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Forrest · 02-09-2005, 09:40 PM

To everyone wanting or needing Corning replacement windows:

I am happy and excited to announce that Steve Hingtgen, owner of Airstream
Dreams, is now offering replacement glass for Corning windows. Rob Davis
and I turned over our information to him many months ago and we are
delighted that he has accepted the project. After extensive negotiations
with the glass company that will do the manufacturing Steve is now ready to
take orders. I myself just finished placing my own pre-order for a large
window! The prices are very reasonable, but the shipping cost is far below
what Rob and I calculated we could do it for. This is one reason we turned
the project over to someone already in the business of supplying vintage
replacement parts. Steve's business is a well run and smooth operation! AND,
as if this isn't enough, the first ten orders placed for each size of glass
gets a discount! Go to http://www.airstreamdreams.com/ for more information.

This is not something that either Rob or I benefit from financially, and
this posting is provided solely as service to those who have longed to have
glass instead of plastic for their '66 - '68 Airstreams.

Best regards to all,

Forrest McClure

Creampuff · 02-10-2005, 12:31 AM

Forrest:
I'm sure my '66-68 A/S collegues join me in thanking you for hanging in with the project and seeing it to fruition. The hobby is much better off for your valiant efforts. GIVE THE MAN A RIVET!!! TWO WINDOWS WAY UP!

rluhr · 02-10-2005, 05:46 AM

Thanks to Forrest and Rob for helping with this. It wasn't an easy job.

Steve used my Caravel as the model to document one of the three hinge types used on 66-68 Airstreams. This attention to detail told me he planned to do it right: with proper research and a set of instructions so that all of us could benefit from the new glass offering.

My pre-order for a small window is already placed. Nice job, Steve!

till · 02-10-2005, 06:27 AM

Forrest and Rob,

Too cool!!!

I'm so glad that you two came through and that Steve can make it happen for all of us.

WOW this is just too cool.........

silverleeper · 02-10-2005, 06:55 AM

Thanks Forrest and Rob. I can breath a little easier when working with and around the windows. I've already placed my order. This is great news...

eljay · 02-10-2005, 06:59 AM

Very exciting. Now I have to figure out the hinge thing...

moogie32 · 02-10-2005, 07:10 PM

I can't tell you how exciting this is! Upon further inspection just this past weekend I discovered to my horror that I have another plexiglass curved window that I hadn't realized was there...I'll be placing an order just as soon as I go out to make sure there aren't any more that aren't glass. Thank you so much Forrest and Rob!!!!!

moogie32 · 02-10-2005, 08:45 PM

Just went out and measured and placed my order for a medium, large, and flat piece. That 25% discount sure helped. Can't wait for them to be made (the installation instructions look thorough too)...

**Stefrobrts** · 02-10-2005, 11:31 PM

Very cool. I think I'll keep my plexi window for now, but it's nice to know there's an option when the next one breaks.

pinkflamingoes · 03-19-2005, 10:43 PM

As soon as we get to that window, we'll definitely be ordering at least one, if not more. Such a relief to know there is an option besides corning or firing a blowtorch at Lexan!!

moogie32 · 05-03-2005, 08:25 PM

Rob and Forrest,

Just got my 3 windows today and they are beautiful! Tremendous packing job too! Can't tell you how much I appreciate the thought of real glass instead that plastic waving in the breeze on my front window. Do you guys sell the glue to hold it in place yet or should I go to another source? Thanks again,
Diane

**Stefrobrts** · 05-03-2005, 09:36 PM

Can't wait to hear how the install goes. Now that the rest of my trailer is finished, I think a glass window to replace the scratched up plexi one would be the perfect finishing touch.

Forrest · 05-03-2005, 09:42 PM

Diane,

Good for you! I'm anxiously awaiting my piece of glass. It should be here tomorrow or the next day. I will be using black silicone adhesive sealant. But I have a type 1 1966 window. However, I think it would work just as well on type 2 or 3. I prefer black because I think it is superior in all respects to clear silicone. Clear silicone contains no carbon, becomes yellow as it ages and as a result becomes more conspicuous than black. Since type 2 or 3 Phillips/Corning windows clamp onto the glass I think some people recommend a bedding tape, but I am not familiar with that, and it appears that Airstream originally used Dow Silastic (silicone adhesive). Likely, there is a wide variety of adhesives that will work. Just be sure to allow silicone adhesive time to set up before hanging the window. The last time I replaced Corning I covered the window opening with plastic and let the glass set up in the bar overnight. I clamped the bar upside down to let gravity hold the glass in place while the silicone set up. The next day it was glued in tight, and have had no problems.

