Window problem on a 2001 Safari

[Happy-rver]

We own a 2001 Safari and we have 3 windows that are giving us a problem in that they will no longer fully open. It looks like it would be a fairly easy job to replace the centre mount window regulators. I call Our local Airstream dealer, they called the factory and the answer that I was given was "that company that made the window is not longer is business". They do have complete windows for 4 or 5 hundred dollars, but I was hoping for a little less expensive solution, any ideas?

[Ridgerunner3]

Do you have the black framed Hehr windows? That is the type on my 02Safari. Mine will sometimes bind when opening & closing.

[tinbender]

Happy-rver,

I have a 2001 Bambi and it had windows that were made by a company called "Creation". The name was on the window. This company is indeed out of business. I looked for seals to maintain the windows for almost 3 years to no avail. They leaked like crazy, didn't open or close well, and I used every trick I could come up with to put off the inevitable, replacing the windows.

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news but after hitting many dead ends I ended up replacing the rear and front window on my Bambi. I don't have wrap arounds so they are the black type. I only have one small window on each side of the trailer and plan to replace those later this year.

If you intend to keep your trailer this is what I would recommend for you as well, even though I understand about how expensive it will be. I installed Hehr windows and they are a much better quality window than the original ones and I'm glad to say that neither of them leak!! Also my new ones have the same type seal around all the glass and the old ones used 2 different seals. Better all way around.

Probably not what you wanted to hear but now that it's over I'm really happy with mine.

TB

[Happy-rver]

The frames are black and only the bottom 1/3 open. I do not know the name of the manufacture.

[CanoeStream]

Sounds like Hehr. Have you lubed hinges & the opening mechanism? I'd suggest DuPont Teflon Multi-purpose Dry Lube from Lowes.

[tinbender]

Happy-rver don't know if this will help but here ya go.

The logo is printed on the bottom right corner of the fixed glass on the big window and on my small ones it is on the bottom right hand corner of the opening part.

[rodsterinfl]

Ah, so this means that not all windows of that style are made equal nor are they the same brand. Take note. Hehr is still in business. It is good to hear that you got your issue resolved positively.

[Happy-rver]

Originally Posted by tinbender

Happy-rver don't know if this will help but here ya go.

The logo is printed on the bottom right corner of the fixed glass on the big window and on my small ones it is on the bottom right hand corner of the opening part.

Right you are, the logo is there and the brand is "Creation". It sounds like they are out of business, so I guess parts are no longer available.

[robert claus]

I have the same Creation windows in my 2000 Bambi. The gaskets for the opening segments, and for the rear emergency window, were shrinking and pulling out of the frames, and they didn't seal anymore. I ordered new gaskets from the closest Airstream dealer last year. They gave me a length of self adhesive gasket, which is D shaped. It looks just like the gasket that goes around the perimeter of the door, but it is smaller. It is what the factory said is the replacement for the original, since that is no longer available. I stripped the original gaskets where the opening segments make contact, right down to the metal frame and wiped them clean. Fitting the new gasket, by adhering it to the vertical surface of the window channel where the glass makes contact, was quick and easy. The results were a dramatic improvement. This, combined with lubricating the mechanism, may resolve your problems for a long time.

[Soyboy]

Just as a follow up in case anyone is searching "Creation Parts" etc. A company named Parkin purchased the existing Creation windows and parts when they went out of business. You may be able to find parts on their website.

[Gshellhammer]

I had a difficult time finding visual guides for the gasket replacement of the creation windows. So I decided to create a reply to this topic to help others as they work on their Airstream.
Yes, you can identify the creation windows by there insignia in the lower right corner of the movable window. You can see the logo in front of my hand.

You can also see that the original gasket has shrunk and has pulled away from the corners. Here's another picture.
To get to the old gasket and clean off all surfaces, it is easiest to remove the window that moves. This can easily be accomplished by removing the lock washers from both sides of the down arms.
Now the down arm can be disengaged and the movable window can be swung up to A horizontal position and slid out.
The offending gasket can now be pried out or pulled out. My windows had an additional flat gasket that was applied next to The original gasket. I have no idea where that came from.
Once the gaskets had been removed, all services must be cleaned completely. I scraped with a flat bladed screwdriver and cleaned and scrubbed with isopropyl alcohol. I was able to clean and reapply gaskets on all four side windows in one morning.
The gasket material I used came from airstream at Jackson Center. It is a D type open cell foam rubber, 1/2" on the adhesive side and 3/8" high.
There is a channel at the top of the window opening. I decided to fill this channel also with the "D" gasket. I have a diagram of the window removal process in an Excella owners manual. It shows a "D" gasket there.
I did not replace the old gasket. I simply placed the new gasket all around. Once it was in place I rolled it down to ensure adhesion.
I appear to be out of space. If possible I will continue in another reply.

[Gshellhammer]

This is part 2.
The new gasket has been placed all around the window.


Now I cranked the window down to make contact on the gasket. The gasket is not to be flattened, but just to make contact. Word of warning. After replacing the window in its tracks, make sure it is centered. It is possible to leave it slightly out and complete closure will not happen and could cause breakage. .

I left the window closed for a period of time overnight so the gasket would adhere completely.
I am pleased with the result. Although my windows did not leak, it would only be a matter of time.
I am not a professional restorer. If you noticed a mistake please let us know through the forum.

[linda7915]

Originally Posted by Gshellhammer

This is part 2.
The new gasket has been placed all around the window. Attachment 243134
Attachment 243135
Attachment 243136
Now I cranked the window down to make contact on the gasket. The gasket is not to be flattened, but just to make contact. Word of warning. After replacing the window in its tracks, make sure it is centered. It is possible to leave it slightly out and complete closure will not happen and could cause breakage. Attachment 243137.
Attachment 243138
I left the window closed for a period of time overnight so the gasket would adhere completely.
I am pleased with the result. Although my windows did not leak, it would only be a matter of time.
I am not a professional restorer. If you noticed a mistake please let us know through the forum.

Thank you for this detail.