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08-09-2022, 05:26 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Olympia
, Washington
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 618
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They said it would cost $1,000 !!! Argghh!
I have a 2016 FC 27 FB and have never liked the virtually opaque window in the door. At a recent rally, I asked a representative from Airstream Adventures, our NorthWest Airstream dealer, how much it would cost to replace it with a clear window. He estimated the cost at $1,000.
Ridiculous!
I bought a sheet of 1/4 inch Lexan on Amazon for $60, several dozen stainless steel screws for $5, and a tube of black Sikaflex for $5, and went to work.
1. Unscrew screws on interior frame.
2. Drill out rivets on exterior frame.
3. Remove and clean up exterior frame.
4. Remove window from exterior frame (a bitch to do).
5. Use window to make pattern on Lexan.
6. Cut Lexan to size.
7. Install Lexan in exterior frame (a bitch to do).
8. Caulk all around window, inside and outside, on exterior frame.
9. Install exterior frame with new window using substantial caulk between trailer outside wall and inside of frame.
10. Fasten with stainless steel screws.
11. Clean excess caulk around sides of exterior frame (messy).
12. Install interior frame.
Voila --- a clear window, at approx. $70 in materials and several hours of fussing around.
The trailer is parked a foot or so away from an exterior wall, so the attached photos show the clear window but no sparkling landscape.
I have the old, opaque window. If anyone wants it, I will ship it for the cost of shipping. The third photo shows the old, opaque window.
__________________
Richard Wills, Olympia, WA --- WBCCI 8873, WL7Z
"Aurum": 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500
"Argentum": 2016 AS FC 27 FB
RIP "BigDog": M Harlequin Great Dane, 150 lb
"St. Rocco": M Black Great Dane, 150 lb
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08-09-2022, 05:34 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
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In my 2007 that window appears to be a clear window with window tint...and I remember seeing putting on when touring once. In fact mine has gotten some cleaner or something on it and has blotches.
Are the newer trailers actually using tinted glass? Just curious.
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08-09-2022, 05:53 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Olympia
, Washington
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 618
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I've added a third photo --- the old, opaque window, which came with the new trailer, in 2016.
__________________
Richard Wills, Olympia, WA --- WBCCI 8873, WL7Z
"Aurum": 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500
"Argentum": 2016 AS FC 27 FB
RIP "BigDog": M Harlequin Great Dane, 150 lb
"St. Rocco": M Black Great Dane, 150 lb
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08-09-2022, 06:00 PM
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#4
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Site Team
1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,503
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What will you do for privacy when out in a campground?
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
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08-09-2022, 06:27 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2002 19' Bambi
Lafayette
, California
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,554
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This is one solution for privacy: https://www.zarcor.com/rv_products/r...-kit/index.php. I think they also make custom sizes.
If you are handy, a commercial source may not be necessary. Our 2002 has Hehr windows which are easier to change out. Years ago we replaced the original opaqued glass for clear glass and added a sheet of clear polycarbonate on the inside with a miniblind between the outside glass and the inner polycarbonate. That gives us privacy similar to what the company above offers. The double pane (glass and polycarbonate) is also a good insulator.
Tim
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08-09-2022, 07:37 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Hendersonville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,092
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Frosted Entry Door Window
Great Mod! Glad somebody finally did this. Looks like I will be doing this to our 2019 FC 25 RBT.
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08-09-2022, 07:52 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
2022 20' Caravel
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 78
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Love this! We just picked up our 20FB in June and I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t even know the window was opaque until we shut the door, while inside, at home. Lol. Ah well. Good to know there are options!!!
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08-09-2022, 08:38 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rgentum
I've added a third photo --- the old, opaque window, which came with the new trailer, in 2016.
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hhhmmmm, it does appear to be different from my 2007.
Interesting conundrum to figure out between model years I guess.
Thanks for showing.
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08-09-2022, 09:57 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
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Learning what I am about this dealership....you asked about replacing the window so they told you. Not asking what your objective was and getting to an agreeable resolution. I am noticing this trend in discussing this dealership. They were the ones who offered to give me their mailing address to return their mechanics tools that were left in my AC unit and kitchen sink....at my cost.
I am struggling to find a reputable west coast service center to do my axles next spring. Vinnies in California returns not calls or emails, so he clearly is happy.
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08-10-2022, 10:55 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
Here and There
, West Coast
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 421
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bweybright
Learning what I am about this dealership....you asked about replacing the window so they told you. Not asking what your objective was and getting to an agreeable resolution. I am noticing this trend in discussing this dealership. They were the ones who offered to give me their mailing address to return their mechanics tools that were left in my AC unit and kitchen sink....at my cost.
