Got my window out. Now what?

[Breadbug]

I just removed my curbside wing (broken) and removed the used window from it's remains of original trailer. I carefully removed the screws and got both frames apart. I removed the old gasket from around the used window (it was rusty and dirty and moldy.) I cleaned out the shards from my trailers gasket and frame.

I am ready to re-assemble the window.

Do I Just put the gasket on the glass and insert it into the frame? Do I put anything into the gasket ( like caulking) before I put it onto the glass?

Next, do I use tempro in the frame before I insert the glass with it's gasket?

I'd like to clean up all of the old foam tape gasket around the window opening and frame. Any ideas what to use to remove the gunk and Vulkem?

Ed

[Zeppelinium]

Ed, see my responses below. I'm assuming you got a replacement glass out of another Airstream.

Originally Posted by Breadbug

...Do I Just put the gasket on the glass and insert it into the frame? Do I put anything into the gasket ( like caulking) before I put it onto the glass?

If the gasket is in good shape (no tears, still flexible), it should seal the window/glass joint. You could put some Vulkem in the gasket to frame interface if you don't trust the gasket.

Next, do I use tempro in the frame before I insert the glass with it's gasket?

See above. You could put Vulkem on both the inside and outside of the gasket, but you want to put it on the sides that are on the exterior face of the glass. If you seal up the interior side of the glass, you can trap water in the frame.

I'd like to clean up all of the old foam tape gasket around the window opening and frame. Any ideas what to use to remove the gunk and Vulkem?

I use a heat gun and old plastic motel keys (like a credit card) for a scraper. The plastic won't scratch your shell. The plastic doesn't last long, but it's very effective in getting the top layer of gunk off. Once you get down to the layer of adhesive film, MEK or Acetone (careful, wear gloves) will help take it off.

Make sure you put Vulkem under the frame flange when you put the frame back in the shell.

...

Zep

[Breadbug]

Zep, thanks so much. Gonna practice on the cut away part of the old trailer that came with the glass. I still need to get the rivets so I have plenty of time to practice and do it right. Thanks again.

[overlander63]

Cosmoline remover will work well to soften the glue on the tape, as well as the old adhesive. It won't damage the clearcoat, if it has any left.