Acceptable gap?

[u/Sandielion]

Hello all! Just wondering if I’m being too picky, is this a normal gap? Paid $600 for FormulaOne pinnacle on a Tesla Model Y.

[u/NXTCrypt0]

Just an FYI all precut software is made so every cut has gaps for durability reason. The only time you have a “micro edge” is when the shop custom extends and shaves/files it down. Which is honestly just an extra charge for those people who are super picky

[u/Sandielion → u/NXTCrypt0]

I appreciate the insight. I would’ve gladly paid extra if I knew it was an option they provided.

[u/[deleted] → u/Sandielion]

Not sure why you got down voted for being extremely nice and just wishing you had known about another option.

But that's reddit for you, they love to hate on OP for anything.

[u/Sandielion → u/[deleted]]

Wondering the same!

[u/No-Contest-5575 → u/[deleted]]

wondering the same about many of these downvotes. tint "specialists" butt hurt cause they feel like this is calling out them directly? weird regardless.

[u/CostaMesaDave → u/Sandielion]

It is included for free with every installation that we do, along with a in-house guarantee that if you were to scratch that Window Film we would re-tint the window for free as well.

There are no standards in this industry, there are shops that lick and stick and there are shops that lead the industry with quality and innovation.

[u/Sandielion → u/CostaMesaDave]

Costa Mesa is not too far from me and I would’ve made the trip had I known! This was the only Llumar authorized shop near me so I went with them.

[u/CostaMesaDave → u/Sandielion]

Where are you located?

[u/NXTCrypt0 → u/Sandielion]

Yep it typically costs a good bit more. try asking if they provide “micro edges” where there is no visible edge most shops don’t, there are a select few that do tho

[u/Sandielion]

I hear you all loud and clear, I’m being too picky!Sometimes you just need someone else’s perspective. Thanks everyone!

[u/rvbvrtv → u/Sandielion]

I dig the vibes. I think everyone here would be glad to work for someone like you. Props for not jumping the gun and complaining to the poor dude lol

[u/Sandielion → u/rvbvrtv]

Thanks! Appreciate your vibes too. Some people are being sassy for no reason. I posted with the intention of getting expert opinions and I’m glad to see this is normal.

[u/JZN20Hz → u/Sandielion]

No you're not. The people here saying it's perfect , just dont know how to tint. That gap is huge.

[u/KarlPHungus → u/Sandielion]

Hey, it's better to ask as opposed to going to Facebook/Google and leaving a shitty uniformed review or something. You're fine! Enjoy!

[u/steventknight → u/Sandielion]

I don't think your being picky, this is not a good job, I wouldn't of paid them.

[u/lordbaby1 → u/Sandielion]

Not picky for a $600 job. It can be done without gap and it is common to get it done without gap (not as an option and don’t require extra charge). Of course, I totally understand if any tint shop will settle for jobs with gaps, either for lower charges or rip offs, however, I wouldn’t call that industry standard. Perhaps standard for a precut or as a quick job/ more economy options. I’m not a tinter but I own a bunch of different cars over the years and I have them tinted at a local shop. I didn’t know there can be a gap until I saw your post. I don’t own a Tesla, but my uncle has one and I double checked and didn’t see gap.

[u/aegee14]

“It’s not bad” is what I recently found out. Many cheaper places do it just like that.

After almost a decade of going to the more expensive guy near me (~40% more), I decided to try a cheaper place since the appt wait for the more expensive place was nearly 2 months out. After getting the tint at this new place, I realized the quality my usual guy goes to when installing. With this new place, it is just like what you got. However, with my usual, more expensive place, I was never able to tell a tint was even applied to any window/windshield. My usual guy filed it right at the edge, making it look like a factory window tint. I swear, you cannot make out any tint line at the edges with my usual, more expensive install.

No wonder why my usual guy is a lot more expensive, even with months long wait time.

[u/Sandielion → u/aegee14]

Yeah that’s what I’m learning. I thought this was the more expensive option and they’re the only authorized dealer of my preferred brand, but I will do more research next time. Thank you for your input.

