as you allow enough light to penetrate, but many states like mine, North Carolina, will not allow tinting below the DOT ASA line. Even if its legal to put tint on the front window, you would not want to put 70%, that in addition to the tint that is there would make it difficult to see at night. I think the recommendation is 90% if you are going to do it. For the best heat reduction on the sun roof, you should close the shade anyway so not sure what tint would do for you there. One thing I would echo from Mark's post... a good tint will significantly reduce the heat. It is worth the investment. (When shopping for films, looks at the numbers).Oops. You're right, it was Mark. Sorry. Thank you both for your input though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiros Posted July 2, 2013 at 05:50 PM Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 at 05:50 PM I have never had tint installed on my cars, but I'm curious about the 3M Crystalline. How does the tint affect visibility on the front windshield? Can you tell it is installed? Any issues with night vision? Last question, can anyone post the cost for them to have it installed? I have no experience, like I said, but a ballpark is helpful. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted July 2, 2013 at 08:16 PM Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 at 08:16 PM (edited) The 3M Crystalline thing has me interested too. Is it a 0 tint (clear and see-through) or is it very minor, or does it have different percentages, such as clear, up to limo tint? I checked Michigan state laws and I'm only allowed to put tint on the rear doors and rear window, for driver and passenger side windows, 4" from the top, and same for the windshield (unless there's some Doctor's orders thing). But if that stuff is completely clear... I may have to investigate this further. Even though I have a white car, it still gets really warm in there on sunny days. Edited July 2, 2013 at 08:16 PM by Russael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted July 3, 2013 at 12:55 AM Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 at 12:55 AM I have never had tint installed on my cars, but I'm curious about the 3M Crystalline. How does the tint affect visibility on the front windshield? Can you tell it is installed? Any issues with night vision? Last question, can anyone post the cost for them to have it installed? I have no experience, like I said, but a ballpark is helpful. Thanks. If you go back to the first page of this topic you will find where we were discussing tint -- Click here 3M makes wonderful products, but I do not have experience with that film, I installed a ceramic film (FormulaOne pinnacal), but not on the front windshield. That is not legal in NC. If you do not make the tint too dark, then you will not have issues at night. Interesting point -- just because a film lets in less light does not mean it will let in less heat. Films are rated for both the amount of light that penetrates and the amount of heat rejected. Cost can vary greatly, but in general for a quality film like 3m or FormulaOne you are going to spend over $300 but it should have a lifetime warranty. Cheaper films can be installed for as little as $100 and some of them last a considerable amount of time but typically will not have the same heat rejection properties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggy314 Posted July 3, 2013 at 03:02 AM Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 at 03:02 AM This is the tint I got:http://www.solargard.com/window-films/automotive/auto-films/ultra-performance It's a ceramic tint, so I should get good heat protection, very useful for central Texas summers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
http Posted July 20, 2013 at 08:14 PM Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 at 08:14 PM Just finished installing my Visual Garage shark fin antenna on my Energi. They did a good job with the color match and the installation was pretty easy, but I needed my wife to help me get the fin lined up correctly. I haven't noticed any significant signal degradation on HD or Sirius. Here are some before and after pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markn455 Posted July 21, 2013 at 02:18 AM Report Share Posted July 21, 2013 at 02:18 AM I have never had tint installed on my cars, but I'm curious about the 3M Crystalline. How does the tint affect visibility on the front windshield? Can you tell it is installed? Any issues with night vision? Last question, can anyone post the cost for them to have it installed? I have no experience, like I said, but a ballpark is helpful. Thanks. I think the Crystalline is the best out there. I can't tell there is any impact on the night vision. If fact, I think you can see a little better. Perhaps is slightly reduces the glare. Also, the 70% has no visible difference in the darkness that I can tell. They have samples you can hold up to the light to see the actual amount 70% changes the light, no difference to speak up. There heat reduction on the Crystalline is incredible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markn455 Posted July 21, 2013 at 02:36 AM Report Share Posted July 21, 2013 at 02:36 AM The 3M Crystalline thing has me interested too. Is it a 0 tint (clear and see-through) or is it very minor, or does it have different percentages, such as clear, up to limo tint? I checked Michigan state laws and I'm only allowed to put tint on the rear doors and rear window, for driver and passenger side windows, 4" from the top, and same for the windshield (unless there's some Doctor's orders thing). But if that stuff is completely clear... I may have to investigate this further. Even though I have a white car, it still gets really warm in there on sunny days. Tint is the magic word. DOT allows up to a 70% tint on the windshield. Many states don't allow any tint on the windshield below the top 5 inches. The 70% Crystalline has no visible tint. If you are really concerned, look for a 0% Crystalline. You can put film on the windshield, that is not a not problem, it cant have any visible tint. I have never had an issue with the 70% Crystalline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric4539 Posted July 21, 2013 at 03:04 AM Report Share Posted July 21, 2013 at 03:04 AM Nice http! I wanted the Visual Garage Shark Fin antenna. I just couldn't get myself to spend $90 for it. I decided to try the Stubby and so far the reception is still great. Installation couldn't be easier; unscrew the factory antenna and screw the Stubby on. http://www.cravenspeed.com/products/The-Stubby-Antenna.