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06-28-2006, 11:01 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 72
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Adding windows to '70s 31ft.
I am looking to buy an early 70's 31 ft. rear bed model. Having done a majority of the research for knowing what I want to buy and beware of, I am now researching some of my customization options. One of these is adding "vista-view" windows where they weren't before. I don't want to turn down a good buy if the only thing keeping me from it is the lack of windows. Is this possible or am I being the typically overly creative architect?
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06-28-2006, 11:06 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1966 26' Overlander
Woodstock
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,525
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I would think that this is quite possible, cutting the holes and riveting in windows, though modiying the trailer in that way could not only devalue it some ( to a more purist buyer) but could cause some leakage. It would need to be done well.
Also where would you find the windows? Salvage?
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06-28-2006, 01:09 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
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Vistas always leaked or collected condensation. Not a good Idea. Put in some fantastic fans with light colored covers if you want more light. Maybe put in lighter curtians instead of the heavy drapes. Maybe just blinds with valences.
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06-28-2006, 02:02 PM
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#4
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Guest
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I think it's a fine idea. Yes ,over time the sealant may have dried out and they may leak but my 1976 Sovereigh has Vista Views in the front and rear bedroom and they don't leak. Research it, do it right and your Airstream will be the way you want it. As for devaluing it, not all Airstreams are collectable, and I would say thats especially true for the 70's models. I personally think that the Vista Views added something to Airstreams that the ones without lack. I guess Airstream thought so to because they brought them back.
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06-28-2006, 03:44 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 72
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I am not concerned with devalueing a 70's Airstream. If this was a rare vintage (sounds like wine) in good original repair I would not do this. Nothing irritates me more than seeing someone hot rod a Model A Ford that is in nearly original condition.
However, I am not a purist and have always been an advocate for good design. I beleive a good design can add value to most anything if it is an improvement on the original. Evaluating that, of course is always subjective.
That aside, how do I go about this? Is it a "simple" matter of cutting a hole and riveting the window in place (with vulkem or eq. of course)? And yes, where do I get the windows?
I have also considered adding the operable larger windows as well.
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06-28-2006, 03:46 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 72
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By the way I like the fan suggestion as well. There again, how is this sort of thing done?
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06-28-2006, 04:20 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
1972 31' Sovereign
FAYETTEVILLE
, Arkansas
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 70
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I don't know exactly, but I've seen them do some pretty amazing things on Monster Garage.So it can be done.
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06-28-2006, 05:28 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by at_wanderer
I am looking to buy an early 70's 31 ft. rear bed model. Having done a majority of the research for knowing what I want to buy and beware of, I am now researching some of my customization options. One of these is adding "vista-view" windows where they weren't before. I don't want to turn down a good buy if the only thing keeping me from it is the lack of windows. Is this possible or am I being the typically overly creative architect?
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The vista view windows are still available.
However, the sliding shade that is used with the vista view windows, is no longer available.
Andy
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06-28-2006, 09:44 PM
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#9
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7751
1975 25' Tradewind
Huntington Beach
, California
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
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How about other windows?
not to hijack this thread or anything but since we're talking about adding windows has anyone added other windows besides the vista view? For example a door window or maybe an additional operating side window...
-T
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06-29-2006, 10:13 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T Man
not to hijack this thread or anything but since we're talking about adding windows has anyone added other windows besides the vista view? For example a door window or maybe an additional operating side window...
-T
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Adding a window to the entrance door, if done correctly, is not a problem.
Adding an opening window, depending on location, may or may not cause a serious problem.
If the added opening window "does not" cut through a "main bow", then your in good shape.
If for any reason, you cut through a main bow, you must beef up the weakened area with horizontal stringers and sections of main bows. If not, then the weakened area of the structure (shell) can cause numerous problems.
Andy
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06-29-2006, 10:31 AM
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#11
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Patriotic
1973 23' Safari
North of Boston
, Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 4,546
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Check this page to see pics of window retro-fits on a late model trailer...
http://tour.airstreamlife.com/weblog/2006/05/
__________________
Air:291
Wbcci: 3752
'73 Safari 23'
'00 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 QC
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06-29-2006, 11:17 AM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 72
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I assume then that you don't attach the window to the framing...
say like you would with house construction?
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06-29-2006, 11:36 AM
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#13
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Guest
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The guys at Roger Williams Airstream put the rest of the dealers to shame when it comes to the quality and scope of work they can do. You can tell these guys don't just sell them, they actually care about what they do and can actually come up with improvements and carry them through. Everything that I've seen come out of their shop has been to the highest standard.My hats off to David Tidmore and the crew at Roger Williams.
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06-29-2006, 12:04 PM
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#14
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Tom, the Uber Disney Fan
2006 30' Safari
Orlando
, Florida
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,693
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I wandered if they could be added to our 30' Safari and it looks like they added at least one to the "Tour of America" 30' Safari in the front bedroom on the street side.
__________________
2006 30' Safari - "Changes in Latitudes"
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab SWB
Family of Disney Fanatics
WBCCI# 4821
https://streaminacrossamerica.com/
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07-09-2006, 01:49 PM
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#15
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New Member
Currently Looking...
Toledo
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1
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Need help finding j- channal for windows...
My j-channal seal around the windows on my 50'S 60's Cree Coach camper is dried and shrinking. I can not find the same stuff anywhere. Please help.
Eric
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07-09-2006, 02:32 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peterpaul
My j-channal seal around the windows on my 50'S 60's Cree Coach camper is dried and shrinking. I can not find the same stuff anywhere. Please help.
Eric
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Can you post a photo, or a sketch?
Andy
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07-09-2006, 03:27 PM
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#17
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Contributing Member
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County)
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
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Go for it
No reason not to use the current vista view windows that don't leak and have a sliding shade built in. As Craftsman has posted, Roger Williams installed one in Rich Luhr's Safari bunkhouse. They come in several sizes.
I'm sure that adding a vista view is a lot like when I added a moon roof to my 260Z or installed a spoiler on my brand new Acura, you measure, mark, repeat the same at least 20 times, pray, take a deep breath, and start cutting.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
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