Factory tinted glass does have a greenish tint to it. Non-tinted glass is very clear. Tinted glass is marked "Sun-Ray" I believe and that will confirm what you have.
I had my windshield replaced spring of 2014, it was factory tint. My replacement has more of a green tint, the original was more of a bluish cast. The new glass has more tint throughout than the OE, I like the replacement; I wud say it's more on par w/ late model windshield colors.
So here is a picture of my new glass. From left to right, I have NOS clear (passenger side), NOS Tinted (driver side) and my original scratched glass on the right (obviously tinted, not clear as I was told by the tint-film shop). This is the green I am referring to. Anyway, I am going to attempt to match the two by applying various film tints without getting too dark but still probably not legal! I will post a before and after picture next week.
I hope you are able to make something work. One thing I did not like about tinting film was that they liked to remove the inside glass wiper because it damages the tint film. Have you thought about some glass polish to make it presentable for now. When you find an NOS one, it is not difficult to replace. You might also want to polish your rear and side glass. It is good for small scratches and water stains that build up around the edge. I used something from these guys. It was a two step kit with pads: http://www.griotsgarage.com Micah
Thanks for the info. However, what are you referring to when you state the "inside glass wiper"? I do hope the film tint works for 10-20 years before I am senile and it becomes my sons problem. It is made by 3M and professionally installed, so I do have some confidence. It also came with a lifetime guarantee for what that's worth. Also, I will consider some glass polish for the quarters and rear window, but the door glass had a sander run across door sill with the window up and really messed it up. No chance of polishing that.
Micah, Never mind, I think you are referring to what is also called the inner "beltline strip". I will ask if they need to remove that. I think that also helps serve as an anti rattle and assist in the outer "wiper" effectiveness. So maybe that would not be good. Thanks for the insights!
Install the tint with the window out of the car. Wait a week so for it to dry....then install the glass. I would do this to avoid removing the beltline wxtherstrip.
Craig, Interesting idea. Only worry for me would be not damaging the film as you try to get the glass in the door. I recall having a little bit of a fight to get it in. For the weatherstrip, I was told that the friction would damage the film. So, it had to go. This was years ago and now maybe the films can take it. Micah
I asked the tint installers if I should remove the inner felt. They said no, but I suspect if grit gets in the felt, there will be scratches. Time will tell. I have one other question on scratching during the install: I presently have the regulators out. Would it make sense to place the glass into the door before I install the regulator to prevent contact with the regulator, then pull the glass up into the regulator tracks? Or is this a bad idea?
If you get sand in the felt, then it will definitely scratch the tint. I actually had that happen to mine.
Luckily, we only have snow up here, no sand anywhere. I'll trade the beaches for snow and deal with the scratches!
