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I'm in the Phoenix area needing a windshield tech willing to work with me to set the windows.
I think I'll need to cut to coach opening to account for larger windows, thicker gaskets, shrinking openings, all or none. But I won't know forsure until the windows get pulled items measured the cut made and the windows reinstalled.
Anyone know of anyone near me that can do this work?
1998 Coach 484
1997 Suzuki Sidekick toad.
Cheers.
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Auto Glass Boss may be able to do that unless you need a body shop.
Jim
2014 Newell Coach 1482 Mid Entry 45'8" Valid Slides and Valid Levelling
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(01-31-2024, 02:42 PM)hypoxia Wrote: Auto Glass Boss may be able to do that unless you need a body shop.
Thank you!
1998 Coach 484
1997 Suzuki Sidekick toad.
Cheers.
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TJ,
I am going to pass on what I experienced in a similar situation when working with Ron Skeen’s windshield problem in the Newell he owned.
The problem started when he had Newell replace the windshields and a new gasket was used. The windshield would then pop out at one of the outside corners. The issue is that the solid center section of the gasket was thicker than the old gasket, so that when the windshield was placed in the opening it was forced into place. The first flex of the coach would squeeze it out of place.
Given the three dimensional nature of the windshield and the location where it would pop out, Newell was trying to remedy the situation by removing fiberglass along the A pillar. That approach was not successful.
The real issue was that the horizontal runs above and below the windshield were too close together to place the windshield and the gasket. When the horizontal opening was widened, the glass and gasket went back into place no problem, except fiberglass had to be added back to the A pillar to close the gap.
I think you may know all that. Cutting the fiberglass structure could be done with many tools. My preference for safety and control would be a vibrating multi tool with a fine tooth blade. Do make a curtain to tape to the inside to keep fiberglass dust out of the interior, it stinks and will make you itch. IIRC, we removed about 3/8 inch of structure to get the windshield to seat. Kinda scary, because it’s lot of work to fix if you take too much. Of course, you don’t need to remove material from both the top and bottom, one will do. But the horizontal cut does need a smooth blend into the A pillar vertical.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
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If BOSS is too busy, there’s another guy in AZ that Andrew Steele told me about.
I believe it was:
https://rvautoglassexperts.com/
But double check to be sure.
Steve & Janice Vance
2015 Newell #1524
Glendora, CA
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One thing I learned from the guy who helped install my windshields is make sure the coach is level to start, once everything is in place let the coach set for at least 24 hours to let the adhesive set up.
1993 Newell (316) 45' 8V92,towing an Imperial open trailer or RnR custom built enclosed trailer. FMCA#232958 '67 Airstream Overlander 27' '67GTO,'76TransAm,'52Chevy panel, 2000 Corvette "Lingenfelter"modified, '23 Grand Cherokee.
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Thanks all for all the comments.
Still working the problem. I will update as things progress.
1998 Coach 484
1997 Suzuki Sidekick toad.
Cheers.
Posts: 272
Threads: 41
Joined: Jun 2021
Auto Glass Boss finally came out today and refused. Not the owner but a technician. Both windows are out of the gasket on both vertical outside edges.
I don't feel safe driving anywhere.
1998 Coach 484
1997 Suzuki Sidekick toad.
Cheers.
Posts: 272
Threads: 41
Joined: Jun 2021
Todd sub contracting through EXPERTS AUTO GLASS REPA
https://www.expertautoglassrepair.com/
Came out this morning and pushed the glass back in as far as it would go. His comments were the replacement left side glass is bigger than the OME right side glass. The front cap is twisted (I agree). The last guys didn't glue it properly. He admonished me to not go off road any more.
I'll sit for the next few days letting it cure.
I have a call into the mothership plant to see what they say about the cap frame being twisted, and if they have any thoughts to keep the glass in place.
Todd was not interested in participating in cutting the cap.
Thanks. When I know more so will you.
1998 Coach 484
1997 Suzuki Sidekick toad.
Cheers.