Blacking out windows

[Ricesnaps]

This is sort opf "technical help"!

Pick my Merc Vito up next wednesday. The model I have has rear windows on the doors, which obviously I want to cover so nobody can see the gear inside. The windows have heated rear window bits on them. I don't really want to take the glass out if I can help it, but is there some sort of easy cover - that would maybe make it a mirror or black from the outside, but allow some vision from inside? Something I could put over the glass but wouldn't effect the heater eliments?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Yes there is - you should be able to get it from the likes of Halfords. You'll need to take a bit of time & care putting it on though.... otherwise it will crinkle up and look nasty.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

This is sort opf "technical help"!

Pick my Merc Vito up next wednesday. The model I have has rear windows on the doors, which obviously I want to cover so nobody can see the gear inside. The windows have heated rear window bits on them. I don't really want to take the glass out if I can help it, but is there some sort of easy cover - that would maybe make it a mirror or black from the outside, but allow some vision from inside? Something I could put over the glass but wouldn't effect the heater eliments?

I could be wrong, but I didn't think it was legal to do that unless they came as standard?

[Ricesnaps]

I could be wrong, but I didn't think it was legal to do that unless they came as standard?

Isn't that just on cars?

After all many vans come with rear windows as an option

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Isn't that just on cars?

After all many vans come with rear windows as an option

Yeah, you could be right.

As I said I wasn't sure.

[DMX Will]

Well tinted windows are legal....this just seems to be the next step up. Something I might look into for my kangoo. Any idea on prices anyone?

[Adam_F]

You can pick up a roll of "limo black" or "mirror" film that will do the windows from Halfords/Motor World etc..., but it is quite a tricky job to get it cut to the right size, and also on flat with no air bubbles/wrinkles. A roll will cost you about £20 and will do one window. Other option is to use a tinting firm to do it for you, that way it'll be perfect, they'll do black/mirror or pretty much any colour you want, most likely cost around £130ish to get it done that way.

[Have a disco]

may I suggest internal window grills as well as the tinting just incase they do smash them

[Corabar Entertainment]

I could be wrong, but I didn't think it was legal to do that unless they came as standard?

There is a limit to how dark the tint can be on windscreens and side windows, but it doesn't apply to rear windows: Extract from VOSA on the subject:-

[ian8limelight]

There is a limit to how dark the tint can be on windscreens and side windows, but it doesn't apply to rear windows:

Angela's quite right and thanks for the VOSA quote, a very useful snippet of info.

I've got window grills and very dark tint on the rear windows, with a lighter tint on the side windows, of my van.

If your Vito hasn't already got alarm, I would suggest that you get a Thatcham 1 or 2 level one.

You can do it yourself, but I would recommend getting it done professionally. There are plenty of places about and it's not too expensive.