I am struggling to find a reputable west coast service center to do my axles next spring. Vinnies in California returns not calls or emails, so he clearly is happy.
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I would not hesitate contacting Jon Noyes at AANW in Milton (Seattle). Jon is the service manager. I can’t say enough good things about him and service advisor Brad.
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08-10-2022, 11:37 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2023 33' Classic
Manassas
, Virginia
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 101
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I believe that your curbside door window has a window film installed. The film can be pretty easily removed and you'll be back to the standard glass pane should you wish to go that route. 3M manufactures a variety of films...some are opaque...some are not. And some are designed to limit thermal conductance. Sorry you went through the trouble of removing the glass pane, but I don't think you needed to.
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08-10-2022, 01:11 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2020 25' Globetrotter
Hillsdale
, New York
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 285
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InvertdEagle
I believe that your curbside door window has a window film installed. The film can be pretty easily removed and you'll be back to the standard glass pane should you wish to go that route. 3M manufactures a variety of films...some are opaque...some are not. And some are designed to limit thermal conductance. Sorry you went through the trouble of removing the glass pane, but I don't think you needed to.
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File under "now you tell me"
SPP
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08-10-2022, 02:07 PM
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#13
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Site Team
1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,503
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InvertdEagle
I believe that your curbside door window has a window film installed. The film can be pretty easily removed and you'll be back to the standard glass pane should you wish to go that route. 3M manufactures a variety of films...some are opaque...some are not. And some are designed to limit thermal conductance. Sorry you went through the trouble of removing the glass pane, but I don't think you needed to.
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Assuming this is only for certain years, yes? Mine on an older trailer is definitely textured glass, and I've seen others newer than ours with the same.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
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08-10-2022, 03:01 PM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
2017 30' International
Sun City
, Arizona
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 144
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rgentum
I bought a sheet of 1/4 inch Lexan on Amazon for $60, several dozen stainless steel screws for $5, and a tube of black Sikaflex for $5, and went to work.
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With the stainless steel screws, are you at all concerned about dissimilar metal corrosion eventually occurring behind the window where you can't see it until its too late? Just curious, I've been wanting to replace my door window for a while.
TIA.
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08-10-2022, 05:59 PM
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#15
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The Aluminum Tent 3
2014 23' Flying Cloud
Park City
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,157
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I’ve thought about this for the longest time. Is the original glass slightly curved, but the lexan able to bend enough to match? I’m asking because I wonder if one could get tempered automotive glass cut to fit rather than lexan? Maybe it’s too flat to fit if in fact there is a curve to the original?
anyway looks great. If privacy were a need I’d just cut a reflectix panel that would friction fit on the inside. I did this already for occasional winter use.
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08-10-2022, 06:13 PM
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#16
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Site Team
1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,503
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcskier
I’ve thought about this for the longest time. Is the original glass slightly curved, but the lexan able to bend enough to match? I’m asking because I wonder if one could get tempered automotive glass cut to fit rather than lexan? Maybe it’s too flat to fit if in fact there is a curve to the original?
anyway looks great. If privacy were a need I’d just cut a reflectix panel that would friction fit on the inside. I did this already for occasional winter use.
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Don't believe you can cut tempered glass - it has to be cut first and then tempered, and custom sizes/shapes are not cheap.
You can, however, get laminated glass cut to any size/shape. It's the stuff they make flat windshields out of, and it's available tinted.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
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08-12-2022, 09:00 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2020 25' International
Nokomis
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 24
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This is my main question too:
"I’ve thought about this for the longest time. Is the original glass slightly curved, but the lexan able to bend enough to match?"
Also, any concerns with Lexan long-term, scratches or getting cloudy?
Any answers/opinions?
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08-12-2022, 09:36 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 19' International
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Cedar Rapids
, Iowa
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 587
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Lexan will bend some, and if you heat it you can bend it to almost any shape you want. Probably some good You Tube videos on how to bend it if you search.
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08-12-2022, 12:12 PM
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#19
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The Aluminum Tent 3
2014 23' Flying Cloud
Park City
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,157
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Nice mods on this trailer included replacing the entry door glass.
https://youtu.be/Rf95ZPP-oHU
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08-12-2022, 01:11 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1998 31' Excella 1000
1979 23' Safari
Mooresville
, Indiana
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 596
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I know the price quoted is crazy, but as busy as most Airstream service centers are it isn't worth their time unless it is $1000 min. Another reason to find a local RV service place.
Damon
#4827
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