Were the originals chemically tempered? I think plastic is a better choice at this point, if you can get a kind that doesn't scratch easily or fog over time, because as those of us who've had an original window break know, the little glass bits go everywhere and hide in the upholstery forever.
-type of research when replacing glass and plastic windows for my marine application.
Laminated glass to be curved is extremely expensive to set up- automotive windshields use this type. It breaks MUCH easier- but stays together in a crash, keeping the pieces out of your eye.
Tempered glass is harder to break, but when it does, falls into mostly harmless small pieces. This was what was used- and is also found on your cars side and rear windows. It can be kept together by utilizing window tint film- which was even available in a totally clear form, to be mounted to the inside. This was the system I chose to use.
GE Lexan is available in a product called FMR10- which translates into 'formable mar resistant with 10 year warranty'.
GE Polymershapes has a web site and locations all over the country.
Thanks for the tip on the window tint film. I'll look into installing that on my remaining glass windows. I would hate to deal with the mess of a broken window while on a trip. I'm sure that could ruin your day.
I would hate to deal with the mess of a broken window while on a trip. I'm sure that could ruin your day.
Yes, it did for me, on a recent trip, as Stef knows...
Stef, to answer your question, yes -- the original glass was chemically tempered.
I checked the Old Castle Glass website and it appears that, like all other glass companies I contacted during my search, their thinnest curved tempered glass would be 1/4". This is typical. Airstream glass must be 1/8" to fit the hinge system.
I tend to agree that plastic is a better choice right now. Plastics like Lexan can bent to the curvature of the trailer, although you'll need a heat gun to get the plastic up to about 300 degrees F before it will take a set. With the curvature, the plastic works almost like the original glass (e.g., you can close the window without outside help).
I also checked into clear window films as a work-around. The idea was to order curved glass that was not tempered, and then affix a film to hold it together if (when) it breaks. But the film application process was too tricky for me to be able to offer the resulting product to other people ... and without tempering the glass would probably not last long in the rough on-road environment of an Airstream.
The original Corning product was truly "space age". Just like the Apollo space capsule, they don't make that stuff any more ..
I fortunately, from a glass standpoint don't have you all's concern. But I think it would be interesting to know more about the supply situation on the corning glass windows.
What are the average prices for the used ones?
Are there just no new ones on anyone's back shelves? What did those cost when available?
Is Corning still in the window glass business? Or in business at all?
Would this possibly be the most sought out Vintage Part that is no longer available in all of Airstreamdom? I know some of the door locksets are high on such a list.
This in my internal data base will always be a deduct consideration when assigning value or desirability to an Airstream of those particular years 66,67,68. Although if Lexan panes are available I could drop that concern.
I visited the GE site and the only drawback to the Lexan was something they called "weatherability". Does this mean they turn yellow from the sunlight?
If so how soon?
When I get to restoring my completely gutted Caravel this summer, this is what I will be using to replace the two missing windows: Acrylite FF AR
The following is from the manufacturer:
Acrylite FF AR (abrasion resistant) an abrasion- and chemical-resistant coating is available on one or both sides of this sheet. Use it for demanding applications where frequent handling, heavy traffic, and regular cleaning are commonplace. The added protection of an abrasion-resistant coating helps to extend its service life.
AR Sheet is Ideal For: glazing, store fixtures, signs, museum display, machine guards, menu boards
Clear AR1 (Abrasion-Resistant One Side): 1/8", 1/4"
Clear AR2 (Abrasion-Resistant Two Sides): 1/8", 1/4"
It is made by a company called Cyro using a 3M coating that is said to make it 40 times more abrasion resistant than uncoated acrylic and can be cleaned using ordinary glass cleaners. It is supposed to be much more resistant to yellowing too. it is sold by this company:
http://www.tapplastics.com/info/acrylic.php and they have a downloadable PDF on the stuff.
While I am sure it isnt as good as having an original corning it seems to be the best option. I am not sure of pricing though, but it has to be less than what a replacement glass would be.
-is an acrylic- just as Plexiglas. It crazes in the sun, cracks 100 times easier, and is no where near as flexible for forming your curves. Lexan is as color stable, if not more. Plexi is not as easy to keep scratches off- even the resistant type.
Oldcastle sold me 3/16" tempered. I'm not familiar with your hinging system to tell you how I'd adapt it, but its not so much to have to alter.
Window film is very difficult to find a qualified installer to apply- most aren't very meticulous. Shop around and inspect work- of course I was looking for yacht quality.
I forget who I corresponded with at Corning, but they are no longer in the business of making anything like the window glass we need.
I just replaced the plastic in one of my windows because I think plastic is too flexible. It has been hard for me to get a good weather seal. The Corning glass on the other hand has some flexibility, but doesn't bend at the edges where it meets the weather stripping. I've thought about stiffening the edges of the plastic by welding (glue) a smaller strip of acrylic along the outside edges. Inland RV, I believe, tackles this problem by selling a stainless steel trim that installs around the edge of the plastic they sell. I've also seen fellow Airstreamers, who have one or more plastic windows, use various types of hardware, such as turnbuckles, to secure the edges of the plastic to keep it firmly pressed to the weatherstripping. This keeps a driving rain out, but to me all of these things are bandages. The design was for tempered glass, and really that is what works, and looks, best -- IMHO.
The Corning will get more and more scarce. There is no way around that. They only become available when a '66, '67, or '68 Airstream is dismantled and sold for parts (or I suppose when someone decides to replace glass with plastic). Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $750 depending on the size of the window and the profit motivation of the seller. I once read someone trying to sell Corning at $1,000 -- don't know if anyone took him up on it.
Ultimately, plastic may be the only solution, short of replacment of the entire window frame with contemporary windows.
I have to agree, glas is the only way to go. It is the way the window was designed. Inland Andys' window replacement will work due to the stainless steel edging he uses. From what I have learned that was standard on the 1968 models.
I must have been blessed. My windows did ot cost me an arm and a leg. Well under what I was told to expect to pay.
We live in a demand market, low demand = high prices and greed (some times)
__________________
Tedd Ill
AIR#3788
1967/8 Overlander International Twin w/ bunk/s. Yes, four kids and two adults in the thing. Happy wife, happy life.
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