'69 Globetrotter with shattered window. Help!!

[montanablue]

Yesterday I was outside and discovered that my side window was shattered. Don't know how it happened. We have had high heat and some hail, but there are no signs of hail damage. See pictures.

OK, I would like to replace it myself but insurance might cover it. Any ideas on cost. What are the steps in removing i,t replacing the glass and re-installing it?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

[68 TWind]

On a 68 the lower window glass is held in place by a strip of vinyl window stop. I found replacement at a local ACE hardware. Your 69 may be different. To remove the old glass I broke it out and then the stop was easy to pull out. Installing the new seal was tough. Finally found that using a little soapy water would allow the new rubber to slide in place. I had a local glass shop order a new piece of tempered glass from a wholesaler. I got it the next day for around $25. The rounded corners on the glass in your 69 might be a problem but you can check. You want the new glass to be exactly the same size and not any bigger because it would be very difficult to install. Again, the 69 may be different.

[Aerowood]

In order to replace it you will have to drill out all the perimeter rivets and remove the glass/frame combination. That glass and frame my still be available through an Airstream dealer. Reinstall with blind rivets

[montanablue]

Thanks for the replies. I spoke with a guy from a supplier today and he thought they might be able to help me. He said the easiest way to take the rivets out is by using a sharp putty knife. Has anyone else used this method instead of drilling them out? Sound easy enough.

Thanks,
Rick

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by montanablue

Thanks for the replies. I spoke with a guy from a supplier today and he thought they might be able to help me. He said the easiest way to take the rivets out is by using a sharp putty knife. Has anyone else used this method instead of drilling them out? Sound easy enough.

Thanks,
Rick

If you are going to replace the entire stack window, sash and all, you can either use a putty knife or a wood chisel. Lop off the rivet heads, then drill out the rest of the rivet with a #20 drill so you can use Olympic rivets to replace them. Run a bead of Vulkem around the edge of the sash, and install the new window. The stack windows are available at any Airstream dealer.

[wahoonc]

Depending on the size of the window I believe it is going to set you back around $250 (I hope my memory is wrong) a sharp putty knife will shear the heads right off the rivets. Fastest way I know of to get them off.

Was anybody mowing grass near your Airstream? I have seen more than one window broken by a thrown rock, with golf balls coming in a close second.

Aaron

[montanablue]

I have to admit that i was weed-eating and it could have thrown up something. We have had such heat here lately 95 to 100 degrees. I also have some kids with BB guns, but it doesn't look like a BB shot. Well, whats a guy to do!

Does anyone think it is possible to remove and just replace the glass by a local glass shop? Not having any experience with removing these type of windows I am curious.

Thanks,
Rick

[Aerowood]

The glass has a slight curve in it so replacing it with a flat pane will not work. Some have replaced with Lexan but be advised that it will scratch easier and eventuality it will craze.

[montanablue]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

The glass has a slight curve in it so replacing it with a flat pane will not work. Some have replaced with Lexan but be advised that it will scratch easier and eventuality it will craze.

I took the rivets out yesterday using a sharpe putty knife. I found this to be the best solution to removing the rivets. I examined the glass and it doesn't appear to have any curvature. Insurance is replacing with new so I am going to the glass shop to get a replacement for this one. Is it possible that it could be flat?

Also, is there a substitute for Vulkrum sealer?

Thanks for all of your help.
Rick