Material to secure window glass to aluminum frame

[RMK]

Hi. an Airstream repair shop sealed the windows in my '53 Flying Cloud back in 2016 by inserting a bead of some sort of caulk or sealant between the glass and the aluminum window frame. After 3 years, that seal/caul material cracked and failed. I'm going to scrape out the failed seal. Can anybody tell me what seal or caulking material would be a good material for bonding the glass and aluminum?

Many thanks,

Bob

[57Vintage]

I used 3M moulding tape on my 58 and its held up for 6 years so far.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...3241071&rt=rud

Make sure the window frame is clean. I wiped it down with acetone.

[RMK]

Harold and Rebecca, Thanks for the guidance. It is much appreciated. Bob

[InsideOut]

When we did our restoration several years ago, I rebuilt all the windows using gasket like they were originally. Here is a link to our page with the window rebuild post.



I believe I ordered the gasket from either VTS or Inland RV.



Shari

[RMK]

Thanks, Shari. I was actually looking at that option, too. Reached out to VTS today, sending a picture of the frame interior - to make sure their early '50s gasket would work. She wrote back saying she didn't think our windows were Heher. Am attaching a photo here. Would be curious to hear if you think these look significantly different from yours. Thanks!

[RMK]

Shari, I just looked through the photos in your link. Your windows appear to be structurally similar to ours. Not sure what the lady at VTS was talking about.

[AKmtnpilot]

3M5200 used by boaters. Expensive, difficult to work with, but if done properly, will not leak or come apart.

[drbob46923]

In the boating world 3M 5200 adhesive caulk is often used. Have acetone and a rag close by for clean up. Tape off the edges for a smooth line. 3M 5200 is not often used by the very experienced boater because it is nearly impossible to remove/clean-up after it sets. You can get either 24 hour set for 7 day set. Often times 3M 4200 is used instead as it seals well, is difficult to remove cleanly but can be done.

[DavidsonOverlander]

I used TremPro 644 to attach the vista view window glass to the aluminum frame. One of the suggested uses is as a glass to metal adhesive. It seems to be standing up well.

[RMK]

Good idea. And I have a tube of that. Though I think I may have cut the nozzle too wide!

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by RMK

Good idea. And I have a tube of that. Though I think I may have cut the nozzle too wide!

When I need a small bead of caulking I'll put some into a syringe. It makes it a lot easier to control. You can buy various sizes of syringes through Amazon. I think the ones I have are 30 cc. I find it keeps in the syringe pretty well too, especially if you can eliminate the air bubbles as much as possible. I seal the syringe and partially used caulking tubes with hot glue.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by RMK

Shari, I just looked through the photos in your link. Your windows appear to be structurally similar to ours. Not sure what the lady at VTS was talking about.

I agree, they do look like ours. Generally the windows in mid-50's Airstreams are all the same. Regardless, the same gaskets should work...what she may have been looking at was the failed caulking hanging around & trying to match that.

Shari