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atvmcg · 02-08-2005, 03:46 PM

The windows on the 1979 safari i bought were cleaned with Cleanex by the previous owner and have bubbled. The quote I got from the tint film company asked if I was removing the screens myself..it looks like a complicated and time consuming job to take all the latch and handle assemblies from the windows..I think that just by opening the windows the sun tint film could be applied from outside the trailer while the windows are at 90 degrees and open..any suggestions?

Gunnyusmc · 02-09-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atvmcg

The windows on the 1979 safari i bought were cleaned with Cleanex by the previous owner and have bubbled. The quote I got from the tint film company asked if I was removing the screens myself..it looks like a complicated and time consuming job to take all the latch and handle assemblies from the windows..I think that just by opening the windows the sun tint film could be applied from outside the trailer while the windows are at 90 degrees and open..any suggestions?

When I had mine tinted, I took the windows off. On mine there are two nut and the window is off.
This allowed for better cleaning and tinting.

Don

atvmcg · 02-09-2005, 02:43 PM

ok, thanks, I'll try that, i'll just have to wait on the weather til it's a nice sunny day.

sovereignrwe · 02-09-2005, 04:25 PM

We have been debating replacing the tinting on our windows. Are there types to stay away from? (besides the ones with bubbles

)

Or are there preferred brands/application methods?

Anyone willing to share a cost range per window?

J&C · 02-09-2005, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignrwe

We have been debating replacing the tinting on our windows. Are there types to stay away from? (besides the ones with bubbles

)

Or are there preferred brands/application methods?

Anyone willing to share a cost range per window?

Sovereignwe,

Several years ago, a tint shop told me to always insist (a make sure they don't switch) a major brand like 3M. The film is thicker, harder to work but they hold color better, more durable and last longer.

atvmcg · 02-09-2005, 07:02 PM

3M or Solar Gard are about the best, I had my conversion van done in 3M about 2 years ago and they are as good now as then..the limo dark tint keeps the sun glare to a minimum and helps against interior heat build up. Just be sure never to clean them with any ammonia based cleaner (like Windex) as it will bubble. In fact I never allow Windex anywhere near my Airstream in case some helpful person decides to help out and spot clean. I use ammonia free cleaner by Eagle on the conversion van I also have..never let a full service car wash clean the interior as they will for sure use an ammonia based cleaner and cost you a bundle in replacement costs.

sovereignrwe · 02-23-2005, 02:09 PM

Great information! Thank you! Anyone that can give some pricing estimates?

J&C · 02-23-2005, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignrwe

Great information! Thank you! Anyone that can give some pricing estimates?

Mark & Kimber,

The most experience is with 3 cars. The cost was about 110.00 and base (less expensive films were around 90.00.

About 10 years ago I had my dining room windows done in a commericial grade film (a type used in Blockbuster storefronts) to block UV rays. This room had a view, I removed the window treatments but wanted to protect the carpet and furniture. I can't remember the cost but it seems it was about $350 or $375 to cover 5 windows @ 14'Long X 8' High. This film had translucent metalic material in it and was designed to block heat & UV rays, it might be great for an Airstream too. I found a website that may have information that could help, they cans send samples to you. http://www.mr-window-tinting.com/ . If your brave enough you may be confident to install it yourself, I have to rely on a pro!

Hope this helps,

atvmcg · 02-23-2005, 07:55 PM

I finally had my windows done today, 2/23/05, I paid $335.00 which included tax and a lifetime warranty against blistering, bubbling, discoloration, cracking, crazing, delaminating, demetalizing and peeling. I chose the V-Kool VK-40. Looks great! I'm glad I had them installed by a pro as he had a hell of a time coping with the 2 curved windows in the front and had to re-do one of them a second time( another hour!) 7 windows in 3-4 hours install time.

davidz71 · 02-23-2005, 09:20 PM

How about some outside looking in and inside looking out pictures when you get the chance?

atvmcg · 02-23-2005, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidz71

How about some outside looking in and inside looking out pictures when you get the chance?

It'll be a couple of weeks before the moisture evaporates and the adhesive sets according to the instructions. I'll do some photos at that point before I put up the new blinds and new drapes...should look really nice. Now I have to tackle the floor and build a counter/table while I'm waiting! LOL

sovereignrwe · 02-25-2005, 04:41 PM

Thank you for the information John!

sovereignrwe · 02-25-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atvmcg

I finally had my windows done today, 2/23/05, I paid $335.00 which included tax and a lifetime warranty against blistering, bubbling, discoloration, cracking, crazing, delaminating, demetalizing and peeling. I chose the V-Kool VK-40. Looks great! I'm glad I had them installed by a pro as he had a hell of a time coping with the 2 curved windows in the front and had to re-do one of them a second time( another hour!) 7 windows in 3-4 hours install time.

