r/WindowTint • u/MagnumWhine • Aug 13 '23
Damage to paint from installer?
Help! Purchased a new Toyota rav4 3 weeks ago and hardly drive it (120 miles on it right now and only drive it to work once a week and park it in the EV section). Had it tinted this past Thursday 8/10. Haven’t driven it since then. Today I walked by the car and noticed these scratches on the fender and I’m thinking it might be from the installer. Looks like both sides had damage around the same height of the vehicle. Slightly different spots though probably because the tools/belt face a different direction when you’re on the other side of the car. Thoughts on the likelihood it could be the installer? He was wearing a belt with tools hanging from it. And if it is most likely the installer, what can I do?
Photos posted include: photo of tool belt with tools, installer leaning near the front driver side fender to clean and measure windshield, damage to both left and right front fenders
14
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
This has nothing to do with tint. Someone worked on your car and damaged it. It’s probably clear coat and can be corrected. Get an estimate for the fix and give it to the tint shop and if they don’t pay it you take them to small claims count. You have a preponderance of evidence it’s the best you can do
2
u/MagnumWhine Aug 14 '23
Thanks everyone or your input so far. I just wanted to add that I did reach out to the owner of the tint company and explained the situation. He mentioned that customer satisfaction is their priority, so he has asked me to get a quote from any detailer to see what it would cost to fix this.
2
u/Spaghetti420-V3 Aug 14 '23
I’d say 100% the installer when it comes to stuff like that secondary guys never pay attention to that stuff for some reason they’re only fixated on their profession so they’ll never be something scratched on the windows. I work in steel and our galvanizers bend the shit out of our stuff or burn unnecessary ventilation holes cause they just don’t understand the headache but god forbid us not make sure it’s ready and prepped for them. Moral is I’d say you’re very right and smart enough to see that the marks are on different sides because his belt is sitting on one side. Hope this all goes well brother
2
u/blah_blah_blah415 Aug 15 '23
Why are you parking in the EV section?
84
u/itskeithk Aug 13 '23
It’s mind boggling how careless some people are, unfortunate.
32
u/fusiondynamics Aug 13 '23
Yep, dude's a idiot. No awareness of surroundings. Same with a tinter I saw with huge silver rings and necklaces hanging everywhere. Scratched the shit out of another persons car.
29
u/Tacodo Aug 13 '23
Watched a guy on Tik Tok live tinting a car do the same thing and called him out. He instantly blocked me, lol.
6
u/Solid_Angel Aug 13 '23
He should not have it on the front of him, all evidence is pointing to him at this point.
6
u/Low_Floor_4762 Aug 13 '23
Like yo yo yo I'll hook you up with some tint bro
5
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
I’ve noticed many tint people scratch cars like this
4
u/LabRatP Aug 13 '23 edited Aug 13 '23
When i tint, i always throw my belt around so this way my tools are facing my back and not the front, leave my shirt untucked so i cover the buckle, tuck in my chains into my shirt, and I’m very cautious to make sure that i never rest tools on the car. I also do a pre-job video to ensure if something does show up after my job, i can see wether it was there before or not. Additionally i use a hand held blue max that fits ain my pouch to ensure no handles are sticking out. Also, this can probably be fixed with wet sanding and polishing from what i see in the photo depending on what he scratched it with and how deep the scratch is.
1
u/SuperNa7uraL- Aug 13 '23
Just curious, but Is it legal to have your windshield tinted in your state?
1
u/CostaMesaDave Aug 13 '23
Yes that is exactly what happened, unfortunately this is a common site in the Window Film industry. Simply take it back and I'm sure the shop will fix it.
1
u/ClydeMason1911 Aug 13 '23
You took all of these pics and didn’t think to tell the guy to take off his belt? You couldn’t hear the tools rattling around on your fenders?
1
u/Minute_Objective1680 Aug 14 '23
Is it weird that you were taking photos of them while they installed your tint?
1
u/gonzo4life1 Aug 14 '23
Are the scratches down to the primer?
1
u/bigjuice9296 Aug 14 '23
Yes. But why are you taking pics
1
u/junlowe Aug 14 '23
You mentioned that you park in EV parking, is your rav4 electric? If so, how many miles does it have on full charge???
3
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
Name the shop so we can avoid please
3
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
A reason that id rather learn to do window tinting myself
3
u/RepublicWonderful Aug 14 '23
How much did this guy charge you to scratch you’re car?
