'69 Window Gray U-Channel Rubber?

[69bullet]

Does anyone know where to buy the gray rubber u channel that window glass sits in, in the metal frame. Im replacing one on the front wing windows right now.

[alfaguy]

This is what i ordered from Vintage Trailer Supply - VTS-511 it is the correct width with slot to fit the 3/16 glass, but I am not sure about the 3/8 deep slot? I have not installed it yet because I need a segment of frame to replace a damaged part.

[ehodg66]

Can you post a pic of your window channel? I'm in the process of doing my windows in my 72 and the gaskets for the 3/16 glass are not available. I've devised a way to to use the gasket for 1/8 glass (VTS-477) by trimming off the "ribs" on each side of the gasket. I hope to be posting pics and info soon.

[alfaguy]

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[alfaguy]

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The 1974 is in the foreground, and the newer frame in the background. It is hard to see, but the 74 version has a u-shaped channel, while the 95 is L-shaped and the glass is glued to it.

[ehodg66]

Alfaguy:
I ordered a sample of the same gasket to use on my 72 and it is/was too shallow. Pic 1 below (from left to right) shows
gasket for 1/8" glass (VTS-477), original 3/16" gasket, and the 3/16" gasket ordered from CRLaurence. The new 3/16" gasket is too shallow.

After endless searching online and visiting multiple glass shops, I decided to shave the side "ribs" of the 1/8" gasket to use and it has worked flawlessly.
pic 2 is a shot of the trimmed gasket fitting into the channel.
pic 3 is the gasket in the frame during assembly. This was the rectangular front window, so the corners are (welded)melted together.
pic4 is a shot of my "jig" used to trim the gasket.

"Necessity is the mother of invention"

[alfaguy]

Are you going to glue the rubber in place between it and channel or use any sealant between rubber and the glass?

[ehodg66]

My process for assembly is:
I wrap my trimmed gasket around the glass.
I lube up the side to go into the channel with Murphys oil soap.(works better than spray silicone IMOP)
Slide one side of the frame onto gasketed glass, stretch the gasket around existing side of glass a little and start to slide the other side of the frame onto gasketed glass.
Just as.the two sides meet at the metal shims, I trim any existing gasket length off.
Push together and rivet.

[alfaguy]

Looks like a good process. I may need to order the same product and do the trim thing.
Here is my big issue - broken frame segment, from the previous owner bending the frame to fit a plastic window. The bent channel can be reformed with a piece of steel inserted and careful stokes from a hammer, but mine was broken over a 16" length. I am going to try the aluminum brazing material to repair it.

[thesignlady]

I just bought this grey glazing strip from Vintage trailer supply. The fellow I ordered it from said the product was so new their have been no reviews for it yet. Is this the same stuff you are using?

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/..._p/vts-477.htm

1970 Airstream Window Glazing Strip
Product Code: VTS-477
Using your original glass, you can reglaze and restore the waterproof seal between glass and aluminum sash.

This gray vinyl rubber strip has a channel depth of approximately 9/32" and fits in a metal opening approximately 1/4" wide and 19/64" deep.

Remember that rubber stretches somewhat so measurements are approximate when installed. Available in 25, 50 or 100 foot lengths

[ehodg66]

The VTS-4777 gasket works for the 1/8" thick glass. Airstream does not sell the gasket for 3/16" thick glass.
I posted earlier in this thread how I modified the VTS-477 gasket for 3/16" thick glass by trimming off the "ribs". Works Great!!

[alfaguy]

Update on brazing - don't bother, unless the broken segment is short. The aluminum brazing material works good for short repairs, but not over a 16 inch length.
I found and bought a complete framed window. if anyone needs it, there is a street side window available from my source.

[angieair]

I am about to do this on my 69 GT windows. What sort of rivet did you use to reassemble the sash around the glass? Vintage Trailer Supply has these - VTS 3003 http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...p/vts-3003.htm
Has anyone used them?

[Chromepuff]

what do people use to put their windows back together butle tape? Is there anything better? When I got this trailer the butel tape inside the windows was sagging inside the window which made the insulated window fail.