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clicknathan · 02-04-2015, 04:26 PM

Pulled into our campsite the other day to this fine site:

We just had the windows tinted, so I'm thinking that's what's holding it all together. A few questions for any of you who've dealt with this before:

1. Where might one go about finding a replacement? The Classifieds on here don't seem to be friendly toward parts...

2. Any idea if this is something I could drive with? We're near Pensacola, it's cold, and were planning on heading somewhere warmer when our reservation for the week is up.

3. Why is it that as soon as I do something like get the windows tinted, one of them breaks? Does the universe hate my Airstream?

If anyone's got one on an old 70's parts AS or knows of where I could buy one, I'm all ears!

CBWELL · 02-04-2015, 04:33 PM

Check out Vintage Trailer Supply. About $300. Then the fun of installing begins. Good luck!! Chris

Belegedhel · 02-06-2015, 10:04 PM

Try inlandrv.com and outofdoorsmart.com as well. Should be able to do better than $300.

There is also a guy selling a slew of 70's vintage safari parts on the classifieds-you might contact him and see if he has a window.

As far as living with it in the short term, try getting a roll of clear 2" wide packing tape and laying on a couple of crossed and overlapping layers. This should help keep it together.

Good luck!

Glenritas · 02-06-2015, 10:35 PM

I feel your pain .

In the long run get a rock guard or make a foam rubber backed vinyl window cover that snaps or Velcros on during travel.

Glenritas · 02-06-2015, 10:54 PM

From your picture it looks like the rock hit the lower part of the window. It most likely it was kicked up by your TV.

Another solution in addition to a rock guard that will also protect the front of the trailer is mud flaps. Check out Truck Mud Flaps,Â* Mud Guards,Â* TruckÂ* Splash Guards, Mud Flaps

ASaddiction · 02-07-2015, 12:01 PM

This happened to us due to cabin pressure in the heat of summer. Since ours is new, we ordered a new replacement window directly from the factory. Yes you can drive with it, but you should find the sticky clear material they use to transport wrecks with. (sorry don't know what they call it) We were able to get some from a vehicle repair shop and placed the film on both the inside and outside. Don't use duct tape because of the residue it leaves. Good luck!

aceflys · 02-07-2015, 12:38 PM

I think Frank at Frank's Trailer Works has a used replacement. Call him 443-690-0116

NavyCorpsman · 02-07-2015, 03:37 PM

Ouch. I can see where the point of impact was towards the bottom. Replacement will require drilling out the Olympic rivets (a special tool is available) or carefully center punch them, removing the frame, installing the new glass into the frame, and replacing the glass/frame as a unit.
The Olympic rivets are available from several places, and to get the shiny finished look there is a special shaver that is hand drill operated. It cuts the excess surface (rivet head) to the correct contour. The tool costs around 350, and there is one of the popular AS suppliers that rents it out.
Until you get it replaced I would recommend using clear laminating plastic available at a office supply place. It comes in a roll like saran wrap and covers an area much better than tape. It should hold it together until you can get all the parts you need.
I have seen pictures of streamers with pillows and foam duct taped over the windows. Not a very high cool factor, but will work in a pinch. Until you get your rock guard, I would consider using the like if you must venture out.
I haven't lost a window yet but believe me, and I am not alone on this one, I feel your pain.
Let us know as you progress.
Clayton

clicknathan · 02-08-2015, 07:18 AM

Thanks everyone, I'll get to calling around!

toverman · 02-08-2015, 08:40 AM

We had a 73 AS Overlander that was purchased with the same window broken. It has held up for two years. We have since donated it to our son and his family. I think finally this spring it will get fixed. I know that there are new ones available, because most of the used ones I looked at didn't come with all the parts and pieces. I'm thinking that when we pull that out, we might break something, and I want everything on hand to finish the job.

Lumatic · 02-08-2015, 09:34 AM

Multiple years 70s windows are interchangeable

NavyCorpsman · 02-10-2015, 05:38 PM

Airstream Supply has your window for 140.

Glenritas · 02-10-2015, 05:40 PM

Inland RV has the window listed for $ 195 and they also list the rock shield for $ 385

Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations

clicknathan · 02-14-2015, 12:28 PM

Thanks everyone! I ended up ordering one from Airstream Supply, we'll see how that goes and then the install!

Panama Red · 02-14-2015, 03:45 PM

Post up pictures if you would when you do the install. I'm going to have to pull mine one day just to disassemble and clean the old window film out of them... I should have done it when I had the front floor and interior walls out, but wanted to get on the road, and they weren't leaking, soooo...

-Red, not looking forward to that part of the project...

Glenritas · 02-14-2015, 05:29 PM

Red ,

The glass is mounted in the frame at the manufacture and is something that is replaced as an assembly .

To remove your window tint, use a heat gun on low (don't hold in one place to long) to soften the tint a bit as you use a flat razor blade to lift an edge and heat and peel the tint off the glass.

Use the razor blade with plenty of Windex or soapy water and scrape the residue off the glass.

Or just go to a Window Tint Shop and have them remove it

Glenritas · 02-14-2015, 05:34 PM

Clicknathan,

Do yourself a favor and get a rock guard for your front windows asap .

After all it just a matter of not IF it will happen again , But when

robert claus · 02-14-2015, 05:48 PM

I just saw this post, and also saw a Craigslist ad (Chicago) for 1970's windows from a Caravanner - maybe someone here can use them.

1970 airstream windows

clicknathan · 03-11-2015, 02:55 PM

So I'm at the hardware store and looking at a myriad of sizes of rivets.

Anyone happen to know what width & length would work best for this particular window (street side front curved window as a little reminder)?

I see the recommended Olympic rivets on https://store.airstream.com/product/...c-with-washer/ but haven't been able to find a post that clarifies exactly what size rivets to use in what places on the outside.

Also, I'm wondering what the whole shaving process does / what's the difference if you don't get the $300 gun that may or may not work?

Lumatic · 03-11-2015, 05:31 PM

If I remember the rivets are 5/32 but could be 1/8. If you order from Inland RV they will hook you up with the right size.

A Olympic rivet leave a small nipple on the head. Shaving is cosmetic. If you only have a few you can do it wilh a Dremel.