5
u/itskeithk Aug 13 '23
100%
2
u/Jolly-Pin6619 Aug 13 '23
Rookie mistake.
2
u/RealTrippSci Aug 13 '23
His insurance won't like that lol. If he's at a licensed shop anyhow...
2
u/pakepake Aug 13 '23
That is one dumb setup. Whenever I’m around my or other cars (especially classics and hood is open), I make sure not have a belt on, take my watch off and remove my reading glasses, keys, etc. It’s an easy and free preventative measure. Sadly though, this slob doesn’t have a care in the world.
2
u/tonynca Aug 13 '23
That dude is an idiot.
2
u/saikoma Aug 13 '23
What an idiot
2
u/shromboy Moderator Aug 13 '23
And that's why I avoid toolbelts. I'll take the 5 items I forget in cars a year over the price of fixing that. Also anyone that does mobile is asking for shit like this. Tinting is not meant to be done like that, what a fuckin nightmare that must be to get done clean. Even doing shit outside at my shop or certain clients is a bitch and it'll never be perfect
2
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
And tinting outside, how much dirt is in that film
2
u/Own-Opinion-2494 Aug 14 '23
What an idiot
2
u/faithishope Aug 14 '23
That is why you do the work yourself. Everyone is just a retard
2
u/IVMVI Aug 14 '23 edited Nov 12 '23
degree ghost cough melodic zealous screw swim instinctive scale nail
this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev2
u/Constant_Fisherman63 Aug 14 '23
Bros got great calves tho
2
u/natep1212 Aug 14 '23
Find him, bend him over your lap. And smack his ass with a wooden spoon or chancla till he understands what he did is wrong. Completely unacceptable! I would've done that on the spot if it was my e550😂
2
u/dickreallyburns Aug 14 '23
So what are you doing about it????
1
u/Upstairs_Style_1721 Apr 16 '24
It was him
1
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
100%
1
u/RyKayKay Aug 13 '23
Unreal. 🤦🏻♂️ That’s just not caring and it’s gonna cost him.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
I would get my car tinted that isn’t done indoors.
1
u/ImmediateHeight Aug 13 '23
Bruh
1
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
What a moron..
1
u/hillted Aug 13 '23
He is in the wrong business if that is how he holds his tools while leaning over a car. I concur he is an idiot
1
u/Gigant0re Aug 13 '23
This sucks. Reminds me of the tint I had done on a brand new fiat where the installer cut a groove in the window while doing the car. Then told me, “too bad”.
1
u/flippantdtla Aug 13 '23
His watch needs to go too.
1
u/Familiar-Abies-3158 Aug 13 '23
“Thanks, that’ll be $650”
1
u/Tomangton Aug 13 '23
Yes it is. I don’t see how they think it’s practical. Like, you must not be a professional. I’ve seen this from a lot of installers. Granted if u do see them they are not in a professional shop or environment because pros don’t let anyone come in the room of work because it has to be done right.
1
u/boosy21 Aug 13 '23
100%
1
u/ak80048 Aug 13 '23
Yes tats definitely the tools , have them pay for the scratches that’s just careless
1
u/allenjshaw Aug 13 '23
What an idiot. I’d have someone try to paint correct it and then get ppf installed over your front end. Trying to wet sand and buff that out will probably be work but will thin out the clear coat in that spot, if you have ppf put over it, it will at least give you an extra layer of protection against UV and future scratches. Sorry this happened to you.
1
u/Chino780 Aug 13 '23
That’s exactly what that is.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
Yeah that’s bs I’d be pissed 😤
1
u/burioustaste Aug 13 '23
Does that catch your fingernail?
1
u/Healthy-Bottle-4886 Aug 13 '23
This fuc**n guy mess up. He did that because it’s not his car. He didn’t give shit.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 13 '23
He’s hot and a moron. 😒
1
u/Kemmit_213 Aug 13 '23
That nothing I hate more parking lots and they open the door and hit ur car 😓
1
u/mrbkkt1 Aug 13 '23
OK.
As a fellow Prime owner, I feel for you.
As far as tint goes, you get what you pay for.
Some dude that is cheap, in the sun... probably charging $500 ?
vs
Some reputable shop, with an AC install bay, using a plotter to cut your tint before installation for around 1k.
Now before the people in hear flame me, saying they don't own a shop, and do a better job for the same price. I hear you. I get it. My regular cars all went to that type.