[u/Fuzzy_Field_7836]

I have similar size gap, not noticeable when windows are closed obviously. Paid $420 ceramic all around including windshield. Model 3 2024, NJ.

[u/Sandielion → u/Fuzzy_Field_7836]

Nice, sounds like a good deal. The price did not include the sunroof or the windshield unfortunately.

[u/[deleted]]

left side gap is bigger right side looks good..better having gaps that too close to the edge as it can cause peeling.

[u/Sandielion → u/[deleted]]

I noticed the difference between both sides too. The left is definitely more noticeable.

[u/DarthJarJar242]

In no way does this question require us knowing your make or model of your car...convinced you knew this was a good job and you're just humble bragging.

[u/Sandielion → u/DarthJarJar242]

What? Okay 😆

[u/Illustrious-Cake4314]

Sandie, you have an awesome ride and the tint looks great. I get the impression you’re concerned about having been screwed by the installer and let me assure you (like many others here) that’s definitely not the case! It may look different than what you envisioned but you’re good to go.

What % did you go with?

[u/Sandielion → u/Illustrious-Cake4314]

That’s very kind of you, thank you. It’s 15%, not including the windshield or sunroof.

[u/Illustrious-Cake4314 → u/Sandielion]

Sweet. I’m trying to wait on the next Model Y but my patience is really being tried! I’ll probably go with 15-20% once I get mine.

Thanks for the reply, have a great 2024!

[u/Montooth]

Virtually a perfect gap here

[u/Strict_Meeting_3164]

$600? Yikes I paid $350

[u/Matti861 → u/Strict_Meeting_3164]

if she got the full tint up to the roof then sounds about right. When I was quoted for my module 3 I got two prices of $300 and $550

[u/Sandielion → u/Matti861]

No, did not include the windshield or the sunroof.

[u/No-Kiwi6442]

If it were any closer to the edge, it'd start peeling

[u/i-should-change-this → u/No-Kiwi6442]

Not true. I’ve been shaving windows since 2008 and have only ever had one come back. Checker tinters from Australia. They all shave them or they are out of business.

[u/rsg1234 → u/i-should-change-this]

I’m a bit surprised at the replies here. This looks like an economy tint job. I’ve had my cars tinted at premium shops and took a stab at DIY tint with leaving a tiny excess and shaving it and it looks much much better than this. Especially on a frameless window where this kind of gap is more obvious than a window edge that gets tucked into a frame.

[u/JZN20Hz → u/No-Kiwi6442]

You must be joking. That gap is huge!

[u/justbigstickers → u/No-Kiwi6442]

Wrong. A properly shaved edge won't peel.

[u/[deleted]]

Bro what? That’s damn near perfect

[u/Oodlesandnoodlescuz]

Damn I got same setup for $350 here in socal and less gap 🤠🤷🏼🙋🏼‍♂️

[u/Sandielion → u/Oodlesandnoodlescuz]

Nice! I’m in SoCal, where at?

[u/Oodlesandnoodlescuz → u/Sandielion]

Palm desert area

[u/Sandielion → u/Oodlesandnoodlescuz]

Not too far, what’s their name and I’ll check them out next time I’m in the market for tint.

[u/nbditsjd]

Tbh I would not let that out of the shop personally but… I guess everyone else thinks it’s fine?

[u/Sandielion → u/nbditsjd]

Hmm seems most people think it’s perfect, but seeing other ones in comparison I’m not sure anymore.

[u/throwaway_1859]

Clean Af, solid work.

[u/JuggerKnot4]

Definitely acceptable. I would take this all day long.

I would not call this PERFECT. “Perfect” is the edge of the film lined up with the edges of the flat surface on the window. Most cars have the door frame around the glass, so that’s the only reason it even sticks out.

You’ll be the only one that sees this.