Forrest

InsideOut · 05-03-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moogie32

Rob and Forrest,

Just got my 3 windows today and they are beautiful! Tremendous packing job too! Can't tell you how much I appreciate the thought of real glass instead that plastic waving in the breeze on my front window. Do you guys sell the glue to hold it in place yet or should I go to another source? Thanks again,
Diane

Actually Diane, Rob (Mr. InsideOut) & Forrest aren't the ones selling the windows...they just located & worked with the manufacturer and AirstreamDreams.com to get them made. Steve @ AirstreamDreams is the one that sells, packages them and can probably answer your questions on the other parts & glue to install them. I know I saw some info on his website about different frame types and installation proceedures...we haven't actually done a replacement ourselves, our trailer is a 1964 so it doesn't have the Corning windows...

Shari

InsideOut · 05-03-2005, 09:49 PM

You beat me to the punch Forrest!

Shari

68 Overlander · 05-03-2005, 11:19 PM

This undertaking is just awesome! Thanks to all of you involved in convincing them to remanufacture these windows.

VintageRV · 05-04-2005, 04:17 PM

Unfortunately, I don't have a chance to read these forums very often so I didn't know this thread existed until Rob called me today.

So far, several dozen pieces of glass have been shipped out to Airstream owners. I'm looking forward to reports from the field in the next few weeks. As Forrest mentioned, there are three different types of hinges (or "glass bars"), and each requires a slightly different method of installation. I've tried to put some of the details on our website, but I can certainly help via email or even this forum if it is helpful.

Corning originally used silicone sealant to affix the glass in the bar. Now, nearly 40 years later, there may be better products available. One person has suggested using polyurethane glass adhesive like that used with modern auto windshields. I haven't had the time to do much research on the topic, so I can't recommend one over another. From what I have heard, glass falling out of the bar is not the #1 reason for loss of these windows, so that silicone did work well for decades.

There are grey silicones available and those might look the best. Look at your local Home Depot or corner hardware store.

Finally, thanks to Forrest and Rob and Rich for your work on this project. Nearly every reproduction part we make has been a collaborative project with fellow Airstream owners. It is really fun to see it all come together.

If you've got any questions, email, call (802-225-8940) or simply post a message and I'll try to get back to you quickly.

Steve

eubank · 05-04-2005, 04:28 PM

Oh, we are so excited to get ours! Steve sent the email about their pending delivery a few days ago, so we have two beauties to look forward to!

Lynn

TomW · 05-04-2005, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageRV

There are grey silicones available and those might look the best. Look at your local Home Depot or corner hardware store.

As was pointed out to me by others, the Silvastic 732 RTV sealant listed on Steve's website is still produced by Dow Corning. Here's a link.

I used an aluminum-in-color RTV from the local home improvement store when setting my Lexan replacement window last year, and have been extremely happy with the result.

Tom

moogie32 · 05-04-2005, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Actually Diane, Rob (Mr. InsideOut) & Forrest aren't the ones selling the windows...they just located & worked with the manufacturer and AirstreamDreams.com to get them made. Steve @ AirstreamDreams is the one that sells, packages them and can probably answer your questions on the other parts & glue to install them. I know I saw some info on his website about different frame types and installation proceedures...we haven't actually done a replacement ourselves, our trailer is a 1964 so it doesn't have the Corning windows...

Shari

Whoops! Sorry about that everyone! You know, if I had taken the time to look at names I would have noticed that it was Steve sending me all those emails from AirstreamDreams! Well, let me thank all of you involved in this venture. I especially have to thank Rob for being an advocate of a product that doesn't even fit a '64. Great job. I have written down all the info on the necessary sealant and will go to HD tomorrow and buy some. I still need to re-do the gaskets - I'm guess it would be prudent to do this before fitting the windows? Thanks again EVERYONE!!!!! Diane