Windows were sealed shut?!

[lovingtahoe]

We just bought a 1967 Globetrotter whose windows have all been replaced with those plastic ones and they have all been placed in a way that they are sealed shut. Some of the hardware is still there, just not attached to the plastic windows. Has anyone dealt with this issue before? If so, what is the safest way to attack this problem without damaging the trailer when we start replacing with glass.

I did a search and could find no threads on this issue, if anyone knows of a previous thread, direction would be GREATLY appreciated!

[85MH325]

How you proceed depends largely on how they're sealed, and what they were sealed with. Nice looking GT!

Do you have photos with closeups of the windows and the sealant?

Roger

[lovingtahoe]

I'll take some photos in the next couple of days when we go back to where it is stored. The windows are sealed with some whitish epoxy/sealant/goopy stuff around the exterior edges.

[jking09]

lovingtahoe, i'm sorry to hear about the window situation.. i don't really have a solution but i'd like to wish you the best!!

[lovingtahoe]

Well, I was a little bummed to see it too... but I can't complaine. I have been searching for a little one (19-20 ft) for a while now and I couldn't be happier that "Gloria" is with us now She needs a bit of work and cleaning but aside from missing the gauchos (sorry, I know someone on here hates the use of that word) and weird windows, we are pretty happy. Roman hates all the little detail work but I am really looking forward to working on her.

But, I do not want to do anything in the "restoration" process that would be a step backwards. So, I figure someone out there has run into this issue and may have a little advice.

[Tom Nugler]

Nice looking rig.
Back in the "Good ol ’Days" I remember auto glass installers would use a length of wire to cut through the sealer and weatherstrip on the front and back glass.
While it’s a two-man job I think you can accomplish the same thing with a piece of picture frame hanger wire and a couple pieces of dowel rod.
Find a loose section of sealer and poke the wire through to the other side.
Wrap the loose ends of wire around the dowels and work the wire back and forth to slice open the sealer at the edge of the glazing.

Just thinking off the top of my head,
Tom.

[Aerowood]

I believe that vintage Trailer supply has Glass windows for a 67 here

Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by lovingtahoe

We just bought a 1967 Globetrotter whose windows have all been replaced with those plastic ones and they have all been placed in a way that they are sealed shut. Some of the hardware is still there, just not attached to the plastic windows. Has anyone dealt with this issue before? If so, what is the safest way to attack this problem without damaging the trailer when we start replacing with glass.

I did a search and could find no threads on this issue, if anyone knows of a previous thread, direction would be GREATLY appreciated!

We have all the windows for your Airstream, that came from Airstream factory.

We also have the correct gaskets for them, and most of the hardware.

http://www.inlandrv.com/catalog/imag...-glass2006.jpg

Andy

[goransons]

Just take good care of those hinges at the top, I hear those are very hard to come by. Might call an autoglass shop and ask them what they recommend for breaking bonds like this.

[ronstory]

If it's any consolation... the front window of our 75 Safari was sealed shut with a combo of vulkem and clear silicone sealer. What a mess, but all fixed now and added new 'D' gaskets from Inland.

[lovingtahoe]

Great! Thanks everyone. All of the ideas and response makes the "issue" feel a little less "big". It sounds like, for most part, Roman and I can do this. Can we install the glass w/o professional help? I would be bummed if our lack of expertise caused a window to fall out or leak

[FreshAir]

Your side windows are curved as is our '66. The glass is available at the 2 vendors already mentioned in this thread. They will be pricey. Hopefully you have the hardware. The hardest of the hardware to find is/are the latches that keep the glass closed. Airstream used the curved windows for the years '66, '67 and '68.

Neil.

[silverleeper]

Take a look a this installation guide. It has good directions and pictures. Remember that metal will gouge the aluminum, so try to use plastic scrapers if you can.

[gnored]

Just a little something I discovered while dealing with a similar situation in my '62 Overlander. My windows were sealed with Silicone. You can get that off with Acetone and elbow grease.

Gary

[phoenix491]

I was just digging through some old window threads and found this one ... Welcome to the Globetrotter club! I have a '65, and it's been the perfect size trailer for our needs.

But back to windows ... I would have to second the previous poster's idea -- elbow grease, acetone (or something similar) and a plastic scraper should do the trick. Not much fun, but you'll like the results in the end.

[gnored]

Geez! And I thought I was the first person to discover that silicone is soluable in acetone.

I spen't about 8 hours last weekend digging the stuff out of the gasket grooves in the bathroom. Next I'll clean up the frame, order new gaskets, get a new sheet of glass cut to replace the (*(%)_&^foggy plastic, and put it back together again. I may wait just awhile to be sure that we see no more rain until August

Gary