Window Tinting on BAs - Maybe There's Another Option - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Aussie Pete · 08-17-2004, 20:40

Whilst it is widely known that you're supposed to use non-metalised film on BA falcons due to the in glass aerial setup it seems this is merely to ensure AM radio reception. What I hear is that if you only listen to FM you can just go ahead and fit metalised film with no or little effect.

Has anyone fitted the metal film to their BA? If so, has it affected FM reception (I wouldn't know what AM is)

ANy other CONSTRUCTIVE and INFORMATIVE inputs would be appreciated.

AP>

useless · 08-17-2004, 20:49

I am a mobile phone installation expert..The metalised film iswell known to create blockage of all rf energy moving through the glass.However the best film to put on any car is the metalised one because it lasts alot longer and is heaps more resistant to colour change..Ford better get a life and start designing there aerial systems in te front windscreen across the top..but it seems to me they wait for guys like us to come up with solutions on subjects like this....I think you can get aftermarket replcement aerails for the winscreen too ,so if you want ..hook up new aerial at the front ..hope this helps..cya

AGRO XR · 08-17-2004, 23:53

Aussie Pete.
I got my windows done not long after I purchased my car.
I went as dark as I could (legally) on the windows that had the aerial (Non metalic), and One shade darker on the side windows of the doors (Metalic). You cannot see inside the car unless up real close. I can still get reception from the radio Station approx 100+klms away. You can't see the difference in the two shades of tint either!

Agro.

SPALDING GREEN · 08-18-2004, 03:11

AP metalised tints may possibly reduce FM performance but I think the best way to findout is to try it. Antennas aren't in the screen to keep the cost of screen replacement down, not everyone tints their windows but every car could possibly have it's screen replaced.

MADXF · 08-18-2004, 03:32

What about this new 3M gear that uses carbon?

That wouldnt cause any probs and it lasts a bloody long time.

Fordy · 08-18-2004, 05:12

I was thinking about getting mine done using a miror tint but i heard about this reception thingy, im still probably going to give it a go, for the price im getting it done im not losing much if it doesnt work.

I'll let you know how i go AP.

Aussie Pete · 08-18-2004, 18:27

Mmmm, so no answers as yet. Might have to give it a go.

75Hardtop · 08-18-2004, 19:23

My XR8 is tinted by Sentry - no probs with FM reception. Tint is dark enough, but I would have preferred darker.

marcuss · 08-18-2004, 22:21

Got mine done by tint a car, no problems with FM. I live in Melbourne metro. AM was affected, I can hardly hear 3AW which sometimes is a pain cause I like to listen to the footy. The only other AM station I listen to is 774 and they have a strong signal.