Sliding window tracks

[thenewkid64]

As usual when owning a low volume classic parts availability is either going to be costly or the parts in many cases are NLA (no longer available).

Case in point window latches for our classic motorhomes, treat them gingerly, they are available but the price I was quoted was $131.00 each.

The track that the windows slide on are another example. I need to replace it in all 5 windows, but the part is NLA.

Could someone post the measurements of the track placstic inserts for me and if possible pictures of the shapes? I have access to a plastics co that makes nylon glide edge wrappings but I have no clue on the shapes necessary. The pieces in my motorhome are just that, pieces. Nothing is discernable regarding shapes, sizes, etc. If we can find the right shapes and it works, it comes in 100 foot rolls running from 1.25/ft to .65/ft depending on shape. I would be willing to buy it and sell the excess at cost for anyone else who needs it.

This track is in the 78-89? coaches as far as I can tell.

TIA

[wb13798]

did you call sonny???? at camper repair service//205-665-2531//
talk to sonny and if he cant help i will get the camers out and take pictures for you. or bates im told he has the locks..
lol
al

[thenewkid64]

Al,

I have not called Sonny or Bates. The locks are available, but I will need to take out a home equity line to buy them.

I will give Sonny a call in the AM. Thanks for the reminder!

[PeterH-79MH]

Originally posted by thenewkid64
....

Case in point window latches for our classic motorhomes, treat them gingerly, they are available but the price I was quoted was $131.00 each.


TIA

And they don't work. I had to remove the spring of my old one to make the new one work. Part of the spring in the new latches are too short, making them inoperable.
Talking about a royal rip-off!!!
Why don't you ask me if I was offered some kind of a refund for receiving a defective part?

[74Argosy24MH]

The track that the windows slide on are another example. I need to replace it in all 5 windows, but the part is NLA.

That makes a lot of sense. I replaced all the metal/cloth track on my 74, but it is not available for an 89. How much different is it than the track (size) on your 76, something that would work if you can't find the plastic?

I also just got a whole bunch happier with my pin latches, something that would take about 10 minutes on a lathe.

John

[thenewkid64]

I was in a 74 with the pin latches. They seem to me to be the best way to go. My 76 windows have factory rivets in the holes for the pin latches. I have a feeling the PO on my 76 replaced a couple of the window latches, so I had not had to deal with that cost.

The windows itself and the track system are completely diffrent. I redid the window seals in the 76, no trouble other than the working the windows out of the track .

The window tracks in the 78 are like the newer ones. They work like a sliding glass door on a house. U shape on the window bottom over a stationary rib. They open and close very easy, but there is a track insert that helps to make them move smooth. I do not see a way to replace it with the fuzzy schlegle that was used in pre 78 models.

The biggest benifit to the newer windows is that they do not allow any water in the coach. They drain VERY well unlike the older ones.

The attache picture tries to show the window track. It has 2 upright runners that go over aluminum ridges in the frame.

[PeterH-79MH]

I think Brett is talking about these plastic slider tracks. They are unique because they have two channels, one for the window the other for the screen.

[74Argosy24MH]

Mine drained real well. A PO had drilled holes in the track, all the water drained on the floor. It was amazing how little rain caused a flood inside.

John

[Astrodokk]

Talking about tracks, I was looking for replacements for the sliding cupboard doors above the fridge of my '81 MH. The nylon seems to be nailed onto the sliding door itself, and the door slides on a metal track. Since they broke, I've been looking everywhere for them, and found something similar at Home Depot, although I need to modify them somewhat. The RV specialist said he could re-do the whole thing with updated glides et cetera, for over $100! Too much...so I paid 3 bucks for these depot ones. I know that the window parts are hard to come by. I just wanted to let you all know that even small stuff like mine cost unbeleivable amounts to repiar/replace. Good thing alot of us in this site can do some of the work ourselves.

[thenewkid64]

As usual, Peter has the pretty ones, Mine are barely there

Looking in the plastics catalog I have I may be able to replace them (if I can't find them) with 2 peices of nylon glide. I will have to see.

As to the glides over the fridge, some of the cabinet parts in our units come right off the home center shelves. Normally the stuff is in the sliding door repair section. I have flip up doors over the refer so I do not have the same issue, but I needed new strut rods, and was able to find them new for $1.00 each.

[74Argosy24MH]

So basically it is something like this?

John

[PeterH-79MH]

That would be way to easy, John.
And there are two, one for the bottom and one for the top.
I would look for a solid piece of plastic to be inserted in the track for the window/screen to run on.
After I replaced both tracks, the window would not open anymore. Had to remove one.

[thenewkid64]

After some calling around I have not had any luck finding the track. Do any of you have a 79 and up service manual that might have the Airstream part number in it. Bear at Inland may be able to cross reference it if I can get the original number to begin with.

If I have no luck going OEM then I will have to start experimenting.

[PeterH-79MH]

Sorry Brett, the service manual does not assign a parts number to it. They show it in the detailed window assembly and mention it in the window removal procedures as the plastic slide channel strip, but thats it.
.