Did you end up removing the windows yourself or let the shop do that work? Does your trailer have any non-opening windows? The research I did didn't show any. Our 72 Soveriegn has additional non-opening windows under most of the front side windows. Of the top of my head there are 3. I'm not sure how those would be tinted, other than just from the inside of the trailer.

We have a rock shield/shade over the front window, so I could cut some of the cost by not tinting them.

atvmcg · 02-25-2005, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignrwe

Did you end up removing the windows yourself or let the shop do that work? Does your trailer have any non-opening windows? The research I did didn't show any. Our 72 Soveriegn has additional non-opening windows under most of the front side windows. Of the top of my head there are 3. I'm not sure how those would be tinted, other than just from the inside of the trailer.

We have a rock shield/shade over the front window, so I could cut some of the cost by not tinting them.

I googled "How to remove adhesive from tinted windows" and after reading many ideas I chose razor blades( buy a box), windex and soapy water in a spray bottle. I found that a new razor blade will give you about 2 or 3 good strokes from top to bottom taking away film AND adhesive..then switch to a new blade. The ease far outweighs the cost of the blades. Spray intermittently with windex til the old film is gone, then wash twice with soapy water and paper towels.
I have 3 non opening windows. A long curved window next to the door and the 2 windows on the front corners. The installer cut the film slightly larger and placed it on the outside of the windows, then shrank it using water and a heat gun, then recut it to fit perfectly and then applied the film on the inside of the window.

atvmcg · 02-25-2005, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignrwe

Did you end up removing the windows yourself or let the shop do that work? Does your trailer have any non-opening windows? The research I did didn't show any. Our 72 Soveriegn has additional non-opening windows under most of the front side windows. Of the top of my head there are 3. I'm not sure how those would be tinted, other than just from the inside of the trailer.

We have a rock shield/shade over the front window, so I could cut some of the cost by not tinting them.

As for removing the windows..I didn't. I just took the window adjust handles off to allow the screens to come off then made sure the window edges and frames were cleaned very well. The installer has to make sure the film is cut well enough to not leave any gaps so it's a job you have to be around for to watch.

sovereignrwe · 02-26-2005, 10:39 AM

Great information! Thank you once again!

ChampionEM · 03-15-2005, 02:41 AM

I've been thinking of getting rid of the old (shabby) drapes in my '77 and replacing them with a mirrored window tint. I understand (perhaps wrongly?) that some glass films exist which can provide privacy even at night with the interior lights on. I love the minimal 'space capsule' feel of the airstream and i think removing the drapes will exaggerate that effect.

Bad idea?

(See attached pics of a public toilet in Paris. This is the sort of privacy film i'm talking about.)

J&C · 03-15-2005, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampionEM

I've been thinking of getting rid of the old (shabby) drapes in my '77 and replacing them with a mirrored window tint. I understand (perhaps wrongly?) that some glass films exist which can provide privacy even at night with the interior lights on. I love the minimal 'space capsule' feel of the airstream and i think removing the drapes will exaggerate that effect.

Bad idea?

(See attached pics of a public toilet in Paris. This is the sort of privacy film i'm talking about.)

Betty,

I like the idea, I talked to a rep from CPF (film manufacturer) There is tint available that will block interier views, even with lights on) she said that it's not legal for car or motorhome use but Travel Trailer use would be OK. This product would require professional installation. Check/search for privacy interior films and locate a pro in your area.

Please post if you persue this.

sovereignrwe · 03-15-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampionEM

I've been thinking of getting rid of the old (shabby) drapes in my '77 and replacing them with a mirrored window tint. I understand (perhaps wrongly?) that some glass films exist which can provide privacy even at night with the interior lights on. I love the minimal 'space capsule' feel of the airstream and i think removing the drapes will exaggerate that effect.

Bad idea?

(See attached pics of a public toilet in Paris. This is the sort of privacy film i'm talking about.)

Would love to know if you go this route. Would be interesting to see a mirror finish trailer with mirror tinting. Would really change the look. Might be too much, as the windows would nearly disappear.

atvmcg · 03-15-2005, 03:35 PM

There's an older bambi model at the Airstream dealer I use, they have it out front, it's painted bright yellow and has mirrored tint on the windows. It looks a little too much for my liking. I prefer the dark smokey tint next to the aluminum shell...looks very classy. I also redid the screens in solar black screening which adds to the privacy factor during the day even with the windows open. At night I keep the patio lights on the awning on and roll down the blinds except for the windows looking out onto the patio...you can see out but not in to the casual walker-by... unless you have a peeping tom type!