window problems

[jwaldin]

I have just bought a 72/31 foot International. There is some kind of plastic film between the windows that is coming away. It is whitish. Has this happened to any other A.S. What is it and how do I repair it?
Has anyone out there painted the off white plastic interior and what paint would stick to it?
Thankyou in advance for any help
Regards,
John Waldin
jwaldin@saltspring.com

[Jason1101]

There is no easy fix...

You'll see MANY threads in the "general repair forum" regarding flaking/bubbling/fogging of the vista view and the picture thermopane windows. I'm in the same boat. My "new" '76 has the same clouding in the vista view windows that you're describing as well as some bubbling in the larger thermopane windows... (See pix in my photo album, very clear in the two exterior curbside pix)

Some have suggested "removing" (read - breaking!) the interior pane of glass out to clean the film off. (i.e. - Making them single pane windows.) There are details within the forum detailing this. (sorry I don't have the link)

I'm of the opinion that destruction without adequate means of reconstruction gains nothing! Since there is no way to replace the glass after you break it out, (and since there is considerable risk associated with breaking the inner pane out) I would suggest a cosmetic approach.

Just tint the glass and/or keep the shades pulled down! No risk, little cost and no more ugly windows.

Good Luck and have fun!!

[smily]

The double pane concept was implemented for several years only to be abandoned by Airstream Manufacturing. There were many more Airstreams made with single pane than double pane.

With that being said, you stand to lose so little, (insulation), by removing the inner pane. It is recommended to remove the inner pane many more times than recommended not.

Plain english: Brake the inner pane and you will be very happy with the results.

Use a automatic center punch, one of those spring loaded jokers. tape plastic bag under the frame and hold the bag open when you cycle the automatic punch. glass will fall into the bag.

Very easy to do.

Smily