NINEZeRO

Is it correct that you have to take the door apart in order to tint the new IS because of the tweeter on the door?

Is it relatively easy to do this? Or is it complicated enought that the tinter may not put the door back properly and create some rattle spots?

muzzman1

There is no need to take anything apart to tint....see another tint shop if yours suggests that they do...

loftus112

iTrader: (2)

They kinda have to take the door panel off due to the tweeter. I had to take off mines when I tinted my IS otherwise, its going to be a Mickey mouse job from the bottom edge and then it will eventually peel off because they wouldn't be able to heat the corner in place. Its pretty much like a Honda where it pulls right off with clips on the side and a couple screws in the center. No big deal. Just watch out for, when they put the panel back, the Lock/Unlock line from the inside hangs back to the door locks otherwise you won't be able to lock or unlock your doors. Did not experience loose or rattle noise.

jlin101

according to my salesman, yes, the door panel needs to be removed to do a good job.

Tony1

I really hope thats not the case, otherwise I'd probably not have it done..
This may or may not be relevant but in the past with other cars,
I've gone to tinters that have said "the door panel needs tocome off"
Then found out that other places were doing the same exact car without
taking the panels off.. What i concluded is that, it makes it a lot easier for
them to do it with panels off, but it can be done with them on as well (Hopefully)..

IS_250

iTrader: (2)

since the tweeter is in the way it is easier to tint with the door panels removed. just because a shop tells you the door panel needs to be removed is not a reason to avoid them. removing the door panel ensures that the tint is cut properly next to the tweeter and to make sure no bubbles are in that area.

jlin101

of course anyone can do it without removing the panel. The question is whether it will be as good a job. I'd go with the recommendation by the dealership or the tint shop that is contracted by the dealership.

flipside909

Is your salesman a professional tint installer too?

Tony1

Sorry, i meant to add in, that I've seen work done by places that
don't remove the panels and it was quite good..I just don't think
its worth the risk of them creating a rattle, or scratching the panel,
but then again , that's just me , I'm pretty **** as you can tell..

jlin101

obviously not, he was going by the recommendation by the tint shop that works on Lexus on a regular basis. The salesman could care less if the tint lasts 1 year, as it won't be his problem. The tint shop is the one that carries the lifetime warranty on the tint--if they could do the same job without wasting time and energy removing the door panel, wouldn't they?

jlin101

if you are as **** as you say, then you'd want the job done perfectly. That being said, I am not a professional tinter; ask around to see if the tint shop can guarantee as good a job, with life time warranty, without removing the panel. To tell the truth, I don't know if the tint shop contracted by the dealership actually removed the panel or not (I was told by the salesman they'd have to).

Tony1

they actually save time by removing the panels,, (on most cars),, They
remove the panels in just a few mins.. I'm sure its easier to do a perfect job
with the panel off, but who wants a perfect tint job, at the RISK of a rattling
door panel or one with abrasions on it.? Not me.. And before everyone
jumps on that comment, I AM SURE IT CAN be done without any rattles
or abrasions, but you have to remember,, jap car interior parts in general
don't go back on the car as easily as german interior parts.. (the ppl here that
have taken apart both know exactly what i mean)..

jlin101

yes it's a risk one takes, the same risk people take to swap out the speakers, remove the center console trim/components to perform NAV hack, or even to do suspension mods and install body kits. I, too, was leery when the salesman indicated to me that the tint shop would have to remove the door panel to do the tint properly; fortunately, no rattles or damage to the door.

Tony1

Yea yea, can we swtich cars?????? I wanted the ML and black interior so badly, that you have!
I'll be your friend forever, if you do! jk

Jhoo

I was mortified when I came out and saw that the door was taken apart, but then I had to think to myself, these guy are professionals and this is their skill. They told me that the second generation is much cleaner and easier to work with then the first gen IS. The tint job is perfect and the door doesn’t rattle, trust the experts on this one.