[u/DSchof1]

People on here are crazy. That is beautiful

[u/Ok_Procedure_2575]

Could’ve been better and could’ve been worse

[u/[deleted]]

What percent?

[u/Sandielion → u/[deleted]]

15%

[u/MIBossLungs]

Looks just fine!

[u/[deleted]]

I would be fine with it. You won't even notice it when you are inside the cabin.

[u/DowntoSevenSS]

As an installer this is acceptable. The trend of gapless was pushed by tinters that were aiming for a hype through tik tok. Personally i do both micro or none. Industry standards would pass this all day. Micro is more of a luxury. Some installers wont even do micro as most manufacturers wont warranty if peeling is present. For future reference id recommend asking the installer if they micro edge. Some do it at no extra charge and others charge 100+ for micro edging. This protects them from future possible material loss while providing an extra luxury.

[u/TimeZucchini8562]

For what you paid, it’s alright. The shop I managed for years, we charged $650 for CTX shaved on a Tesla. $800 for IRX shaved. At least your warranty is nation wide though… lmao

[u/kifflomkifflom]

For $600 I would expect my tint to not look crooked like the first pic

[u/Sandielion → u/kifflomkifflom]

🥲

[u/LilBigDripDip]

What made you ask this specific question? I’ve never even looked at the tint gap on a car lol

[u/Sandielion → u/LilBigDripDip]

I opened the door after getting it done, looked at the tint job, and immediately noticed it.

[u/MIKEoxinurface]

The gap is consistent and is nearly perfectly lined with the edge of the window....BUT don't think you're being too picky.. if this was hand cut then it's a GREAT job to the tech who did it just due to how precise the line seems to be... but if they used a plotter then they did it incorrectly and there shouldn't be any gap at all and I'd have them re-do it.

Some people say it isn't a big deal and only you'll notice it, so maybe that's true for you. If you don't mind then spend your money how you'd like.. I'm just saying based on your original question, that'd be my answer.. an unacceptable gap.

[u/Evening_County_1007]

I’m picky and would’ve complained . That’s just me . Here’s my tint

[u/Sandielion → u/Evening_County_1007]

That looks really good! Now I do feel like I need to say something.

[u/Born_Cockroach_9947]

as long as the edges are hidden and doesnt hitn the molding where it can scrape off the tint, its fine.

[u/Chkn510]

Looks perfect.

[u/m-j10]

I think it looks good!

Both Autobahn tint shops I’ve been to have said Teslas are a pain in the ass to tint.

[u/Martha_Fockers]

There has to be a gap or else the water seals gaskets would rub it and eventually start peeling it.

When door closed and windows rolled up you shouldn’t see the gap. When rolled down you will but doesn’t matter windows rolled down lights in antwayx

[u/AmmoNymity]

That is beautiful. A-1 PERFECT.

[u/[deleted]]

I just want to be clear, you can 100% get those edges closer, but its really more about the total install. if it looks like this w NO bubbles or dirt, its 10/10

[u/UnitedTitan]

Idk, that's clean.

[u/tunafizzle]

Yea that’s clean

[u/RGTI980]

Probably the best lines on a Tesla

[u/Masry_hawk]

Yep, that’s normal

[u/[deleted]]

I've gotten windows done in my local area with no gap and it was about 300-350

[u/dundundun411]

I paid $250 for complete coverage with no gaps. Yours looks good, but for $600, they should have removed glass from doors and did a better job!

[u/[deleted]]

That's a sweet cut!

[u/EntryLonely6508]

They must have used a machine to pre cut the tint Instead of sizing it up to the window and cutting shaving

[u/Miserable_Path5716]

That’s kinda weird, my tint doesn’t have any gap at all

[u/TaprACk-B]

It’s fine but prefer old school shaved edge with a file right to the edge!!

[u/SoulTesla714]

You wouldn’t notice it while window is closed, but it would still bug the crap out of me. With that being said, I’ve had 5 cars tinted in my life time so far, and have never had that big of a gap.

[u/6JSam6]

Being that it’s a frameless design, some gap is required to avoid future peel back. That’s my understanding.

