Quote:
Originally Posted by loving-life
I am the new purchaser of a '73 Souverign 31'. Several of the large opening side windows are holding water in the frames. Should there be weep holes to drain the water that gets by the gaskets. Also, speaking of gaskets, mine are cracked up. Do these just glue on? Where is the best place to get them and what adhesive to use? How does the glass and frame come off the camper to work on them easier? Thanks.
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Weep holes are used on Airstream motor homes, only.
Removing the windows is easy.
Remove the lift arms from the sides of the window.
Then, from the outside, raise the bottom of the window upward so that it's almost vertical. The window will drop out of the "double J" hinge.
Lay the windows on a blanket or beach towel, on a work bench or table. With a putty knife or just a knife, remove most of the old rubber. That will take about 1 minute. Then, using an electric drill with about a 3 inch wire wheel in it, burnish off the rest of the old gasket. CAUTION: Have someone hold the window when your doing that operation.
Cut the new gasket about an inch too long. Apply a bead of "super weatherstrip adhesive" to the backside of the window and to the backside of the gasket. When that's dry to the touch, which takes about 7 to 8 minutes, depending on the temperature, start applying the gasket to the window frame, starting at the center of the bottom of the window. DO NOT stretch the gasket.
Stop the attachment about 2 inches or so from the other end of the gasket. Carefully lay it in place, but avoid the adhesives from touching. Cut that end of the gasket about 1/4 of an inch too long.
Apply adhesive to the 2 ends of the gasket. Again, wait a few minutes. Then install the loose end gasket so that it mates with the other end, and press it in place.
Reinstall the window, close it and lock it. After about 24 hours, open the window and apply a lot of "silicone spray" to the gasket. Don't be bashful, but pour it on.
Again close the window, After a few hours, open the window and wipe the surplus "silicone spray" off with a cotton rag.
Repeat the silicone spray once a year or so. Doing so, will preserve the gasketsrfor many years.
Another "CAUTION". Have another person help you with the front and rear windows. Very carefully engage the hinges when reinstalling those two windows. But, before you attempt to lower those two windows, pop the center of the window hinge with your fist, to make sure that the entire hinge is engaged. Slowly, lower those windows making "absoluely sure" that the hinges are properly engaged.
The original gasket has been deemed, inadequate.
We tested a "D" shaped gasket, that's hollow, that is far superior to the original double flared gasket, and use it in our shop.
It will take you just under one hour, to complete each window.
Check the gaskets on the entrance door, as well as the access compartments.
Hopefully, you have a ladder. Check the sewer vent pipe cover gaskets. You will find them horribly cracked, since they only last 2 to 3 years.
Lastly, check the gaskets on the ceiling vent covers. They should also be replaced.
Andy
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