Side Sliding and Fixed Window Repair

[Chaplain Kent]

This weekend, with the help of my son, I was able to strip out six of our seven side windows. We took time off to watch Penn State shellac our Badgers, sad outcome.
This has become the most difficult job I have undertook on Chummy to date. The process to remove the windows in the service manual is a joke. Possibly when the coach was new it might work but after 23 years of jostling and settling it does not work now.
Here is what we did. First we removed the inside trim panel, you need to drill out the rivets. Next take out the bottom plastic slide track, there is only one screw that holds this in place. Next is a clear top track, which is not shown in the manual! Most of my top tracks were totally destroyed but the screws remained and needed to be removed. Now the screen will come out by lifting and slightly bending it inward. Next with one person on the outside and one on the inside we inserted a 1" putty knife under the window between the channel and gently pried upward. The outside person may have to tap, we used a large rubber mallet, very gently on the bottom of the window frame until the window pops out of the channel. Next on the outside of the fixed window there are two sash retainers with 3 screws each one on top and one on the bottom. Each has to be removed, then remove the two screws on the outside frame. Do not loose these little screws they are hard to replace. Repeat the process with the putty knife to remove the window, only reverse the inside and outside person and take the window out from the outside.
I have one window put back in and the same process in reverse will get the windows back in.
The existing window seal channel was baked in over the past 23 years. This had to be scraped out using a heat gun and at times even a propane torch torch to get into the corners. I fashioned a tool from an old screwdriver that was just smaller than the track and then sharpened it on my grinding wheel. However, the job was still slow and tedious.
There are parts in the windows that are not listed in the service manual. Airsteam was little to no help and now do not return my calls. I am using the fuzzy track from AS Laurence part # AS126896 for the channel. It is a perfect fit, perfect match, one 8' strip is just right. I found the vertical seal at a local window manufacturer, again a perfect match and fit. I do have a good lead on the vinyl wipers and possibly even the bottom slide track. The top track remains a mystery and I think the windows will go back together without this item. My hope and goal is to gather all the parts and get them stocked at one place so anyone else who wants to undertake this task will not have to go through what I have done to track them down. I do have a good lead on getting this accomplished.
I have sent samples of the weep hole covers to see if we can get something made which will hold up better and cost less. I have broke off my covers simply by washing the windows with a squeegee, there has to be something better out there.
Stayed tuned for the finished product. The weather has turned cold and the furnace is running so it will be nice to have windows again.

[87MH]

CK:

Please keep the list updated, as there are several of us in the same boat (or Land Yacht) that you are in.

My window trim replacement will be coming up shortly.

Like you, I need a BUNCH of the long and short window weep covers. There are two sizes on the 345, the longer ones are about 1/2 inch longer in length than the shorter ones.

There might be enough demand here within the Forums for someone to make a die and spit out a small production run.

[alfalsetto]

I keep looking at the windows. Chaplain Kent just help Me out. With his board I think that I can get it done. Thank's "Chaplian Kent"

[GlenCoombe]

Kent, your job makes the driver / passenger window job seem like a piece of cake. I'm glad all my windows except the cockpit are fixed!!
I'm in need of weep hole covers for the front windows so keep up us informed please.... and thanks.
As I drove from home to Belleview Florida I was thinking about how nice an quiet my drivers chair is now that the wind isn't blowing in my ear. For anyone comtemplating the fuzzy channel job...go for it!!

Live from Belleview, FL .... not a Wal-Mart!!

[ALANSD]

the side window vertical molding helps eliminate wind noise there?

[Chaplain Kent]

I have all the parts tracked down and part#'s for each. I am waiting for the grey verticle wiper to come in to make certain it is correct. Hopefuly it is since I paid for it to be dropped shipped. Again my goal is to have all this stocked at one place so anyone else can get it without the goose chase.
Today I finished polishing the screen frames and putting new fabric on them plus painting the window frames. I hope the wind calms down enough tommorrow so I can remove the plastic from Chummy and paint the frames around the coach.
Glen- don't you miss the great breezes and wonderful night time smells when you camp? You need to get those windows open.

[GlenCoombe]

Kent, the Wal-Mart breezes and night time smells make me keep the windows closed for the most part!!
I'm enjoying the Florida weather this week as I camp next to one of my rental properties where I'm readying it for the next tenants. I just plug into the laundry room in the carport.
I do have three emergency tilt out windows that I'd love to figure out how to convert to a screened operating window if anyone has ideas. They are the standard bus emergency type panic bar with a hinge at the top of the frame.

Live from Summerfield Florida.... not a Wal-Mart tonight!!

[85/345]

Glen,
Are your windows the same size as sliding windows but they are just fixed. If so I'm sure you could find an old Argosy or Classic that had windows you could use. A lot of work I know but might be worth it.

[Chaplain Kent]

Glen-If the windows have a hinge at the top why not fashion a screen to fit the windows then use slide openers in slots through the screens to push the windows out. This is how the Airstream trailer windows work, or how my back window does. If you would like I will send you a picture.

[GlenCoombe]

85-345, lnteresting idea but I think I'd like to keep the present windows. I like that they hinge from the top. That way they can be left open in light rain.
Kent, I'd like to see the photo of your back window / screen setup. Also what's the schedule for your Raleigh/coastal trip?

One more night in Florida and it's back on the road again...

[Chaplain Kent]

Glen I will send the picture when I am walking again. Last Friday while working on these windows I was standing on a ladder when my grandson brought his dog around. I turned and then fell on the poor dog. The dog is fine. My leg is another story. The doctor said it will ake at least two weeks before I can kick field goal again.
My daughter did complete the painting and my wife conquered her fear of heights and put back the plastic on all the windows just before it started raining.
Monday the remainder of the parts should be here and Tuesday my daughter will be back to help me put it all back together. It is great to have clever helpful kids.
Chummy will be travelling south to Raliegh, NC on December 2. We should arrive on the 5th. More plans to follow.
Anyone offer parking between Milwaukee and Raliegh?

[alfalsetto]

I think that we all like to see all the photos You have on the window job you have going on. I think that more people are going to do it after thay see how easy you make it sound in all your post. I know "I have to do mine soon" but I'll do mine in spring, It's cold up here in the NortWest plus it rain's.

[ALANSD]

look like a lot of hard work! Always inspirational to get me moving on projects I need to do. You might add a set of wheel sims if you don't have them ,, they are an inexpensive dress up item.

[balrgn]

Chummy is looking pretty sharp! Hope your mending well???