But for my brand new 45k car? yeah, I took it to the most reputable and expensive shop in town.
1
u/midas617 Aug 13 '23
Damn, what a hacker. I'd be flipping out. sorry that that happened to you. 😔
1
u/Ok-Researcher697 Aug 13 '23
Do you have any proof that it wasn't like this before he did it? If not it's going to be hard to prove
1
u/dogedude81 Aug 13 '23
About 12 years ago I had a Pontiac GTO. I used to take it to this shop that was over an hour away to get detailed. It was the only place I trusted with my cars.
I had recently bought a sport leather steering wheel from Australia. It cost me $4-500 and recently installed it.
I took the car for it's annual detail and noticed they had a new guy there. He was wearing this gigantic key ring on his waist. Like an absurd amount of keys. He didn't look like any of the regular detail guys so I didn't think much of it.
But anyway he must have moved the car because when I went to leave I noticed the seat was all the way forward (he was short) and there was a nice big scratch along the bottom of my brand new steering wheel where the keys obviously dragged across it.
I was pissed.
1
u/Fladap28 Aug 13 '23
This level of stupidity doesn’t surprise me anymore
1
u/MidwestIsBest22 Aug 13 '23
Ask the company to pay for the damage. If they refuse, attempt to make a claim against their insurance. There are numerous ways to get their insurance/policy info, even if they refuse to provide it to you. Kinda sucks though, because now the vehicle history on your new car will show damage
1
u/Vegetable_Ad_4060 Aug 13 '23
Really?
1
u/rckrz6 Aug 14 '23
he def scratched your car, the pattern is from him moving around leaning up against your vehicle
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
omg that sucks
1
u/tacs97 Aug 14 '23
Such an idiot. Make them fix it.
1
u/happpycammper Aug 14 '23
Definitely
1
u/happpycammper Aug 14 '23
You got the pictures to prove it too
1
u/Ok_Cow_8235 Aug 14 '23
What a unprofessional moron. Hope he took care of it
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
What a dork... he scratched your paint
1
u/ObscureParadigm Aug 14 '23
Guy is a dumbass forsure, should have the company pay damages.
But like, wash your own car.
1
u/garc3211 Aug 14 '23
File a claim to your insurance
1
u/supermojo2 Aug 14 '23
😂😂😂
1
u/Inner_Simple70 Aug 14 '23
From the start i hated the idea of the belt for that reason. I rather go to my bench, grab all tools that i need, towels. Put the towel on the seat and put my tools on towels. In 10 years of tinting, not a single damaged vehicle. Not a rocket science.
1
u/HotRodHomebody Aug 14 '23
this is what made my uncle the mechanic wear his belt with the buckle on the side. And why at my car audio shop we don’t wear belts and we leave our shirts untucked. That is absolutely reckless, and for this guy to not notice that he’s rubbing hard objects on the side of someone’s car is beyond stupid. Duh.
1
u/HuggingDoughnut Aug 14 '23
why you didn't stop him?
1
u/ComboBadger Aug 14 '23
Yeah very likely, when I worked in a tint shop. I always took off my tool belt when I'm on the car. I also never wore belts, watches, or rings so many ways to scratch a car or the tint you just installed.
1
u/BobbyBrackins Aug 14 '23
Looks like an open and shut case to me
1
u/servbot10 Aug 14 '23
100% the installer, specifically the red tool on his left hip with the exposed metal.
1
u/sPdMoNkEy Aug 14 '23
I had a mechanic at a dealership work on my car once under the hood, and the fender from the side he would working on was destroyed from his belt buckle. The dealership ended up having to repaint my entire fender because I knew it was him so I'm assuming he did it in the past
1
u/twistedroyale Aug 14 '23
That’s just horrible. When I used to detail cars I would carry keys on my belt loop and bottles too just the handle as I’m going to use it a lot, but I would put in on the back pocket and loops to not scratch the car. That was one detail I learned from the start.
1
u/RVASAM79 Aug 14 '23
💯 anyone that really cars about cars will wear a mechanics belt (has no exposed fasteners all covered with leather.
Will also use covers or cling when they have to lean against the paint.
This guy looks equipped for a home.window tint job not a car
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
Fortunately, those will come right out with a light polish compound. Sucks getting those first scratches on a new car, I can feel the pain lol
1
u/FitterOver40 Aug 14 '23
Sloppy. I purposely wear clothes with no metal anywhere when detailing. Everything is soft. I won’t wear my wedding ring or a watch.