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric4539 Posted July 21, 2013 at 07:51 PM Report Share Posted July 21, 2013 at 07:51 PM I know someone asked about body side molding for the 2013 Fusion. This is the best photo I have seen so far. http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAINTED-FORD-FUSION-BODY-SIDE-MOLDINGS-2013-/151083700648?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item232d4a51a8&vxp=mtr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted July 22, 2013 at 09:42 PM Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2013 at 09:42 PM I know someone asked about body side molding for the 2013 Fusion. This is the best photo I have seen so far. http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAINTED-FORD-FUSION-BODY-SIDE-MOLDINGS-2013-/151083700648?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item232d4a51a8&vxp=mtr I can appreciate the functionality of the side molding, but in my opinion they seriously mess up the design of the car. n jeff_h and BadRock 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric4539 Posted July 22, 2013 at 10:32 PM Report Share Posted July 22, 2013 at 10:32 PM I agree with you meyersnole about the molding messing up the design. I do understand the dilemma for those that park next to less than considerate people at work or in an apartment complex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_h Posted August 10, 2013 at 02:54 PM Report Share Posted August 10, 2013 at 02:54 PM Based on a post in the hybrid forum, it noted that while the web site is down for renovation, you can send email to sales -at - visualgarage.com and give them make/model/year/color code and they will send you a paypal invoice (mine were $87 each, included shipping). I sent email one evening, got email reply and invoice the next day, then got email about shipping 6 days later, and received fins in the mail 3 days later. Installation is complete, below are pics. dlb92, Andre07, Elijah B and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted August 12, 2013 at 02:25 PM Report Share Posted August 12, 2013 at 02:25 PM Has that done anything to your radio, 3G or satellite reception that's worth noting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pluggedin Posted August 12, 2013 at 02:33 PM Report Share Posted August 12, 2013 at 02:33 PM Has that done anything to your radio, 3G or satellite reception that's worth noting?I installed one of these as well and have not noticed any interference or degradation in reception at all. jeff_h 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
http Posted August 13, 2013 at 01:05 AM Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 at 01:05 AM Hey! It's Shark Fin Week here at the Fusion Forum. A regular Sharknado! dlb92 and jeff_h 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlb92 Posted August 13, 2013 at 03:35 PM Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 at 03:35 PM Just ordered my ingot silver shark fin jeff_h 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD Diver Posted October 7, 2013 at 11:10 PM Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 at 11:10 PM Just installed my Visual Garage shark fin. Love the look! Here are some pics: You can also see the side molding in the bottom pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted October 9, 2013 at 02:14 AM Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 02:14 AM Has anyone found a trunk liner for the Energi? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted October 9, 2013 at 10:56 AM Report Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 10:56 AM I have a funny feeling that we're never going to see a trunk liner for the Energi because the charger and compressor would be stored under that... plus the traction fans vent under there. I haven't seen one for either the Hybrid or Energi. Either that, or the companies that make liners aren't making them for the 'niche' market of the Hybrid and Energi. Oddly enough, trunk liners do exist for the C-Max, but only the hybrid model. The PHEV is left out on Weathertech's site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbeetle18t Posted October 12, 2013 at 10:34 PM Report Share Posted October 12, 2013 at 10:34 PM Has anyone found a trunk liner for the Energi?http://www.weathertech.com/service/product-request-form/ Weathertech has a product request form, everyone should go to link above and let them know we are looking for one. meyersnole 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted October 13, 2013 at 12:24 AM Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 at 12:24 AM http://www.weathertech.com/service/product-request-form/ Weathertech has a product request form, everyone should go to link above and let them know we are looking for one. Done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD Diver Posted October 13, 2013 at 04:36 AM Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 at 04:36 AM (edited) I like the berber front mats from qualitycarmats.com (should arrive on Monday). The driver side mat is longer than the factory mat and should do a better job protecting. However, I did ask about an Energi trunk mat and got the following. If more of us ask, it might move up in their queue... Hello,I have checked with the pattern specialist at the factory. To date he doesnot have a pattern for that make model year. However, he has added it tohis "list" of vehicles to find so he may acquire a pattern. Please checkback with me in a few weeks or if he emails me sooner I will contact you byemail also.Thank youLaura ClaytonQuality Car Mats800-218-6287laura@qualitycarmats.comwww.qualitycarmats.com Edited October 13, 2013 at 04:37 AM by SD Diver meyersnole 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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