Quote:
Originally Posted by rwnash
The rear window of our airstream shattered - lawnmower rock at the last gas station? I have removed the aluminum sash that holds the glass. My question is can a glass shop replace the "safety glass" or is it best to order a new sash - assuming it is available?
Any advice/experience would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Whit Nash rwnash@accn.org
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Taking any opening window apart that has been used since 1969 usually winds up being far more trouble than it's worth.
First of all, Airstream will not sell the correct glass gasket.
Secondly, especially on windows more than 10 years old or so, when you drill out the rivets that hold the two "C" sections together, you will find a rusted piece of steel that was wedged into the "C" channels to hold them together.
Once that is disturbed, the strength of that joint considerably weakens, so that when you reassemble the window frame, the bottom section will no longer stay striaght. That being the case, you have created a water leak.
Thirdly, when you refasten the hinge at the top, without a jig, you will find that the hinge itself warps, many times to the point that you can no longer reinstall the sash and glass back into the window frame.
Fourth, the cost to have a single termpered glass made, is usually very expensive.
Fifth, If you don't have insurance on the trailer, then homeowners insurance can be used.
Sixth, windows from 1969 and up, are still available from an Airstream dealer.
However, different hinge arrangements were used for different years. Therefore, when you order a window from a dealer, have your serial number handy for proper identification. Lastly, is the window a standard or deluxe version. The deluxe versions have the "T" handles on the lift arms.
Seventh, only Airstream dealers, that have a contractual agreement with Airstream, can purchase parts from the factory. Non dealers must go through an Airstream dealer, if they want original parts.
Andy