I’m in the process of installing power windows in my 69. I’m debating on installing factory tinted glass instead of the clear glass. I have located quarter windows that are factory tinted from Scott (oldspackrat) but he doesn't have matching door glass.

I tinted the windows way back in the 80s when limo tint was the cool tread. The door window tint got scratched and chipped, I removed it years ago. The quarter glass is still tinted, and in decent shape.

My question, is it a worthwhile change? Would it help keep things cooler inside? The car is apart now, so if I’m going to do it now is the time.

Opinions???

 

I like the looks of the 68 to 72 cars with the factory tint. It is not that dark at all but enough that you can tell. As far as being cooler, I am not sure how much it really helps. It is not often I ever had my car out where the windows were up when it was parked. They were usually down all the time.

 

AC car?

 

I put a vintage air kit on a few years ago.

 

Being here in Phoenix where the sun shines constantly, I can say tinted glass is mandatory to help the AC during the summer.

 

Matt---I went with the green tinted factory glass in the Chevelle I restored a few years back and really like it. Now I am nearly done restoring a 1971 442 and tried the gray tinted glass this time. The tint is inside the glass and not on the surface. I would check out Auto City Glass. They are super nice and have a few options. So far, I really like the color of the grey glass. You can see the windows in my post for the car if you wish. Hope that helps.

 

I've never liked the looks of the limousine tint. And it reduces night visibility.

However, I read about a 3M film (Crystalline CR90) that is essentially clear but blocks more infrared heat than their darkest limousine tint.

Six years ago, an installer in San Diego put it on the side windows and windshield of my Challenger. On the way home, through the Arizona desert at 110°F, I couldn't put the AC on full or it would be too cold. You could put your hand in the sun, then out of the sun and feel virtually no difference in heat. It's great with two people in the car; with one in the sun a single temperature suits both.

It's not scratched, peeled, or changed color in those six years.

That might be an option for you. If you want more tint, they make it darker. I just picked the lightest one so it would be legal on the windshield.

 

Here's a link to what you're looking for. 1969 side and quarter glass in your choice of clear or tinted. Pretty reasonable pricing too. If you have your car apart right now? Yeah I'd do the glass change especially while you're modifying the door panels also to incorporate the power switches. May I also suggest you do Power Door Locks at the same time??
Auto City Classic Inc

 

Well, the decision just got a little easier. The drivers window shattered trying to remove some of the worn rollers. Always something!!!

 

Matt, any idea if the manual and elect. side glasses are the same? If so, I may have a set of factory tinted pieces from a 69 a/c hardtop.

 

according to my research, the regulators don’t matter. My car is a 2 door hardtop (no post between the door/quarter windows. Where are you located?

 

I'm at 78654 here in Texas. I will check and make sure I still have them and let you know.

 

FWIW, note that the factory tint is green. That can make the interior look different. I switched back to a clear windshield because the green tinted windshield made my blue dash look semi-puke.
As noted, the best solution is to use a modern 50% or 30% ceramic film.

 

FYI....I have used the green tint, the untinted glass, and the new grey glass from Auto City Classics. I would look into that glass that's tinted internally vice adding any film to the inside of the glass. The internal tint wears better, is easier to clean, can't be scratched, and has lots of advantages over adding any type of film. I have different types of film on my Impala and GMC truck and there are always things I don't like either at the beginning or much later after the tint has hours worth of sun applied.

 

Here are some pics showing the grey glass....


Looking directly through the passenger rear window....

 

Well Matt. I must have sold the driver side but still have the passenger side Let me know if you can use

it, Adam.

 

well crap, Why didn’t I break the passenger side instead?!

 

Matt:
I torn down several '70-'72 Cutlass doors a few years ago and still have the glass; these were all TX/AC cars so they should have been factory tinted. Let me see if I have good set for you. I may have some quarter glass for the '70-'72 Supreme, notchback style as well. Would those fit a '69? I'm also in Texas, zip 77057, so we'll have to figure out the best way to get it to IL.
Rodney

 

The 69 door glass is a one year only. 68 had vent windows, 70 -72 are different. Thanks!

 

Thank you for posting pictures. I was curious. Thankful to live in Colorado. I have never been a big AC guy. I am sure if I lived in TX AZ FL or other hot states I would have a different opinion.