325 Classic Windows

[morlach]

I am going to do a "Plexiglass" retrofit of the passenger side fixed cockpit window. I have been unable to locate an OEM replacement, and pretty much need to have a window there. So, it's going to be acrylic.

This brings me to the question, has anyone here ever actually replace one of these windows. Does the frame need to be de-riveted to put the new pane in position? Or is there another simpler way?

Ready to cut!

Chris

[mayco]

I am pretty certain that the entire frame needs to come out but i think Andy at Inland RV has the answer youre looking for.

[morlach]

Retro-fit, re-manufacture, overcome, adapt! Meh... Made a window out of acrylic. Curved with a heat gun.


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[Streamline 6]

Great job Morlach, did you wind up removing the window frame or were you able to flex the acrylic window enough to fit into the frame??

[morlach]

A little bit if both actually. I removed the vertical support from the frame, leaving the main frame in place. I was able to flex the already curved plexiglass just enough get it in and then tap it a little to seat it into the front channel. Then I reinstalled the vertical support - drilled, tapped and screwed into place.


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[Streamline 6]

Did you use Plexiglass or Lexan and what was the thickness? I plan on doing the same thing to my Argosy. The stationary window on the driver side behind my couch needs to be replaced. Did the heat distort the clearness of the material?

Thanks for your input... once again nice job.

[morlach]

Acrylic, but I think lexan might be better - if you can bend it. I just picked up a sheet at Lowes. 3/16 inch thickness. The heat did not cloud it at all, and the curve did not change the optical neutrality either. Visually, you can't tell it from the other side's glass window.


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[bkahler]

Originally Posted by morlach

... I removed the vertical support from the frame...

I'd definitely like to know how you accomplished this task!

...Then I reinstalled the vertical support - drilled, tapped and screwed into place.

And this one as well

Brad

[Streamline 6]

Congrats Morlach, I thought that this could be done. I will let you know how mine comes out. Not sure how quick I can get to it, but definitely on my short list.


Thanks for the response,

[morlach]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I'd definitely like to know how you accomplished this task!







And this one as well



Brad

The vertical support channel is held in place by a screw into either end. The screws are not accessible without taking the whole window frame from the opening. Basically, I broken it - I used a small chisel to break the screws. I removed the screw ends from the rectangular tabs on the ends of the support. Reinstallation was done by pressing the vertical support channel onto the new window. This leaves the tabs at the ends of the support down in the upper and lower channels. With the support in place I drilled holes through the frame and into the tabs. I tapped the hole and inserted screws to secure the support back in place.


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[bkahler]

Originally Posted by morlach

The vertical support channel is held in place by a screw into either end. The screws are not accessible without taking the whole window frame from the opening. Basically, I broken it - I used a small chisel to break the screws. I removed the screw ends from the rectangular tabs on the ends of the support. Reinstallation was done by pressing the vertical support channel onto the new window. This leaves the tabs at the ends of the support down in the upper and lower channels. With the support in place I drilled holes through the frame and into the tabs. I tapped the hole and inserted screws to secure the support back in place.


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Thanks, your approach makes sense. I've removed the cockpit window assemblies from a 345 that I dismantled which is when I found the two screws top and bottom. From what I remember the screws weren't all that big so using a chisel is a good approach. Beats taking the entire window assembly out.

Thanks for the info.

brad