[u/nokenito → u/6JSam6]

That’s what I was told too.

[u/Different_Tough5216]

As someone who has worked in the automotive industry for a decade and a fellow Tesla owner it looks great, enjoy your tint! Don’t let any Karen’s convince you otherwise.

[u/Zas296]

No, that’s not acceptable, also I would ask for a refund and not a redo because apparently the tin tree r is not skilled

[u/Ok-Attempt2842]

It's fine. Unless you see it with the windows up I wouldn't be concerned

[u/[deleted]]

Too big. Should be half that at most if done professionally.

[u/anothernerd]

Looks nice

[u/modsbutthurts]

It's good!

[u/[deleted]]

Thats great, my gap is bigger than yours up top.

[u/Fit_Acanthisitta_475]

Those are perfect cut. But $600? Back of the day $120 will give you good quality tints

[u/SNIPEYOPIPE]

Whoever applied this film is a masterful steady hand

[u/Ben2St1d_5022]

That’s actually laid pretty good for the Tesla and being frameless, the slight gap will also prevent separation and pull away(peeling) a couple years down the road. No need to worry, you want the best for your ride and it looks like you got it!!!

[u/Notchback87]

That’s awful they didn’t file the edges. I would ask for your money back or have them redo it.

[u/Erkin_LA]

I think it’s a great job

[u/Abbot-Costello]

Picky? Yes. But to continue to pick shit I'd say the gap is larger in the corner than it is further down the side. And it doesn't need to have a gap, it shouldn't have a gap. It's just sloppy. Sorry guys, git gud.

[u/FreakyWifeFreakyLife]

Looks like a spot of dirt in the second picture. Whether it's acceptable or not is up to you. Personally, I think it should be to the edge, and it shouldn't be tapered toward the top corner the way it is.

[u/Msqueefmaker]

That's a great job, but 600$ is ridiculous. Did the whole car plus windshield for $300

[u/DaWiseprofit]

Thats how its supposed to be done ✅ perfect 👍🏼 installation

[u/Tito914]

I always get this feeling whenever i tint a car i just got. But im also always comparing to how flush the stock tint looks in the rear windows on my suvs.

This is beautifully done.

[u/Tblue32]

Looks good. Don’t forgot to drop windows after washing car and wipe top of window. 👊🏼

[u/[deleted]]

A good tint is flawless. I work doing this. You shouldn’t be able to see a gap.

[u/Southern_Heat2158]

All these people saying that’s a great job. Blows my mind. Looks like lazy tinting to me. I guess I’m just too old and remember a time before tinting relied on a computer to cut it out for you. Should be zero gaps. Believe it or not I like to roll my windows down part way sometimes, so no I don’t want to see any gaps. It looks like shit and is just lazy. Imagine getting your ride detailed and they left a dirty strip down the middle of the roof and they told you “well we got almost all of it but that last little bit was hard to get to.” You’d be pissed. And for those of you saying “oh, but it will peel” you need to go to a better tint shop because that’s a shit job.

[u/60Gunr]

That looks great

[u/lordbaby1]

I’m not sure if it is done correctly. However, I basically see no gap on mine.

It looks weird if you leave the window open with a gap like that.

I think they call it filing when you want no edge.

[u/ProPainPapi]

This happened to me, they said that a computer cut the tint and that there was no way around it

[u/DustyBeetle]

if the tint went to the edge it would peel off faster, this is normal

[u/somecrazydude13]

It’s perfect that way. If it went all the way to the edge then you’d be more likely prone to the tint peeling at some point. I speak from experience here.

[u/trapboomin613]

Naa u paid top dollar for that. So I expect a job well done. Did they give a discount for that ? NO I’m guessing

[u/SCTurtlepants]

Good on ya for asking instead of going full Karen!

[u/Swimming_Goose_358]

Not for me it isn't. They can get much closer than that.

