Can't wait to hear how the install goes. Now that the rest of my trailer is finished, I think a glass window to replace the scratched up plexi one would be the perfect finishing touch.
Good for you! I'm anxiously awaiting my piece of glass. It should be here tomorrow or the next day. I will be using black silicone adhesive sealant. But I have a type 1 1966 window. However, I think it would work just as well on type 2 or 3. I prefer black because I think it is superior in all respects to clear silicone. Clear silicone contains no carbon, becomes yellow as it ages and as a result becomes more conspicuous than black. Since type 2 or 3 Phillips/Corning windows clamp onto the glass I think some people recommend a bedding tape, but I am not familiar with that, and it appears that Airstream originally used Dow Silastic (silicone adhesive). Likely, there is a wide variety of adhesives that will work. Just be sure to allow silicone adhesive time to set up before hanging the window. The last time I replaced Corning I covered the window opening with plastic and let the glass set up in the bar overnight. I clamped the bar upside down to let gravity hold the glass in place while the silicone set up. The next day it was glued in tight, and have had no problems.
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.
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.
__________________ 77 Argosy Minuet, 6 metre | 77 Argosy 24, Rear door AIR # 3181 | WBCCI # 5575
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
__________________ Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008 WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005) AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
'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?
__________________ Streaming in the spirit of Exploration... "To go places and do things that have never
been done before-that's what living is all about." - M. Collins
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