Windows tinted
Ceramic tint all the way around — including the front windshield — installed by my neighbor Micheal Sivas. $370 and the first job off the build plan is done.
What happened
First job off the build plan: the windows are tinted. My neighbor Micheal Sivas did the install — he had me take the car to a small shop to get the tint precut, and then he did every window himself, including the front windshield.
The numbers: $170 for the ceramic tint, $200 for the install — $370 all-in, posted to the project budget.
What I learned
- —Ceramic film cuts heat and glare, not just light — worth it on a car that will spend its weekends in paddocks and parking lots in the California sun.
- —Having the tint precut before anyone touches the glass makes the install a much cleaner job.
The car
2002 BMW E46 330i — now wearing ceramic tint on every window, including the windshield. Still ahead: sport springs, the manual swap, and the exhaust.
The people
My neighbor Micheal Sivas did the install and pointed me to the shop that cut the film. We are starting to get the look right, thanks to help from friends.
From the day
Next improvement
Next on the build plan: sport springs, then the manual swap and the exhaust.