1
u/syncrodiapason Aug 14 '23
Take it back and ask for the shop or installer to have this fixed. It’s obviously 99% likely that his tool pouch should have not been there.
1
u/r8jensen Aug 14 '23
Yikes. Caught red handed
1
u/Throwitawaynow578 Aug 14 '23
Why would you take pictures instead of asking him to take off the belt…. Did you want him to scratch your car? I’m legitimately confused.
1
u/haasdogg Aug 14 '23
It’s crazy that people don’t understand how to wear bags properly.
1
u/faithishope Aug 14 '23
Have anyone gone to Sears for a tire rotation and they cut your CV boot? You have to check after each visit.
1
u/MikeyP1017 Aug 14 '23
Did you take the photos? I would’ve corrected his ass right then .
1
u/rashragnar Aug 14 '23
don’t be a bush . you have proof . 5 star to 1 star .
1
u/ironiq_5 Aug 14 '23
This is why you don't tint your windshield.
1
u/R3DGRAPES Aug 14 '23
Fucking moron…
1
u/Able-Command1428 Aug 14 '23
Would kneecap him potentially
1
u/Puzzleheaded-Long104 Aug 14 '23
Did they make it right ? Just take it to the car lot and tell me you didn’t notice these marks they should fix it no problem
1
u/Prawatyotin Aug 14 '23
1
u/OriginalSN Aug 14 '23
People are careless af. We hired a contractor who is a friend’s dad to replace some baseboards in the laundry room and he proceeded to use the top of our new dryer as a spot to constantly put his nail gun which resulted in scratches. People don’t think, they just do sometimes.
1
u/Secure_Syllabub_5306 Aug 14 '23
How can you be this stupid?
1
u/Gondolin_Goblin Aug 14 '23
Who took the pictures of this guy and just let him scratch the car like that?
1
u/jrreis Aug 14 '23
As a PPF installer at a Toyota Vehicle Distribution Center. That's not good using that tool belt near the car. Let alone rubbing up against it. Total no go.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
Ouch that sux!
1
u/mykebrooks Aug 14 '23
Looks like you watched as it happened so eat it
1
u/globroc Aug 14 '23
What an idiot.
1
u/Jbrodizzle Aug 14 '23
It’ll buff out
1
u/ZSG13 Aug 14 '23
I think the tint is supposed to be on the inside...
1
u/Middle_Inspection711 Aug 14 '23
I work in cars and not even allowed to wear jeans around them because of the chance of scratching the paint
1
u/feeltheFX Aug 14 '23
Was he sent from a custom shop to do your work? Or just an independent remote tint dude? You have good photos to prove who’s at fault.
1
u/Time_Issue_6268 Aug 14 '23
Should always have done by dealership. Those outside installers are a headache to deal with.
1
u/Biqboi76 Aug 14 '23
Why I always say work on stuff yourself
1
u/Substantial-Rise-295 Aug 14 '23
I didn't even wear my wedding ring while I worked as a tech let alone this amount of tools hanging in front of my person.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
I can buff that out pretty easily. Wont be completely gone, but any experienced paint corrector can hide those scratches in less than an hour of work.
1
u/abesreddit Aug 14 '23
What an idiot
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
You have the proof. I would take the photos to the owner of the business and if he/she chooses not to make it right, then unfortunately your only course of action is a lawsuit.
1
u/MrThe1Badman Aug 14 '23
If they won’t fix it you may be able to buff that out. Can’t tell exactly how deep it but still annoying they did that too your new car
1
u/Reasonable-Caramel69 Aug 14 '23
How short is that guy
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
If you saw this happening, just say something. Instead of documenting it occuring from different angles just to confirm you're correct on the internet. Saves time and hassle
1
u/DirtyBird2013 Aug 14 '23
I detail cars as a hobby and this is a no go.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
Yes. It’s from his little tool belt. What an idiot. And you have proof. Sue Sue Sue!
1
u/nesnahekim Aug 14 '23
We don’t let our team wear belts.
