Can you tint Jeep soft top windows? Jeep owners often wonder if they can tint the soft top windows on their Wranglers and Gladiators.
The good news is that you can definitely tint these vinyl windows to reduce heat, glare, and UV exposure. There are professional installation options available, but as a Jeep owner you can choose to tint the windows on your own as a DIY project.
This simple upgrade reduces glare, blocks harmful rays, and gives you privacy without sacrificing open-air freedom.
In this guide, I’ll give you the complete lowdown on tinting soft top windows such as pros, cons, costs and step-by-step process for you to decide if tinted soft top windows are right for your Wrangler or Gladiator.
By the end, you’ll know whether this straightforward mod is worth it for your Jeep and how to pull it off yourself – without ending up with bubbling windows or wasted money. Sound good? Then let’s hit the tinting trail!
Pros of Tinting Soft Top Windows
Adding tint to your soft top’s vinyl windows has some major upsides. Here are the key benefits you’ll enjoy:
Reduces Glare and Heat
Driving topless on a sunny day can mean blinding glare and interior temps hot enough to roast chestnuts. Not comfortable! Tinting cuts glare drastically to keep your eyes happy. It also blocks up to 98% of infrared rays that make your Jeep a rolling oven.
One study by the International Window Film Association found an average temperature reduction between 46-79°F in tinted cars. Imagine how much more bearable your next summer road trip will be without roasted legs!
Shields Harmful UV Rays
Prolonged sun exposure can result in premature aging and skin cancer. Medical experts recommend limiting UV exposure, but the soft top’s clear windows provide zero protection. Quality tint films block 99% of UV radiation from reaching your skin. It’s cheap sunscreen for your whole body!
Adds Privacy and Security
You may love cruising around town topless in your Jeep, but do you really want everyone gawking at you or your valuables? A darkened tint prevents prying eyes from peeking in, giving you privacy. It also hides bags, gear and electronics from opportunistic thieves. Consider it extra security on a budget.
Enhances Appearance
Let’s be honest, the black soft top with clear windows can look a little dorky. A sleek window tint complements the top while lending a more custom, polished look. It’s like putting on sunglasses for your Jeep! The darkened windows accentuate the rugged good looks.
As you can see, tinted windows offer major benefits beyond just looking cool. From UV protection to heat reduction and security, it’s a very functional mod that also happens to enhance style.
Cons of Tinting Soft Top Windows
Of course, tinting the soft top windows isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are some potential drawbacks to consider:
Reduced Visibility
The darker tint that blocks sunlight also makes it harder to see out at night or in low light conditions. Driving into a dark tunnel or paralleling a big rig at night, visibility is reduced. This requires extra caution when driving after dusk.
Increased Heat Buildup
While tinting reduces sunlight coming in, it also traps heat inside the cabin once parked in the sun. The greenhouse effect takes over. Cracking the windows allows ventilation, but it takes longer for interiors to cool down.
Risk of Damage
DIY tinting requires meticulously cleaning, cutting, and applying the film. Messing up can lead to bubbling, peeling edges, and misshapen windows – not a good look. Even pro installs can damage the vinyl over time if you’re not careful.
Legal Restrictions
Most states prohibit excessively dark tinting on front side windows since it reduces visibility. You’ll need to comply with local laws on allowable tint darkness, especially for driver/passenger windows.
Added Expense
While DIY tinting costs less than professional installation, you still have to buy all the supplies. For a complete job expect to spend $50-100+ between film, tools, and replacement windows if you mess up (which you might!).
As useful as tinting can be, it doesn’t come without some cautions. But a bit of care in application and understanding the downsides can help avoid any major pitfalls.
Can You Tint Jeep Soft Top Windows on Your Own?
Want to save some cash by tinting your soft top windows yourself? With a little patience and care, you can likely pull it off. Here’s what you’ll need and step-by-step instructions for a clean DIY tint job.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Window tint film. Get high quality film designed for automotive applications.
- Squeegee tool for smoothing on the film. A plastic one with a felt edge works best.
- Spray bottle and automotive application fluid to mist the window. Reduces friction when applying the film.
- Single edge razor blades to trim the film. Change blades often for clean cuts.
- Heat gun to shape the film around curves and edges. Be careful not to overheat!
- Clean microfiber cloths and soapy water for prep.
- Masking tape to hold the tint film while applying.
Step-by-Step DIY Instructions
- Clean the Window Use soapy water and microfiber cloths to thoroughly clean the window surface. Make sure to remove any dirt, dust or oily residue that could interfere with film adhesion.
- Cut the Tint Film. Carefully measure each window and use a new razor blade to cut the film 1-2 inches larger on each edge. Round off the corners to avoid peeling edges.
- Prep the Window and Film Mist the adhesive side of the film lightly and the window itself with application fluid. This lets you reposition the film and squeegee it on smoothly.
- Apply the Film Remove the backing from the film. Use masking tape to hold the film in place as you use the squeegee to adhere it, working from the center outward.
- Finish the Edges Use the heat gun to shape the film around the contoured edges of the window. Avoid overheating or stretching the film. Apply extra pressure with the squeegee on the curves.
- Trim Excess. Carefully trim away any remaining excess film around the edges with the razor blade.
Avoid Common Mistakes Don’t wreck your hard work by missing these key points:
- Completely clean and dry the window before applying film.
- Take your time cutting, don’t rush this step!
- Spray enough solution during application.
- Be very careful with the heat gun, especially near window edges.
- Round the film corners and press them down firmly.
The keys are proper prep, new razor blades, light hands on the heat gun, and patience. Take it slow and you can definitely DIY quality tinted soft top windows.
Storing Your Jeep’s Soft Top Windows
When it’s time to put the hardtop back on for winter, you’ll need to properly store the soft top windows. Here are some good storage solutions:
- Window Storage Bags – Specialized bags protect the windows from scratches, dirt, and moisture. Make sure they’re well-padded.
- Hanging in Garage – Use heavy hooks to hang the windows vertically in a garage or basement. Keep them high enough to avoid damage.
- Window Rolls/Dividers – Some systems roll or divide the windows to prevent rubbing/folding during storage. Less likely to crease or scratch.
Take your time removing the windows from the soft top frame. Clean them well before storage and avoid bending or tightly folding together. The windows crease easily so handle them with care.
Caring for Tinted Windows
To keep those new tinted windows looking dark and crisp:
- Use automotive soap and lukewarm water when washing. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a squeegee to prevent water spots.
- Don’t use abrasive brushes or anything that could scratch the film.
- Touch up any peeling edges or cracks in the film right away before it gets worse.
- Check local laws before using super-dark limo tint, especially on front windows.
With proper installation and some basic care, your tinted soft top windows will last for years while keeping your Jeep cool and looking slick.
The Bottom Line on Jeep Soft Top Window Tinting
Adding tint film to your Wrangler or Gladiator’s soft top windows provides major benefits like reduced heat, UV protection, privacy, and enhanced style. But it also comes with some drawbacks like visibility concerns, legal restrictions, and potential installation challenges.
If you take time to understand both the pros and cons, and perform the DIY tinting properly, chances are you’ll be very happy driving topless with cool, stylish tinted windows. Just be sure to clean and store them well between seasons. For most Jeep owners, tinting the soft top windows is an upgrade well worth doing.
Ok. can you tint your Jeep soft top windows on your own? Let us know in the comments
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