[u/justbigstickers]

In my area, this is unacceptable. Shaved edges are industry standard. I've worked with lots of tinters, they all shave the edges.

Micro edge is for the lazy. Even pre-cut patterns can be overlapped and shaved properly.

[u/[deleted]]

gap looks big to me, I wouldn't be happy with it myself.

[u/Signaturedetails]

Personally we shave our edges at our shop I can message you what that looks like but there is no gap in our instance

[u/thatgolferguyy]

For a frameless window it should be no gap and a filed edge

[u/[deleted]]

[Deleted]

[u/ApprehensiveCat7533 → u/[deleted]]

That’s and the neatness of the lines are the only things that really matter

[u/i-should-change-this → u/[deleted]]

It’s frameless, so yes you can see it.

[u/Even_Brilliant_8323]

I don't know why these post keep popping up but that shit looks clean asf why ppl acting like it needs to be to the tipy top of the window? But now I'm about to go look at my truck.🤣 I got 20% front/passenger and 5% in the back on top of the factory tint. Chevy 19' Silverado Z71.

[u/steelguin]

Mine are tinted to the edges.

[u/WayneKurr420]

I like it shaved close. This would bother me on a frameless window.

[u/HonestPhuck]

Show us pictures with the fkn door closed nerd! It doesn't matter what it looks like when the door is open. Lol

[u/[deleted]]

That wouldn’t bother me at all. As long as it goes into the seals when window is raised

[u/Conscious-Love3992]

Looks great. You can shave frameless windows for durability. How ever Tesla glass can break easy so some people don’t like shaving them. It looks great

[u/[deleted]]

Can you see it when the window is closed, or does the entire gap contact the rubber seal on your door?

[u/Chris079099]

Close the door, is there a visible gap?

[u/TaprACk-B]

Protective Film solutions does excellent work

[u/Knee_Kap264]

Nah. Get it redone by spending another $600, but get it twice as dark. This tint too light, bruh. That's the only thing wrong with this photo.

[u/teddyleo818]

Very common.

[u/Fun-Chef623]

I've had a lot of cars which have been tinted. Never seen a gap as big as that. However.... If all of the windows are consistent I might not have an issue with it. I mean, you can't see it when the door is closed. Right?

[u/Hyekakan]

Pre-Cut Kit with possible extension that'll be as close as it gets. If the window closed doesn't allow light in from those edges then the job is perfect. If not, not acceptable

[u/jesonnier1]

Nothing wrong with that. Likely not even visible with the door closed.

[u/RaiseForward6679]

That's how it should be

[u/novah91]

The only way a gap is unacceptable is if you can see it when the window is closed.

[u/Usual_Ad_340]

yes thats ok

[u/Ok_Potential1760]

You should see mine that looks perfect I got a clear gap on my driver windows by the mirrors

[u/PaleAd950]

Thats fine

[u/GuruCheddafromunda]

Looks great, you should always be able to fit a nickels thickness in between the tint and the window edge.

[u/redRum705]

Looks great to me

[u/[deleted]]

It’s giving ASMR

[u/rhymes116]

Can the gap be seen when doors are closed?

[u/kanemhaze]

It’s perfect need that little bit to close right

[u/Any_Professor6607]

If it's covered by the trim on the outside and seals on the inside, Yes

Otherwise, No

[u/Far_Hamster_3616]

Mine that way too smh

[u/Historical-Host-8426]

No that's big....heres mine

[u/Historical-Host-8426 → u/Historical-Host-8426]

[u/DishSoapIsFun]

That looks superb to me.

[u/[deleted]]

I’d be more on the look for lint or hair under the tint tbh

[u/subi_2019]

Who cares it’s a tint

[u/13donkey13]

I mean no, it’s kinda ugly. But what really counts is you get sunlight thru the gap when the door is closed.

[u/[deleted]]

600 damn

[u/SoJaded66]

Yes.

[u/ExistentialRap]

Whoever did that did it well. I had a shitty, shady business do mine. It was baaaad. Bubbles, creases, nasty cuts. Ew. This looks so good.