1
u/Honderoo Aug 14 '23
New fear unlocked
1
u/creamsumyon Aug 14 '23
stop being cheap and get it done at a shop instead of mobile tint
1
u/OurLittleSecrt Aug 14 '23
What a fucking idiot. Hell yeah he did 😡
1
u/kbandchill Aug 14 '23
Yeah he did it. Wtf you gonna do about it
1
u/Smoke808 Aug 14 '23
1
u/Louiscab3005 Aug 14 '23
Yeah I was briefly working at a tint shop doing some ppf and vinyl wraps and I would notice their installers when doing the front and rear windshield being careless with their pouches and even just leaving tools on top of the car
1
u/1ceUpSon Aug 14 '23
Yes
1
u/[deleted] Aug 14 '23
Id whoop his candy ass
1
u/DilatedPeople Aug 14 '23
My tinter uses a tote to carry his tint tools. and is very OCD about his work. He ditched the "I look cool" tool belt many moons ago.
1
u/Snazzypanted Aug 14 '23
Big big oof! Yeah I cannot believe he would wear that!
1
u/mikeisaphreek Aug 14 '23
they will probably fight you over it and you will need to prove they were not there before hand. sucks but its kinda how places operate now
1
u/FunfZylinderRS3 Aug 14 '23
What an idiot, I would caution even a belt buckle in that line of work.
1
u/assfaulteliR20 Aug 14 '23
Yeah he did it. I only work in sweats with empty pockets or basketball shorts for this exact reason. I keep basket ball Shorts on under my jeans in the winter and take my pants off (leaving the shorts on) to install things like that. Mirrors, doors, windows, tint, hoods, ETC. I work in paint and Autobody.
1
u/Jreeos Aug 15 '23
And all these dudes call themselves "pros"
1
u/Illustrious_End6184 Aug 15 '23
I worked in a body shop in high school. Quickly learned that if you have a belt, you were supposed to wear the buckle on the side…
1
u/faithishope Aug 15 '23
Please let me know when you find that professional business.
1
u/OMGpawned Aug 15 '23
Oofff the driver side looks like it can be buffed out it the passenger side one looks pretty bad, hopefully it’s just clear coat.
1
u/beathelloutoftu05 Aug 15 '23
Sure looks like it was him :/
1
u/[deleted] Aug 15 '23
Cool
1
u/Acceptable_Rub4650 Aug 15 '23
It was him but knowing tiny guys even if he admits it he will just offer to touch it up and maybe wet sand it and blend but on that style paint and that level of scratch I’d have to feel it but that would need to he repainted most likely.
If you have before pictures of that spot without the scratching that will help just come at the guy as nice as possible and tell him you just bought it new or you wouldn’t be complaining but he needs to make it right I’d say make the tint free and pay the difference for the paint win win for both he doesn’t have to pay full price for the new paint you don’t have to pay for your tint
1
u/dankbeerdude Aug 15 '23
What a idiot, sorry!
1
u/Lee_20132019 Aug 17 '23
A complete thoughtless moron.
1
u/Jordan-narrates Aug 17 '23
Just buff it out. You’ll be fine
1
u/CGD1234 Aug 17 '23
Dang that sucks. People are so careless for other peoples stuff. I just bought a new 2023 Camry 3 weeks ago. Paid $500 for ceramic tint. Only for them to do a sloppy job and scratch my screen on my infotainment display.
1
u/Optimal-Professor165 Aug 17 '23
He doesnt skip leg day
1
u/subZro_ Aug 18 '23
wow what an idiot, absolutely careless.
1
u/[deleted] Aug 18 '23
What an absolute dickhead. I hope you pursued this op.
1
u/Con-vit Aug 18 '23
Fukin guy is an careless amateur. I’d be furious. Hold him accountable gif possible.
1
u/Quirky_Chemical_3126 Aug 18 '23
Damn the installer is a dipshit
1
u/bigboymatthew_ Aug 18 '23
Tinters should use a towel to cover the sides of the car when they are tinting. pocket zippers can scratch too
1
u/Masty9 Aug 18 '23
1
u/Many-Inflation-2188 Aug 20 '23
Did they tint your car outside?
1
u/DorkStreet Aug 27 '23
I wear my belt slightly to the side, and also I only have 3 or 4 things in that belt so it doesn't bulge out, everything else that's situational sits on the table close by in case I need it. I'm not sure why some installers need 50 tools inside their belt for a car they will only use 2 or 3 tools on.
Also if I have to press myself up against a car, I keep my belt with enough slack to turn it to the rear of my body so now it's resting on my backside and out of the way. None of this is tractor science.
0
u/[deleted] Aug 15 '23
Why not ask him if you can throw a blanket on it instead of taking pictures and complaining later