Unfortunately, I don't have a chance to read these forums very often so I didn't know this thread existed until Rob called me today.
So far, several dozen pieces of glass have been shipped out to Airstream owners. I'm looking forward to reports from the field in the next few weeks. As Forrest mentioned, there are three different types of hinges (or "glass bars"), and each requires a slightly different method of installation. I've tried to put some of the details on our website, but I can certainly help via email or even this forum if it is helpful.
Corning originally used silicone sealant to affix the glass in the bar. Now, nearly 40 years later, there may be better products available. One person has suggested using polyurethane glass adhesive like that used with modern auto windshields. I haven't had the time to do much research on the topic, so I can't recommend one over another. From what I have heard, glass falling out of the bar is not the #1 reason for loss of these windows, so that silicone did work well for decades.
There are grey silicones available and those might look the best. Look at your local Home Depot or corner hardware store.
Finally, thanks to Forrest and Rob and Rich for your work on this project. Nearly every reproduction part we make has been a collaborative project with fellow Airstream owners. It is really fun to see it all come together.
If you've got any questions, email, call (802-225-8940) or simply post a message and I'll try to get back to you quickly.
There are grey silicones available and those might look the best. Look at your local Home Depot or corner hardware store.
As was pointed out to me by others, the Silvastic 732 RTV sealant listed on Steve's website is still produced by Dow Corning. Here's a link.
I used an aluminum-in-color RTV from the local home improvement store when setting my Lexan replacement window last year, and have been extremely happy with the result.
Actually Diane, Rob (Mr. InsideOut) & Forrest aren't the ones selling the windows...they just located & worked with the manufacturer and AirstreamDreams.com to get them made. Steve @ AirstreamDreams is the one that sells, packages them and can probably answer your questions on the other parts & glue to install them. I know I saw some info on his website about different frame types and installation proceedures...we haven't actually done a replacement ourselves, our trailer is a 1964 so it doesn't have the Corning windows...
Shari
Whoops! Sorry about that everyone! You know, if I had taken the time to look at names I would have noticed that it was Steve sending me all those emails from AirstreamDreams! Well, let me thank all of you involved in this venture. I especially have to thank Rob for being an advocate of a product that doesn't even fit a '64. Great job. I have written down all the info on the necessary sealant and will go to HD tomorrow and buy some. I still need to re-do the gaskets - I'm guess it would be prudent to do this before fitting the windows? Thanks again EVERYONE!!!!! Diane
I was not complaining. I was whining - there's a difference.
And for an update, I have had my new piece of glass installed for about two weeks now. I'm quite happy with it, and think it looks great. The glass arrived in perfect condition.
The only problem I had was with some of my old hardware, specifically the bar that holds the glass. At some point in its history it had been pried, twisted, curved. So, I spent a good portion of the morning straightening it, only to find that when I went to re-install it the window frame in the body of my Airstream wasn't quite straight. I could get the ends of the bar to engage the frame, but then the middle portion would pop out. If I got the middle to engage the ends would not hook. The solution for me was to taper the J hook for three inches on each end of the bar, i.e. I trimed and filed some of it away. I also took the opportunity to install new weather gasket and caulking. I am happy to report that there are no leaks, not even in a driving rain.
Excellent news, Forrest! I'm glad you're happy with the new glass window and the install doesn't sound too infuriating. I might have to save up my pennies and replace that plexi window after all.
Hi Folks! This forum is great. Just joined, my first post. Someone here supplies replacement windows? Need two windows for 1969 Ambassador. Also need my head examined. Thanks much.
Hi and welcome to the forums..... try www.airstreamdreams.com and www.inlandrv.com for replacement parts. Sometimes individual forum members have used stuff laying around too.
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Hi Folks! This forum is great. Just joined, my first post. Someone here supplies replacement windows? Need two windows for 1969 Ambassador. Also need my head examined. Thanks much.
'69s don't require the special curved Corning glass...you should be able to get them re-glazed anywhere. Now if you need the frames, that's a different story...you will need to find one being pieced out ~
Good luck in your search ~
Shari
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'69s don't require the special curved Corning glass...you should be able to get them re-glazed anywhere. Now if you need the frames, that's a different story...you will need to find one being pieced out
Shari
Hi Shari - my 69 Globe Trotter has the curved corning glass with the rounded side window frames - they all still have their original corning insignia on them - I am almost positive they curve with the side of the trailer - but I will check in the daylight - the front wing windows as mentioned in other posts is a problem for the 69 year only as they use a square bottom corner frame instead of the round corners used in the 1970 and newer models. Thus you have no choice but to use a Lexan replacement product. Wonder what it would look like to install a larger "collar trim" around the window and make a special filler for the corner portion??
Still hunting for that special Lexan Andy sells - can not seem to find it here in the Peterborough area - glass and lexan suppliers. The have never heard of the AR2 Lexan - UV/scratch resistent stuff. Any suggestions?
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