'67 Sovereign needs new windows

[ShootingStar]

We are new to restoration. Any suggestions on the best way to go about this when it comes to replacing curved windows? The ones that were in it were plexiglass and we would prefer safety glass.

Thanks,
Morgan and Mark

[eubank]

I just did our kitchen window a couple of weeks ago and two others a year before that. You can get those windows from Inland:

Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations

Andy ships those windows with new seals and glue, so you're in pretty good shape. I'd recommend getting new clips while you're at it!

The curved windows are not cheap, but it's not like you have to replace these very often. Just when the neighbor kid gets overactive with the lawnmower.


Lynn

[centennialman]

Definitely go with Andy at Inland RV....he has them.

[eubank]

Oh, and welcome to the forums! You'll find yourself with this great group a LOT!

And post some pics of your 67!


Lynn

[68 TWind]

Welcome. I just replaced two of the curved windows in my 68 Trade Wind with glass from Inland. I am ordering the 2 remaining curved windows tomorrow. A couple of points. If you really clean the old gasket material off and get the metal free from any oil or dirt, the sticky on the new gaskets are all you need, except for a little dab of adhesive in the very top and in the bottom corners. One tube will be plenty. Also, a Dremel tool with the scotchbrite buff makes it very easy to get the old gasket glue off the window frame. Much easier than using solvents and heavy scraping.

good luck.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

Welcome. I just replaced two of the curved windows in my 68 Trade Wind with glass from Inland. I am ordering the 2 remaining curved windows tomorrow. A couple of points. If you really clean the old gasket material off and get the metal free from any oil or dirt, the sticky on the new gaskets are all you need, except for a little dab of adhesive in the very top and in the bottom corners. One tube will be plenty. Also, a Dremel tool with the scotchbrite buff makes it very easy to get the old gasket glue off the window frame. Much easier than using solvents and heavy scraping.

good luck.

You can also use a small (about 1/8" drill bit) in a cordless drill, turned sideways. It will take the old stuff off in short order, without having crumbs of petrified adhesive all over your driveway.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

Welcome. I just replaced two of the curved windows in my 68 Trade Wind with glass from Inland. I am ordering the 2 remaining curved windows tomorrow. A couple of points. If you really clean the old gasket material off and get the metal free from any oil or dirt, the sticky on the new gaskets are all you need, except for a little dab of adhesive in the very top and in the bottom corners. One tube will be plenty. Also, a Dremel tool with the scotchbrite buff makes it very easy to get the old gasket glue off the window frame. Much easier than using solvents and heavy scraping.

good luck.

Easy things sometimes, are not good for the long haul.

Double sided tape, on metal "does not" have the holding power of super weatherstrip adhesive.

Try pulling the gasket off the metal after a few of months
when it was installed with the black super weatherstrip adhesive. You will tear the gasket, if you try it.

Installing the same gasket using just the double sided tape, cannot and does not have the same bonding abilities.

After even a couple of years, when the gasket is installed using just the tape, it can easily pull off. Not good.

Adding the super weatherstrip adhesive to just the corners, is ok, but still leaves the rest of the gasket with a weak bond.

If double sided tape was so good for bonding, I am sure the automotive industry would have used it, many years ago.

Our tests proved conclusive, do it with the adhesive completely, and your worries are over for at least 15 to 20 years. Don't use it as we suggest, and you will have a bonding problem.

Gaskets being gaskets, you should still spray every exterior gasket, with "silicone spray" to increase it's longevity. Not only on your Airstream or Argosy, but your cars and trucks as well.

Andy