vista view broken

art · 04-03-2003, 05:46 PM

well i tried to remove the inner pane and it was going well. I gave a little pull un the inside gasket and bam it was all over .I just dont know what to do now.first it was fogged up .now its broken.its a 77 soverign31

Craig · 04-03-2003, 06:26 PM

Are both panes broken, or just the inner pane?

art · 04-03-2003, 06:34 PM

thanks craig yes the inner one broke fine but the outer one broke while i pulled the broken pieces off the inside gasket .any Ideas would be appreciated

Inland RV Center, In · 04-03-2003, 06:42 PM

New Vista View single pane windows are available from your dealer.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

art · 04-03-2003, 06:50 PM

THanks Andy I guess Im going to finally get into the whole rivit thing.Should I have not touched that gasket?In addition to the window,What do you suggest I get? dont say a new trailer please.

Inland RV Center, In · 04-03-2003, 06:57 PM

The degree of success repairing a vista view window is very small. That's why dealers won't do it.

Granted a replacement is not cheap, but "it does" fix the problem.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

art · 04-03-2003, 07:11 PM

Any Idea what I might expect to pay for a new window?Is there some kind of kit available?

Inland RV Center, In · 04-03-2003, 07:26 PM

What size Vista View window did you break?

There are 3 sizes.

If it's a medium (about 30" wide) it cost's a little over $200.00. Additionally, you will need a tube of "vulkem" sealer and some "olympic" rivets. Then of course, you should paint the new metal frame with "plasticote." (More money.)

Glass only has never been and never will be available by itself.

There are two kits available.

One is called a "check book."

The other is called a "credit card."

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

art · 04-03-2003, 07:34 PM

thank you Andy .Looks Like I need a kit.

garry · 04-03-2003, 07:49 PM

Art;
When I had to go the rivet way I used a Dremal tool to round over the rivit. I understand there is a special tool that does a professional job but it cost around $180. That's a lot for a one time use. I wonder if someone on the forum rents or loans out one of the tools ???
At best the Dremal is OK.

Garry

pap · 04-03-2003, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Glass only has never been and never will be available by itself.

Andy I guess you mean from Airsteam or dealer network right?

what is so special about this glass?
glass only is available at every glass shop in the world isn't it?
I know they can cut curved shapes at some shops, right?

Doesnt seem that safety or tempered would be absolutely necessary if it was on the outside and plexi was on the inside? Or would it?

Or what about Lexan or Plexi for both?

Then perhaps the safety or tempered could be specialordered in the right shape??

Chas · 04-03-2003, 10:34 PM

Pap,

While Andy is pulling his hair out I will give it a jab. The glass has a ever so slight curvature to it, not a flat piece with radiused corners as it appears to be. By the time you go through all the trouble getting one cut and tempered it would still not have the right curvature and would end up costing as much or even more as a correct factory replacement. I guess you could be frugal and replace it with Acrylite or Lexan but it is just what you are most comfortable with. Contrary to Andy's experience I have successfully repaired the vista views on my Overlander but if you end up breaking the glass like Art you will need to buy a new one, frame and all, from Airstream.

Chas

pap · 04-04-2003, 02:20 AM

Well Chas that makes very good sense. Yes I did think they were flat.
Art's misfortune,Andy's reply and your explanation will make me be a real careful glazier.

74Tradewind · 04-04-2003, 03:43 PM

I "fixed" my vista view windows myself. I took out the retaining band on the inside, removed the plastic inside panel, and the outer glass window simply dropped into my hand.

I cleaned the outer pane of the cruddy film on the inside. When I went to put it back into place there was nothing but vulkem holding it to the outer frame. I just used vulkem again and put the window in place. After it was dry I put a band of foam on the glass and reinstalled the plastic lens and the retaining band.

I did not have to remove any rivets and did not even see why you would have to.

Was there sometning to hold the glass in place on the inside other than vulkem? I did not seen anything other than vulkem.

Ciao, Brian