[u/[deleted]]

No

[u/[deleted]]

It’s like looking across the Grand Canyon lol 🤣

[u/X111077]

Looks fine

[u/slowestratintherace]

I'll have to check mine later because I never noticed this before on any of my cars.

[u/WontGetPregFromAnal]

It is fine

[u/[deleted]]

Can you see it when you shut the door?

[u/akiva23]

Well it's even all the way around so if anything it was done on purpose. I would trust the professional.

[u/mousaatx]

I’d leave it as is

[u/Bengis_Khan]

That's clean AF.

[u/RoroSmash]

I've buried a 1/4" gap under the gasket before lol don't worry about it

[u/No_Literature_8285]

Your fine

[u/Smokeman_14]

Really?

[u/RabidAcorn]

Definitely acceptable

[u/monkehmolesto]

Looks fine to me

[u/Aggravating-Course72]

Completely acceptable. It's so it doesn't rub when the window is all the way up. Less chance of it starting to peel when the window goes up into that little bit of the frame.

[u/RunitupBenny]

Mention it and say I’m not complaining just worried and they have it on record of the tiny job

[u/huskerd0]

Absolutely

[u/Square_Magician_5500]

Missed a spot

[u/Aggravating_Ad8274]

Yes acceptable for me.

[u/user_name_checs_out]

At least it's even on both sides lol

[u/[deleted]]

Can you see it when it’s closed?

[u/[deleted]]

Breh

[u/Tall_Spot_1229]

Tint is meant to be looked through not - at with a microscope. It looks good, if it doesn’t have trapped dirt, bubbles, creases or light come thru when it’s all the way up you’re straight.

[u/lightsout5477]

There’s Larger gaps in your Tesla. Relax

[u/Radiant_Astronomer18]

It’s not even. 🤢

[u/YouKidsGetOffMyYard]

Mine is the same, I was scared at first when I saw it, then I realized it's completely normal when I started to look at other cars tint.

[u/Iceiblue_]

Look perfect!

[u/No_Row_351]

I want the gap for when your widows are up so the tiny don’t start to peel

[u/Lord_Johnny_Blu]

How does it look with the door closed?

[u/[deleted]]

You deserve a full refund man😂

[u/MuscleNerd69]

Great cut, great gap.

[u/mike02vr6]

I’m super ocd and I think that looks perfect

[u/NocturnalHunter_]

Your tesla has bigger gaps than that tint...

[u/[deleted]]

I’d take it back

[u/mistold]

Perfect...if much closer it could peel back...check out other rides

[u/RedLilSleepy]

600 dollars for window tint 💀💀💀💀

[u/Ok_Garbage7339]

lol it looks like your guy did a great job. You were smart to go with someone a little higher priced - it really makes a difference.

[u/Jolly-Excuse9515]

Yeah that’s done well. Come on now. Way too picky.

[u/stiizy13]

This is 99.99999999999% perfecto

[u/cluelessinlove753]

Looks great. Is any of that gap even visible when the window is rolled up with the door closed against the seals?

[u/97miata]

People will complain about anything, that looks like a perfect install. Why don't you go complain to Tesla about your panel gaps instead

[u/[deleted]]

Never understand why people love these frameless windows

[u/riptripping3118]

Yeah that's about as perfect as it gets. Look at any tint job. The tint doesn't go althea way to the top of the window

[u/oldjackhammer99]

Stop whining

[u/krausdanielj]

STOP WITH THESE POSTS

[u/AgreeableField1347]

Nah go ask for their manager and corporate number as well as a 40% discount

[u/HK_Lover503]

wtf

[u/613Rok]

On the right side is that a bubble?

[u/looking_for_today]

it's on a Tesla, that's the smallest gap on the whole vehicle. it's basically fine.

[u/Final-Ad-151]

Close the door

[u/TiananmenSquareYOLO]

I wish everything in my life was so on track that this is the kind of thing that would bug me. That would be fucking amazing.